Paparazzi Princess by Jen Calonita

Paparazzi Princess by Jen Calonita (Secrets of My Hollywood Life)

Publisher: Little, Brown

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Story: Teen star Kaitlin Burke is back, but Family Affair, her long-running TV show, is finally coming to an end. As Kaitlin works toward the final episode, the pressures of finding her next job, family demands, estranged friends and potential new frenemies pile up, stretching our heroine to the limit. Thank goodness for hottie boyfriend Austin and Kaitlin's own sense of self-worth, or our favorite teen star might be in a world of trouble.

Thoughts:
Once again, Jen Calonita delivers an entertaining story set in the glitz and glamour of the life of a Hollywood A-lister. BTW, from me, 3 out of 5 stars is a good rating. The book isn't outstanding, but it's a fun solid read that continues the story nicely and is just plain fun. Kaitlin's exploits as she acts out against the pressures are a little on the tame/safe side, as if the author can't bear to drop Kate Kate into too much trouble, but Kaitlin does stay true to character and the story rings true. I would have pushed for more risk in her actions and the consequences (why not have Lauren and Ava get caught stealing while Kaitlin's there--get her caught in some scandalous crossfire!--or have one of them make a move on Austin, or get Kaitlin drunk in public, or...the possibilities were endless). The conflict with BFF Liz makes sense. I also would have liked more romantic conflict--Austin is his usual sweet self, but no tension in this book, alas. But overall, it's such fun to feel like you're part of "the scene" and go along on set with Kaitlin, I'll definitely be back for her Broadway debut in 2010.

Appealing heroine? Check! Entertaining setting? Check. Fast-paced plot? Check. Romantic tension? Not so much. Edgy? Again, no. But, worth the $$.

--Lincy