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!

This book was a wild ride - a wacky mashup of old-time Hollywood glam, comedy, and Mafia movie, with a murder mystery thrown in for good measure.

I was hooked on the enemies-to-best-friends trope and spent the whole time trying to figure out which classic Hollywood stars the authors were channeling. It was a light, fast read, but with a plot that was larger than life - think over-the-top drama and you're on the right track!

Definitely recommend!

🎬✨𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖✨🎬

Thank you Harper Muse and NetGalley for this gifted copy.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 was a fantastic historical fiction adventure ride featuring two actresses who are each others nemeses, a cat and mouse chase, suspense and so much more!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:

Dual POV
Mystery
Atmosphere
When two enemies come together to survive
High stakes thriller moments
1950s movie glamor

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

The audio really brought the high stakes moments to life with even more tension and emotion.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

Alternates between steady and fast

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

This is a novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, classic adventure stories, or any reader who likes books about strong women doing daring things.

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.

Wonderful book! Was more of a murder mystery than I was expecting but I loved it. The two main “starlets” were great and complemented each other perfectly. Their friendship blossomed very organically. Loved all the twists and turns and the ending. Audiobook was perfectly read as well with the narrator adopting different voices and accents.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was lucky enough to get multiple copies of this book. I love being able to tandem read a physical or digital copy with an audio copy and I was able to switch between all three to enjoy this book.
This was a great mix of mystery and historical aspects. I liked reading about the life of movie stars back in the 50’s and what filming was like on set. This was definitely more centered around the mysterious film and Vivienne and Lottie’s attempts to contact Interpol and save themselves and their film. It was exciting reading about the girls fleeing across Europe, Monaco, an attempt in getting to Paris, the Alps, and back to Italy.

I enjoyed listening to Gail's narration. She did a wonderful job distinguishing between the different characters and giving them their own voices. The audio encouraged me to read this one quickly.

Thank you Bibliolifestyle, NetGalley and Harper Muse for my gifted copies of this book.

4.5 stars

The audiobook narration was fantastic and captured the Old Hollywood feel of the characters so well! Felt like a movie! I wish audiobooks all included the authors note form the physical copies though and this one unfortunately didn’t.

This brand new historical fiction was a delightful romp through the Golden Age of Hollywood. It follows two rival actresses who are recording a big budget film on a remote Italian island when they discover the movie has been a front for illegal activities and that they are in grave danger.

I’ve mentioned this several times before but I love when stories have themes about the power of women supporting women. In this book both of these women start out loathing each other and they are in an industry and situations that have set them up to be enemies. But when they have to rely on each other they come to realize how much they have misjudged and built walls where there shouldn’t be any. It was so satisfying to watch that process. Even though I love a good romance I was actually really glad this story wasn’t a romance because I thought the female friendship was really wonderful to see.

This story has all the glitz and glam of the Hollywood starlet vibes mixed with the cutting edge of the unexpected danger that puts them on the run and it made for a very engrossing and entertaining read! There are lots of fun little nods to movie stars and films of the past that old movie lovers will enjoy as well!

“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 rounded up! 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.

The audiobook was really good, though. The narrator does a great job of harnessing this time in our history with her tones and accents and the way in which she adds life to the Hollywood starlets.

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

Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @harpermusebooks for 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑳𝑬𝑻𝑺 𝒃𝒚 𝑳𝒆𝒆 𝑲𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒚, & 𝑱𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒆!

This is a really fun story that had me first thinking it was a dishy period mystery/drama until it all got quite thrilling and didn’t stop!
I enjoyed connecting with each of the “Starlets” and learning their backstories, proving once again, that you rarely know someone based on what they show. This particular aspect seemed to reflect the timelessness of assuming.
I also appreciated the reminder of what women have had to do to “succeed” in various lines of work, or rather what they have had to endure. I would like to think this has changed, but as the next leader of this country has bragged about assaulting women, I fear we still have much to do. Fortunately, like the women of this story, there is a power in coming together.

I did enjoy pairing this physical copy with the audiobook, provided by @harpercollinsfocus via @netgalley, as the voices narrated by Gail Shalan were perfectly matched to each character. The physical copy gave me the fun of seeing the printed article copies that gave the amended version of events that were given to the Hollywood reporters. I really love having both options, and can fully recommend either, or both for your reading enjoyment!
There is just something satisfying when reading about women being dismissed only to become the heroines of the story.

