“Vivian Rhodes calling her a dumb blonde. Again.
𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒅𝒖𝒎𝒃, Lottie tells herself, even her inner voice coming out petulant. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆.”

2.5 stars. This book was like 2 books in one. It started out with a bit of drama in old Hollywood. You have cutthroat casting calls, affairs, and revenge. And if it would have stayed on this trajectory I think I would have loved it.

But then it developed into a crazy wild and kind of over the top murder mystery with these rival women being chased all over Europe. It was a bit outlandish and such a drastic pivot form the part of the story that I loved that I had a hard time staying invested.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Muse, and the authors for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

In The Starlets by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne, the reader has a “front row” seat to the life of Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence, both major movie stars. The ladies are being asked to star in Apex Pictures’ newest venture, one that is supposed to save the studio. The ladies have a history of wanting the same parts and even the same fiancé. The tension of the set is through the roof. Added to this situation is that Viv and Lottie have learned there are some illegal activities taking place on the set, and they have the proof. Now, they must run for their lives. The novel takes Viv and Lottie across the continent and through many adventures and close calls to get the proof to the authorities. These adventures are engaging and some of the interaction between Viv and Lottie is funny. As their story ends, both the stars are happy and have formed a strong friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

This was such a good historical mystery! There were so many things to love about this story. I especially enjoyed seeing Lottie and Vivienne’s friendship develop as the story progressed and I loved that they were both such strong characters. If you are looking for a historical mystery with an interesting plot look no further.

Old Hollywood but onset in Europe? Enemies to besties? James Bond-esque action? Quiet on set[galley]!

To be read in movie trailer man voice: In a world where you're trying to catch your next big break...what happens when you stumble into an undercover operation and have to go on the run with your nemesis?

This was an action-packed story with bad guys galore and I really enjoyed all the twists and turns this took. It was fun to see Vivienne and Lottie's relationship develop and I loved running across Europe with them. The ending was a cinematic masterpiece that would be really cool to see on the silver screen, but honestly most of the book would be cool as a movie - it was fast-paced, fun, and tense in the best way.

I've really enjoyed these two authors teaming up and look forward to more by the both of them!

Something stinks on the Italian island of Tavelli. The filming for the epic movie "A Thousand Ships" is off to a rocky start with the leading women (Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence) suddenly disappearing for some R & R. Say what? They are sworn enemies according to the latest gossip.

What we know, but the tabloids and other players do not, is that Vivienne and Lottie have had to run for their lives. They have a canister of film that was entrusted to them and needs to get to Interpol. Making the connection to the proper authorities proves more difficult than the two feuding starlets had planned. A simple drop-off at the palace in Monaco leads them to Provence, France, then to the Alps, and back to Rome. It's a new take on the "planes, trains, and automobiles" trope with a red Ferrari in the mix and other twists in turns. As they make their way across Europe no one seems to recognize them except for the bad guys who are chasing them. The two will find themselves moving from enemies to frenemies to BFFs under the pressure.

As you may have guessed, some suspension of disbelief is necessary to truly appreciate this thrilling tale. I loved all the name dropping from the 1950's and the golden age of cinema including a brief stop on the set of "Ben Hur"--one of my favorites from that era.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

I try to go into books blind. I read their content synopsis when it goes on my TBR, but I never reread it before starting the book. I like the element of surprise. And this one surprised me. I was expecting a Hollywood tale, the glitz and glamour of 1950’s movie-making with behind the scenes drama and gossip. But at the 30% mark the plot intensified and became a high-stakes thriller with murder and hiding from goons and trying to outwit dangerous criminals! Along the way, some great characters learned to trust each other and become friends.

I really liked the two main characters. Their unlikely friendship was a great central theme, and the side characters were great as well. The plot was exciting and interesting. I really enjoyed this one and think it will appeal to both historical fiction and thriller readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Starlets by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne is a mix of old Hollywood glamor, historical fiction, with a mix of mystery. I loved that the story had two strong leading female protagonists. Vivienne and her nemesis Lotti.
Viviene takes a movie part that she believes will win her an Oscar and give her the leading role she has been seeking. When she arrives on the remote Italian island, the situation is not as she was led to believe. She is given a different part, and she finds that her co-actors are none other than her ex-fiancée and his new partner Lotti. Viviene believes Lotti has stolen her fiancée. Forced together making the new movie they find themselves observing a crime rime that puts them both in danger. And the mystery unfolds....
A fun and often funny yet serious mystery novel that is a wonderful escape from the drama of the world.

Highly recommend!

