Starlets Run: A Coming of Age in Hollywood Novel (The Starlet Book 2)

I loved exploring her Native American Indian roots and getting to meet other members of her family.

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• The Starlet: A Novel.
• Starlet's Run (The Starlet, #2) by Carla J. Hanna!
• The Starlet: A Novel by Mary McNamara!
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I think the family dynamic and the family relationships are really interesting. This series is clearly very character driven. I still loved Marie's dad and stepmother and I liked their developing story in this book. I had some problems in the first book with the relationships and romance elements of the book. This was a problem for me in Starlet's Run and that was mainly down to Manuel. I got so fired up about him. Throughout the story he is sulky and throws tantrums every other minute about Marie's life in the spotlight.

I thought he was way to possessive and that the relationship between Marie and Manuel wasn't really that healthy. They're determined to spend their future together but I just couldn't help feeling they'd be better off apart. The two of them are also one of those lovey-dovey couples who just have to declare their love for each other all the time and that soppy stuff isn't really my cup of tea. I still really enjoyed the exploration of Marie's celebrity lifestyle and it was really great to see her on set and working in Starlet's Run. She still has this mad, crazy life and I really feel for her and all the stuff she has to go through.

Some of it is really horrifying, like when film producers panic because her skin is too dark. There's also the threat of blackmail and it was really interesting seeing Marie tested like that. I loved that the author has tackled those issues, though. It was really refreshing seeing the darker sound of the industry. As the story is now focusing on Marie now she's out of school, it can be classed as NA. I think fans of New Adult would really enjoy these books. The relationship between Marie and Manuel has definitely stepped up a notch for those who like their contemporary romance intense. I can tell these books have real potential and the characters are really interesting.

I just have to put the romance to one side so I can enjoy the story. I have the net book lined up to read and I'll definitely be starting it soon. I'm interested to find out where the series is going. Apr 02, Lucinda rated it really liked it. A powerfully evocative, sensational read containing within such poignancy and meaningful prose. This impressive Young Adult New Adult romance is a coming-of-age tale that is wonderfully inspirational and a compelling read. Unlike anything I have encountered before within this genre and also Christian themed romances , I was tr A powerfully evocative, sensational read containing within such poignancy and meaningful prose.

Unlike anything I have encountered before within this genre and also Christian themed romances , I was truly moved by such a heartfelt tale in which the author has injected such acute perception and candidness. This is the story of Liana who is a glamorous Hollywood Actress, deeply and irrevocably in love with someone unconditionally. I found this profoundly affecting novel something quite exceptional, as I grasped every connotation and meaning behind each word and event. As the main character searched within her soul you gain a unique outlook on life, as the author explores society around us and how we are influenced by others, expectations and common thought.

This is a noteworthy thought-provoking read that is truth-drawing and sincere, which takes the reader on a personal journey of enlightenment, reflection and contemplation. Love is the single most powerful emotion within our lives, as it defines us and our course for the future. A wonderful read which was highly enjoyable, and an unforgettable experience which I would recommend to all! May 17, Kristen Wampner rated it liked it Shelves: I received this book to read and review by the author Carla Hanna. This is the 2nd book in this series.

I feel like this book cover is very pre-teenish for the content that this story holds and just really doesn't do justice to this book story. I really enjoy this story line of a girl named Marie who is growing up in Hollywood and trying to figure out life in dealing with the relationships, finding out who she really is, dealing with drama from her circle of friends al I received this book to read and review by the author Carla Hanna.

I really enjoy this story line of a girl named Marie who is growing up in Hollywood and trying to figure out life in dealing with the relationships, finding out who she really is, dealing with drama from her circle of friends all while tolerating the media from being a celebrity. I would like to give Carla Hanna props for keeping me on my toes in this series. I never feel like there is a dull moment in this story.

Carla does a really good job of balancing the book and making you want to read more. Marie - I think that Marie is portrayed as an character that would be a lot of people in her situation. I feel like she is very confused in her religious aspect of life along with a few other characters in the story and that she is searching to find what she really believes. Manuel- I think Manuel's character can at times be over the top in the love aspect of his character.

I feel like he is made up to be this dream guy that every girl longs for when searching for a man to love. He is very supportive and kind and sweet and all the things a girl looks for in a guy. There is much language used throughout this book though I feel that this really would be the context of this situation in today's world. I feel that this book promotes premarital sex and living together before marriage again I feel that this is unfortunately what the world we live in promotes.