Book Review | "The Starlets" by Lee Kelly & Jennifer Thorne
An Organized Crime Thriller through an Old Hollywood Movie Lens

“The Starlets” is set in the summer of 1958 on a remote island of Italy, Tavalli, where the blockbuster movie A Thousand Ships is filmed. The epic is Apex Pictures’ final thrust for survival amid the studio sinking like the Titanic.

Actress Vivienne Rhodes arrives on the island under the impression she will be playing the film’s lead, Helen of Troy, surely securing her the much sought-after Academy Award after being defeated the same year. Unfortunately, Rhodes was misinformed, discovering she has been bumped to the secondary role of Cassandra to support the new star, Lottie Lawrence, her nemesis and fiancé-stealer.

Rhodes does not have much time to exert her rage and revenge before the two are engulfed by a murder and drug trafficking plot, finding themselves in sole possession of the evidence to bring down the criminal enterprise.

Leaving their personal conflict aside, the duo narrowly escapes their pursuers, setting them on a chase through Europe in an attempt to turn over the evidence to Interpol. From Monaco to the Alps and back to Italy, Vivienne and Lottie form a friendship as they evade the criminal predators and reveal the truth of their relationship and how they’ve been pitted against one another.

Will the actresses be the real-life heroines of this story or will the patriarchy win again?

“The Starlets” opens up in a dreamy old Hollywood world in the vein of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” before emerging as an organized crime thriller, disposing of the glamour and fame facade.

The first third of the novel is wildly entertaining and intriguing, introducing the reader to an array of quirky characters, a representation of the past, present, and future of the 1950s Hollywood scene. The star-studded characters are quickly revealed to be complex but flawed humans struggling with their individual demons and histories.

As the drama unfolds via a yacht shootout and a body found in the props department, the plot thins as the movie’s female leads galavant around southern Europe. This is where the story lost me slightly. The on-the-run sequence falls victim to pacing issues with scenes vacillating between tenuous and viscous, unable to strike a healthy balance of plot points and moving the story forward.

Rather than abandoning the journey, buckle up for a bumpy ride pairing moments of slog with nuggets of bewitching scenes and character development. Although the middle detracts from the experience, the package as a whole is exciting, endearing, and enrapturing.

The heart of the novel lies in the relationship between Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence, where they debunk what the world tells them they are and redefine how they show up for themselves and each other in the future. If to only follow this bond, the novel is completely worth it. I loved these characters and I think you will too.

And if you choose to listen to this novel, Narrator Gail Shalan knocks it out of the park, breathing life into each distinctive character. Shalan delivers an engaging and skillful performance, masterfully tackling all voices and narratives.

Authors Kelly and Thorne wrote a story with a unique, genre-merging twist, and though it falls short in places, the novel has great bones and a substantial foundation to work from. They transport you to 1950s Italy and drop you in the middle of an old Hollywood film set—and I don’t know about you but I needed to be transported this week to somewhere else.

If you feel bogged down by the current political climate and the election, “The Starlets” is a hopeful journey where women take back their power and prove they are more than the patriarchy deems them to be. I plan to fight for the Viviennes and the Lotties of the world and I hope you do too.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Lottie and Vivienne are arch enemies. Now Vivienne finds out that Lottie has been cast in her movie and has been given HER PART! Vivienne is the one supposed to play Helen of Troy and she is not going to let this slide.

Not only is there a battle between these two stars…a body has been discovered and these two ladies get caught up in a drug ring.

This is a unique tale that has some unique situations. I swear, I could just picture Lottie and Vivienne in some of their escapades. And believe me…they have quite a few experiences.

This is more of a 3.5 star read…rounded up, of course. There are parts that just tend to be a bit slow. And the voice for Lottie got on my nerves a bit. That being said, the narrator, Gail Shalan, had a lot of voices to do. Each one is very distinctive.

Need an old Hollywood romp through Europe…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

Posted to Goodreads: 11/11/2024

This book brought the thrill and Hollywood feel I was hoping it would, and it did not disappoint! You have both drama, and excitement in this book that follows two rival actresses that find themselves in trouble when they realize something isn't quite right about their new movie shoot. Throughout the book, both characters grow and reveal a lot about themselves, which I thought added more depth to the story and speaks to how well the book was written. If you like old Hollywood and thrilling action this is definitely a book for you! I received a copy of the audio book through NetGalley and hope that other readers enjoy it as much as I did.

Enjoyed this book. The narrator was great. The story was good, not too much of a mystery but a good weekend read.
The 2 starlets are great and relatable and very close description of how most female stars of the 20s-60s were discovered and treated.
A good girl power, female bonding type book.


Thank you NetGalley for the copy.