Famous in Love

October 6, 2014
When local theater star Paige lands her first film role, she trades high school for a Hawaiian film set. There, the 17-year-old forms a quick crush on her sweet, supportive, and cute co-star, Rainer. But when Jordan, Rainer's rival, auditions to be her character's other love interest, Paige realizes, "something remarkable is happening" between them from their first rehearsal. Like her character, Paige must eventually choose between the two men in her life. Serle (The Edge of Falling) establishes a glamorous premise in a gorgeous setting, as well as an enticing romance-within-a-romance framework, though the writing occasionally creeps toward cliché (Paige says the sweatshirt she borrows from Jordan "smells like him. Like wood and fire. Like the elements things are made of. Pure and essential"). While the author creates a well-drawn backstory for Paige, with complicated friends and family, her home life and Hollywood life read like two different books. In the end, it's the question of which boy Paige will choose that gives the story its forward momentum. Ages 12âup. Agent: Mollie Glick, Foundry Literary + Media.

August 15, 2014
When she gets the lead role in a teen blockbuster, Paige discovers that stardom and romance go hand in hand...in hand. Seventeen-year-old Paige is smart and well-read, and she's always wanted to be an actress. So it's a dream come true when she gets the starring role in a movie adaptation of the popular book series Locked. It's everything she hoped for: She's filming in Hawaii, and she's got handlers, money and a dreamy co-star, Rainer. He proves to be sweet and funny as he helps her gain some acting chops. Then broodingly handsome Jordan, Rainer's nemesis, shows up on the set to complete the film's scripted love triangle. Before you can say take two, Paige finds herself in a real-life drama that mirrors the movie's plot. Desired by two gorgeous young men, Paige must choose. With her life and loves splashed all over the covers of fan magazines, Paige struggles to remain grounded and authentic. It's not until the movie premier, in the dazzle of the paparazzi's flashing lights, that Paige chooses with a kiss. The hinted-at sequels will reveal how the love triangle changes shape. The first-person, present-tense narration highlights Paige's internal conflict, with step-by-step descriptions of swoony kisses for romance-loving readers. This frothy but not frivolous drama is wish fulfillment for any teen who wants to feel the thrill of celebrity and love. (Romance. 13-18)

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October 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-As an aspiring actress in Portland, high schooler Paige doesn't expect to land the role of a lifetime when she auditions for a movie. Jake, Cassandra, and Paige, the three stooges, have been best friends since they were in diapers. Paige leaves her family and fellow stooges for the beaches of Hawaii, where the latest best seller young adult novel is being filmed-starring her. Committed to months of work, Paige wonders if Jake and Cassandra will move on without her. She also worries about whether she will be good enough for such a high-stakes film. If that isn't intimidating enough, Paige will be acting with two of young Hollywood's hottest men. She never expects that chemistry on-set will turn into real chemistry off-screen, creating a love triangle. This come across like a plausible behind-the-scenes jaunt into the lives of today's young actors. The author humanizes the characters in the novel, beyond the image of perfection and glamour of young stars, offering a bit of depth. Teens looking for romance and pop-culture should enjoy this novel.-Mindy Whipple, West Jordan Library, UT

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2014
Grades 8-11 I don't want a bunch of theater tickets stuffed into an envelope at the bottom of my jewelry box. I want framed posters with my name on them. Those are the kinds of reminders I want. Paige Townsen, 17, dreams of being seen. And landing a role in the much-hyped movie version of a best-selling book series brings her closer to that realityand closer to megahot movie star Rainer Devon and his nemesis costar Jordan Wilder. Paige learns to navigate the frenetic world of movie productionconstant travel, prying publicity, relentless paparazziwith Rainer's help. Right as the movie wraps, his mentorship blooms into something sweeter. Meanwhile, the rumors surrounding Jordan begin to reveal more than Paige anticipated. Paige is left to make decisions about who she can trust with her heart and her burgeoning career. Capitalizing on the nonstop popularity of the stars of the Hunger Games and Divergent movies, this flashy romp is perfect for readers who devour the latest celebrity gossip.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)