I actually enjoyed this book better than the first one in this series and I also felt that I didn't have to read the first one to be able to get into this book. Though the knowledge from the first book is good insight and may help you understand more of the details but I think the author does a great job of doing recaps from book one without it being monotonous. I really liked seeing the story continue on from book one and see how relationships progressed and events unfolded. Apr 03, Somekindofnobody rated it it was amazing. The author wastes no time in her creation of an emotional bond between you and the main character.

Seamlessly, she pours the foundation for the entire story within one intro. Many authors do this and cluster up the first paragraph alone but not this author. She has somehow managed to direct the flow of the book so that in the free sample alone you have an understanding of where this book is going to take you.

Her writing is elegant and easy to read while holding deep concepts and intellectual del The author wastes no time in her creation of an emotional bond between you and the main character. Her writing is elegant and easy to read while holding deep concepts and intellectual delvings that stir many of us. Right away I got a sense of the main character while she gazed at a man-made landscape that is both beautiful and repulsive to her for reasons she elaborates on.

As John Keats so eloquently stated, "Truth is beauty and beauty is truth, that's all ye know and all ye need to know. You will follow the main character as she searches for truth, and whether or not she finds beauty in it or whether she finds it at all will remain to be seen as you read. As I stated before, I emphasize the elegant writing style that the author employs and she effectively in my opinion creates an emotional attachment between the reader and main character. Wonderful editing and a smooth read. This story will make you think on your own life and choices, it will hopefully find you in your youth where you can take something out of this and apply it to your own life.

A book that can give someone such a gift as a morally fortitude-filled thought so many times over is something to treasure and share. I will surely be sharing this. I would love to see such a book in my son's library. Sep 09, Gayle Pace rated it really liked it. You don't get the character background if you don't. It's hard for me to connect if I don't have that background.

I did read them out of sequence, although I wouldn't recommend it. I love first loves, even if sometimes they are just "puppy love". Those first loves can make you strong or unsure of yourself. A lot of romances are based on those first loves. I found myself rooting for Lia as she grew strong in character facing her health issues. I wanted her to get out of the bad influence that Hollywood was having on her life and her relationship with Manuel.

Through the struggles the two of them find a happy medium that satisfied them both. It seems like Lia's relationships have a knot in them. The situation, whatever it may be, needs to be solved for that knot to untie. I liked the fact that Lia was not just tied to Manuel. She had friends and a life outside of him. Such as the trouble young girls can get into in a big place such as Hollywood.

Lia is not overly religious but is very spiritual.. I believe this book is for everyone no matter if you believe or not. I do believe that Ms. Hanna has a writing style all of her own. It was a little hard getting used to it at first. Keep reading and you'll be surprised at the ending. Try to read the books in sequence. It will make for a better understanding of what is happening. Harris from Literary Quill for this unbiased review. This is a review from a Hollywood insider of Starlet's Run, located on Amazon: I wish I could have read the Starlet Series when I was a much younger adult.

It would have saved me a few hard lessons I had to learn-mostly about standing up for myself instead of self victimizing myself and not falling into the trap of woe-is-me-I'm-a-victim-l-can't-do-anything-to-help-myself, so I'll-just-sit-here-and-wallow. I love these books because they don't aggrandize the circumstantial experiences of the heroine, but she takes life in stride, even while she maybe crushed and saddened, she triumphs and finds joy and love- and not just because she finds a prince charming and her life is perfect.

Rather, she finds life is not perfect, but it is worth living, imperfections and all, and she finds her strength not in the love from others, but in the love she gives herself. Hanna writes without preaching, teaches without telling, and offers a wonderful accessible message in a page turning format. Love it- none of the "little women" I know are old enough yet to read this, but when they are, I know what I am getting them for Christmas! Jan 08, MustHaveMocha rated it it was amazing. Here are some reviews on Amazon for coming-of-age fiction Starlet's Run: We get to see what makes them all tick and discover their strengths and weaknesses as Liana lowers the shield she put around herself to survive being a teen actress.

I cried a lot on this heartfelt journey and realized that I n Here are some reviews on Amazon for coming-of-age fiction Starlet's Run: I cried a lot on this heartfelt journey and realized that I need to keep looking forward and let go of past hurts. This book deals with the less-addressed next question, "What now? I love how this book delves into these reality checks, and I think any young person in a serious romantic relationship could relate. I am completely enamored with this series It is so refreshing to have the main character carry such strong values.

Hanna masterfully weaves the Five Stages of Grief into a heartfelt tale of personal growth, acceptance, and understanding. May 19, Lifeisgood rated it it was amazing. The actress, Lia Marie, has a tumor removed and goes to Montana with Manuel and her dad to recover.