Jeez Lousie this book sent me on a wild game of cat and mouse. From the beginning paragraph to the last word that my eyes caressed, I was running on all cylinders trying to find out if Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence would make it out of this pickle alive. There is one thing Hollywood hates is a messy actress. That is the thought that is always on Vivienne's mind. From the moment steps foot on the island of Tavalli, messy is the only thing she wants to be. She discovers that her ex-fiancé is in the movie and the part that she was promised was given to his new love interest, Lottie. The awkwardness oozes from the pages. Viv is green with envy and all her acting prowess is now coming in handy. She needs to make this movie hers, she needs an Oscar, and that lowly Lottie needs to know her place. She already stole Teddy; she is not stealing this part from her.

When Viv and Lottie find themselves thrust together running for their lives. They finally take a real look at one another. Lottie grew up with a mother who was out for herself, living from the money they were able to steal. Viv is the total opposite. She is the daughter of two prominent actors who lived their lives ignoring her. Each bringing a unique skill to the table allows them to stay just one step ahead of the bad guys. Will their luck run out?

I loved this book. I was entertained, it had fantastic pacing, and I felt like I was scrambling for my life. The characters were spot on. Each of the leading ladies caught my attention. Each unique and loveable in their own way. The entertainment industry is a knock down drag out fight on the best of days. Fighting each other does not help. Coming together as one and helping other women say no and be true to themselves is a step in the right direction. Thank you to Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne, Harper Muse, and Austen Prose for my #gifted copy.

This story is a lot of fun. Two American rising actresses from different upbringings discover something untoward going on behind the scenes in the making of their new movie in which they are starring. Vivienne Rhodes is a classically trained actress who really doesn't like Lottie Lawrence because she stole her boyfriend, fellow thespian Teddy Walters. Lottie is a child star who has had to battle all her life and has had to use her street smarts to get anywhere.

The two competing ladies are brought together to star in a likely blockbuster being filmed on the Italian island of Tavalli. As tensions rise between them, they are inadvertently thrown together fleeing for their lives before bringing the bad guys to justice.

It's a fabulously fun romp of a story as the ladies are chased through southern France, across the Alps down to Rome, and onto the MGM set of one of history's all time huge movies. At the same time, their differences are put to the test and they challenge each other to become the best versions of themselves before developing a lovely friendship.

The story has good pace and the authors provide very good narratives so we are our able to go 'on-set' and feel a part of the action.

Elements of it are a tad unrealistic and stretch the realms of believability especially when it came to some of Jack Gallo's decisions but, hey, in some ways it added to the escapist fun of it.

I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Harper Muse and its First Editions reading program via Net Galley. This had no bearing one my review.

This was a really fun read. I alternated between audio and ebook and truly enjoyed both. This book moved quickly and had a little of everything in it. Enemies to friends. Hollywood glamour. A scene of a movie on an Italian island. Murder. Illegal activities. The mob. And a fun mystery. I loved that the strong female characters had to put aside their dislike for one another and figure out a way to stay safe (and save the production crew!) The descriptions of the locations were incredibly well done. It was just an overall enjoyable and fun book.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader and audio copies.

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


Variety, Confidential, Hollywood Reporter - these are some of the trade magazines that authors, Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne, use to announce noteworthy events that happen on and off the set of their new book, THE STARLETS. By mixing in real publications, locations and Hollywood icons with the fictional story, the authors give readers an authentic feeling
of old school movie magic. Because I read an ARC, it wasn’t possible to tell how the magazine headlines were set apart at the beginning of chapters but they could be a fun element.

Parts of the story are a frenetic race around Europe by the two leading ladies trying to stay alive and protect a mysterious item given to them by a dying man. Most of this story arc reminded me of a Lucy and Ethel escapade; hijinx personified! Two other storylines compete for attention: making a big box office movie and multiple romance or non-rom’s.

Other than the two starlets, character development was weak. It’s almost as if the relationships are purposely left to be mysterious. Descriptions are lacking color. In all the thousands of reviews I have written, I have never said that before but it needs to be said in this one. When I read about Hollywood movies, Italian Islands, Europe, etc., I want to know what color(s) the lush this or that is and what hues are cast by the various mosaic windows. More was needed and wanted.
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Glitz and glam, giant egos, mysteries and murders - there’s something for everyone, all seasoned with the spices of the movie industry and THE STARLETS we love to hate📚


Read and reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

The Starlets by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne is an Old Hollywood Historical Fiction which transported me to an entirely different world. Set in 1958 on a secluded Italian island, the witty and whip smart novel is about female friendship, romance, exciting adventures and rivalry.

Actress Vivienne Rhodes was thrilled with the impressive film set she viewed from the boat as she approached the island in the glistening sunlight. She was eager to play the role of her life, Helen of Troy, which would ensure financial freedom and stardom. However, she was stunned to discover she would be playing second fiddle to her rival, Lottie Lawrence, a budding actress who stole her fiancé. Circumstances threw the two very different women together which became awkward to say the least. Mobsters ran amok and criminal shenanigans necessitated Interpol intervention. Cat and mouse danger ensued interspersed with romance.