She is trying to figure out what is best for her and for Manuel. Not only did I understand myself better but I self-reflected on what I expected of celebrities and people struggling through hardship. This is one of the few novels that forces introspection. I received the series in exchange for an honest review of each novel. I closed my blog for health reasons but will honor reviewing this exciting series. Jun 20, Koya. First off I want to say that because this is the second book in the series I felt as though I was missing a huge piece of the story.

Even though this could stand alone as the author said I just couldn't get past that.

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Starlet's Run is a good book. Its a page turner but not because its extremely steamy or mysterious but because it is a good story with great characters. While Carla developed the characters well you could still tell Liana Marie Michaels is discovering who she is and Manuel is findi First off I want to say that because this is the second book in the series I felt as though I was missing a huge piece of the story.

While Carla developed the characters well you could still tell Liana Marie Michaels is discovering who she is and Manuel is finding who he is. There is a lot of soul searching, a lot of finding one's true heart in the material world that Lia has come to know. I encourage you all to read this book and find what you liked about it, I know I loved certain aspects.

May 20, Ariella rated it it was amazing Shelves: It left off right where book 1 ended. Marie had brain surgery. I had brain surgery when I was 10 but I had to be awake for it so I understand Marie fears for having brain surgery. I love how Manny and Marie are fighting for their relationship. Manny wants her to stop acting but she doesn't. Marie has a hard descison for true love or quit acting for good.

I love how the author writes this series. I can't wait to start book 3 in the series. View all 5 comments. Apr 12, Greg Lose rated it it was amazing. Was not disappointed - the story picks up right where the first book leaves off and takes us on a new journey with all the familiar characters plus a few new one. Eagerly waiting on the next installment! Mar 25, Melissa rated it really liked it Shelves: I won this book through a GR Giveaway.

This is the second book in the series. I liked this book a lot more than the first.

Starlet's Run

It had more depth in it and kept me interested to the point I didn't want to put it down. I'm definitely going to keep up with this series. May 31, The Book rated it it was amazing. Jan 11, Amy-louise rated it it was amazing. May 23, Connie Nordmark rated it it was amazing. Great 2nd book in the series. Nov 21, Christina rated it it was amazing.

Starlet's Run is a great book that looks at what happens to teens after the excitement of falling in love. Can't wait to read book 3. Jun 01, Selina Liaw rated it liked it. This is because it is my first time to stumble on books on a celebrity's life, especially one who is becoming an adult. When I started with 47 Starlet's Web, I love the starting.

However, as I continued reading, I find that the writing style has changed and there's no I love the characters but I find the main character very whiny. It seems like the whole story is being deliberately lengthen. I kinda got bored in the middle. The good thing about Starlet's Web is I got to experience the 'celebrity lifestyle' which I have absolutely no idea whether its true or not. Other than that, its okay. After finishing book 1, I did not feel satisfied with the ending so I decided to give another try by reading book 2, Starlet's Run.

Apparently, book 2 can be read as a stand alone series but I find it ridiculous. There's a lot of elements in book 2 which are really connected to book 1. The main character is still being whiny and there's a lot of jealousy going on. The main highlight of Starlet's Run is when the main character has cancer due to a 'special' drug that her mom gave her. I know it sounds terrible when I said it like that but you gotta read the story to find out the whole story.

I don't wanna put it here because they are spoilers. However, I still find the book kinda boring. I love the theme, covers and all but I believe with better editing, it'll be a great read! Since I've finished Book 2, I was thinking, "What the heck. And I gotta say, Book 3 is so much better than the previous books. I'm so glad I endured book 1 and 2 because this reminds me of life. Life is torturous I'm not talking about the book!

I love the twist in book 3 and I gotta say, its a damn surprise. Apr 13, Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws rated it liked it. Things have taken a turn for the worse in some ways as Liana is sick and needs surgery. At the same time, she is struggling with her personal and professional life. And then there are threats on her life from outside forces. How does she cope with it all? Liana continues to be that girl we fell for in the first book. Her strength is her power. Seeing her trying to balance her work, health and personal life makes you want to tell her that things are eventually going to work out.

Her relationship with Manuel is in the forefront in this book. In fact, there are moments when I felt their relationship to be outright dysfunctional. Liana and Manuel did not really work for me. I quite enjoyed the exchange between Liana and Pierre. However, the drama feels too weary at times. Jun 23, Jessica Zelkovich rated it it was ok. I need to start off saying I received this book for reviewing purposes and was told it could be a stand alone because technically it is the second book in a series. Even though I was leery of such a statement, I accepted reading the book.

There were numerous times I felt like I was missing a huge chunk of the story because of not reading this author's first book. Perhaps I would have accepted the lead's strong connection without so much doubt, or her "my man" nickname which seemed beyond corny. I am older than the author's target audience but I love to read a good plot regardless of genre and yes there were aspects that were enjoyable in this book. However, I think the author is either new at writing or needs an editor who can liven up the pace for young readers her target.

I did not find this book a page turner. The dialogue felt awkward. There were times what was going to be said was summed first then the character would deliver the line. It was work reading this book. Being on location gives a whole new meaning to the word, drama! I started this book at the beginning of a ten hour trip from Philadelphia, to Seattle. I had always intended to read just a little, then get some sleep on the long plane ride. Mary McNamara's voice is reminiscent of the type of book that might result from a Sarah Dessen and Susan Elizabeth Phillips partnership.

At times, funny and light-hearted, at other times introspective and thoughtful, I was really pulled in by this novel. It really is the perfect vacation read. May 30, Amber rated it liked it Recommends it for: Anyone wanting to read about the dark side of Hollywood. I was barely ten pages into this book when the thought crossed my mind that I might not want to finish it.

I know it was early in the book, but I felt like I just would not get through the entire thing. But I had made a sort of vow to myself to finish every book I read from now on, whether I like it or not. So I kept going. And then the story began to flow better and slowly began to reel me in. The premise hits close to present-day Hollywood.

As a writer for the LA Times, Mary McNamara is famili I was barely ten pages into this book when the thought crossed my mind that I might not want to finish it. All of the main characters are fictionalized, but actors such as the destructive and currently jailed Lindsay Lohan are mentioned throughout. There are so many different elements to the story that keep the reader thinking and interested. The horrific life of drugs, sex, and murder on set contrasts with a Renaissance mystery about a contessa and a secret fresco given to her by Giotto that is said to be hidden on the property.

This tug between corrupt Hollywood life and serene Tuscan life even contrasts and parallels with the premise of the movie being made, which tells both a modern and a historical story. All in all, this turned out to be a fascinating and suspenseful read that hits close to the home of Hollywood and which should probably be read by troubled stars as a warning and lesson.

The original review is here. Jun 27, Jennifer rated it liked it Shelves: The reader is introduced to Mercy Talbot, born Tiffany Dawn, a name her mother promptly changed when the family moved to Los Angeles.

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By the young age of 23, Mercy had been famous for twelve years and in that time had done more than enough destructive things to keep the paparazzi constantly busy. Juliette Greyson is in Italy on a long overdue vacation when she sees Mercy climbing the statue in the fountain on the Piazza Cordova, clearly under the influence of several substances. Will Juliette, a Hollywood insider, be able to finally offer the advice, help and mentoring this young, desperate starlet needs or will Mercy self destruct? I was drawn in to the story, which surprised me a bit, as I watch few movies and care very little about Hollywood.

McNamara has an infectious writing style which makes the reader not only care about her characters, but makes the reader want to know more about them and their circumstances. The Starlet is filled with exciting characters, mystery, high drama, romance, intrigue and a lot of detail regarding the making of a Hollywood movie. The Starlet kept me mesmerised, entertained and quite thankful I never wanted to be famous.

I believe The Starlet would make for an excellent and unforgettable summer read.



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Jun 17, Laura de Leon rated it really liked it Shelves: This is a perfect vacation read. I just spent an afternoon enjoying it. The Starlet works because of the story-- not the plot, not the characters, not the writing although all of those things contribute to the success of the book but how they come together to tell a story. None of the characters are completely lovable, although Juliette and her cousin Gabriel are mostly easy to sympathize with. The fun is in deciding which of the other characters to love, to hate, to pity, and to see how many of This is a perfect vacation read.

The fun is in deciding which of the other characters to love, to hate, to pity, and to see how many of those you can do simultaneously. This book manages to be entertaining while simultaneously not trivializing the impact that drugs can have on a person's life. I think this works because the writing was so good. The serious side of this book comes from the dealing with drugs mentioned above. Mercy the Starlet is out of control in her use of them, Juliette and Gabriel have managed to get past that in their own lives.

Various other characters use and abuse drugs as well. The lighthearted side comes from the craziness of life on a movie set, particularly when the movie is behind schedule and being rewritten scene by scene.



The characters range from slightly larger than life to completely over the top, which suits the Hollywood scene very well. Each moment in the book was vivid and portrayed what was needed for the scene to work. I loved the descriptions of the Italian countryside, and I usually don't stop to notice that sort or thing-- maybe it was the cinematic theme, but this book was much more visual than average for me. All in all, a great vacation read. Oct 09, Sherry rated it liked it Shelves: I picked up this book expecting one thing and found something else.