So much to love about this novel but what grabbed me most is the era and gorgeously descriptive writing. Talk about a pleasure to read!

My sincere thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this captivating novel.

Two strong women-Vivienne and Lottie-find themselves bonding over bad stuff that happens when ....no spoilers. This starts off in 1958 Hollywood and then hops around the globe. It gets a little madcap at times (which can be a tad annoying) but at root it's a good story about women who start as enemies, become allies, and then are as joined as sisters. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Oh my old Hollywood heart!! Vivianne and Lottie are vintage hollywood/adventure gold!! I couldn't believe my book eyes when I found out about this treasure! A story involving two actresses who both are working on the set of a war and love movie! (Think 2004's Troy but set in 1950s!! 💖)

Vivian and Lottie are two very different actresses working on set in the 1950s in italy! Vivienne is Hollywood diamond royalty! She comes from a long line of entertainers! Lottie is America's angel actress! A great combination of sugar and spice from both women's personalities! 🍾

When Vivienne arrives on set she believes she's set for the main part! She finds out that her arrival Lottie however is to play Helena of Troy!! A beautiful moment given to another beauty! Is Vivianne and Lottie get through some misunderstandings and creative visions in order to work together and escape some very bad men! 🎙️

(No spoilers lol) 😎


The women race away from the movie set when Vivian is asked to protect a certain object that could get these very bad men in trouble! Our beautiful actresses have to pull out all their tricks in both beauty and brains to fend off truth mixed with lies. And in return they both rely on each other to be the unsung heroes in this amazing book! 🎆

I love how the authors described each and every scene! Especially the gowns that are beautiful heroes wore I have a weakness for vintage old Hollywood gowns and I kept rereading the lines over and over! 📖

I kept imaging a young Marilyn Monroe and a young Liz Taylor as our lead actresses in this story! The female friendship in this book brought my heart so much warmth and joy! When two women come to understand each other in order to not only survive the protect each other a true sisterhood is formed! 🌹

Bravo! 💞

What a fun read. It had everything you would want in a story. It had drama, friendship, jealousy, romance and beautiful countryside descriptions with lots of wine. Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence are both Hollywood actresses in the late 1950's. When Lottie arrives at the Oscar's with Vivienne's boyfriend on her arm, I feel they are enemies. Both actresses and the boyfriend along with other stars are sent to a remote island off Italy called Tavelli to shoot the film A Thousand Ships. It is a story of Troy and of course, Lottie is in the role of Helen of Troy and that annoys Vivienne. She felt that should have been her role. While on set they realize that there is something shady going on with the producer of the film. Guns are fired and the girls end up in the ocean swimming for their lives. They end up on a great adventure. A sistership ensues along with tons of excitement and drama. It was a great read.
Thanks to #netgalley, #harpermuse and @leeykelly and @jennmariethorne for an ARC of this delightful book. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

A fun action-packed romp with a very different setting. Two intrepid female main characters who are rivals and movie actresses on the same film stumble into a drug operation operating out of their movie set and are forced to go on the lam.

Sometimes over the top action including car and boat chases, explosions, dynamite, bad guys with guns -- you get the idea. But it's all enjoyable and fast-paced. Along the way the two main characters (who start out as bitter enemies) get to know, trust and rely on each other. It's all set in the Europe of the late 1950s with Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly as very incidental characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

⋆⋆⋆⅗ — this would be super fun as a movie. sort of like legally blonde or ocean's eight (in vibes, not plot). i found it to be less compelling in book format, but that's just me. loved how realistically vivienne and lottie's relationship progressed. and i was delighted with vivienne's career moves in the ending. overall, very cute, perhaps a little ya-ish (is this ya?), but i don't have much else to say.

Lottie and Vivienne are competing for love interests as well as staring roles in a new motion picture being filmed on the island of Tavalli.. But when Vivienne is handed a canister of film and told to take it to INTERPOL, and Lottie discovers a dead body off set, they are thrown together in a great adventure through Europe. The Starlets, by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne, combines the comedy of Road to Morocco, with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, with the drama of a Tom Clancy novel. Foes become friends when running from the mob. It was a fun read. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

A fun, exciting read. Nicely evocative of the 1950s, and the authors managed to achieve this with dialogue, descriptions and the inner monologues of the characters, instead of leaning so hard into clothes and makeup that it turned into a fashion show. Another thing I loved was the lack of romance. The heart of the story was the friendship between the protagonists; essentially this was a buddy story - rather unusual for a book about women. Gosh, as Lottie would say, what a swell book!

Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne team up again to bring you The Starlets, an action packed adventure set in the fifties on a movie set. Add some intrigue and drama and you have all the makings of a hit show, until they find out someone is using the set to run illegal operations. Can they put a stop to it before someone puts a stop to them?