A very enjoyable read, characters that were equally likeable and irritating, and there was depth to the story that I had not expected at all. The mystery aspect of the story was reactionary, none of the characters really did anything to progress the mystery plot line, but things happened that they reacted to and the mystery played itself out. The story wrapped itself up neatly in the last three chapters, a bit rushed and left ope I picked up this book expecting one thing and found something else.

The story wrapped itself up neatly in the last three chapters, a bit rushed and left open enough that I can see a sequel involving many of the main characters. The writing style was ok. The dialogue was great and authentic feeling. There were prose-y type scene descriptions at the beginning of each chapter, which I learned to just skip over - they were not good or necessary leadins to the plot action. Occasionally scene descriptions would interrupt the flow of the action and I would have to go back a few paragraphs to pick up on the dialogue flow.

I think this writer has a great writing style when she isn't "forcing" a descriptive scene. I think there is a lot to be said about minimalism and letting the reader fill in the blanks. All said, I will be watching this author and adding her books to my TBR list. May 25, Mary BookHounds rated it it was amazing Shelves: The cover continues that theme and is even more striking with the bold red, white and black motif. The story really seems ripped from the pages of today's TMZ and is amazing.

I know this had to have been written at least a year ago, but the main character of Mercy Talbot really looks like she is based on the wreck of the minute, Lindsay Lohan. And without giving away too much, the death of Mercy's costar seems plagued with Heath Ledger and David Carradine issues--or does he? Combine all of your favorite guilty pleasures of reading in this perfect book for summer. McNamara's beautiful writing will also make you want to get on the next plane to Italy and visit Tuscany.

I have been there once before and this really makes me long for the food and scenery which is all perfectly described. I can only imagine that with the author's history in writing for the LA Times entertainment section, that a lot of this story is based on true facts and real people. You just have to change the names to protect the guilty. Jan 16, Morninglight Mama rated it really liked it Shelves: It was difficult not to mentally picture real-life starlets in her place while reading along.

A whirl of romance, mystery, drugs, sex and death make up this fast-paced, absolutely 21st century novel, perfect for summer escape reading! Jul 25, Caitlin rated it it was ok. This was a decent book, I was very interested all the way through.

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The author had great character development and a good plot. I found myself excited to get to the end but I was disappointed when I arrived there, most of the story lines were wrapped up nicely but the big love triangle I feel was left a little too open. It just didn't have the " Hollywood" or "Disney" ending I yearn for! Mar 13, Sharon rated it really liked it Shelves: A follow-up to the book Oscar Season.

These are entertaining reads for anyone who likes stories about Hollywood and murder, although I would not describe this as a murder mystery but more of a chick book set in Hollywood in which a murder occurs. Jan 22, Karine rated it really liked it Shelves: The sequel to Oscar Season is not as good as the original, but still a very enjoyable mystery set in behind-the-scenes Hollywood on location in Tuscany.

It's well written, but the emphasis on recovery from substance addiction gets dull. May 21, Lana rated it really liked it Shelves: The setting for this book is based on an agriturismo I stayed at last year in Italy. The book is enjoyable, but the agriturismo is even better! After staying at Spannocchia, reading this is all the more entertaining. Jul 30, Julie rated it really liked it. Jul 14, Maggie rated it really liked it. Great beach read, especially for any of you Squirrels who have ever been to Spannocchia Mary McNamara has spent time there and the entire setting for the book is based on the estate!

Sep 08, Oceandreamer rated it liked it Shelves: Cute read, a little bit more substantial story-wise than regular chick lit. Feb 24, Tabitha rated it liked it Shelves: This book was ever so much better than I thought it would be. Nov 29, Erin Coleman rated it liked it. Enjoyable, quick fun read. Oct 15, Phyllis rated it really liked it. The Starlet combines light romance, mystery and an intriguing look at the making of a movie into one enjoyable story.

Nov 26, Lori rated it did not like it Shelves: I hated this book. I wanted to throw it against the wall. Oct 29, Laurie rated it liked it. Easy breezy beach read! Aug 12, Angie rated it liked it. A quick read, entertaining, although the main character, Juliette, kind of drove me nuts. Gwen rated it it was amazing Aug 14, Ash Rush rated it really liked it May 24, Gabrigirl rated it liked it Jan 03, Lisa rated it liked it Jul 22, There are no discussion topics on this book yet.

Books by Mary McNamara. Trivia About The Starlet: No trivia or quizzes yet.