Last summer I actually enjoyed the first book of the Fame Games series. It was a good poolside read that required next to no concentration. I had decided I would read the next book and just now got around to it. Honestly, I wasn't missing much. This book really lacked substance and plot. (Two important elements to a good book.) If you enjoyed watching The Hills just to veg out, then you will probably enjoy this book because they are similar in the sense that really nothing happens. I think I'm done reading these books. Well, until I find myself wanting another poolside read, requiring zero concentration. ( )

Don't get me wrong, it's a good chick lot book and I'm glad how LC tries around some the characters but as usual, it's formulaic.... ( )

There is something about Conrad’s writing that just sucks me into her stories. I am happy to say that Starstruck was just good as The Fame Game and I am impressed with the growth we’ve seen in Madison’s character. There are far less reality TV driven scandals in this series than there were in L.A. Candy, which makes the two series similar, but also very different. While L.A. Candy is very much plot driven, The Fame Game is actually more character driven

My favorite character in The Fame Game was Kate. She was so normal and down-to-earth that I thought she would be very similar to Jane—not so much. We see some definite changes in Kate’s character in Starstruck, and unfortunately I can’t say they were good changes. Madison, however, continued her growth from her L.A. Candy days.

Madison is by far the most surprising part of this series. Anyone who has read L.A. Candy knows how hateful she was. Would anyone believe she is my favorite character in Starstruck? Making Madison more likable was brilliant and has added so much to Starstuck.

While there was, of course, some level of drama, it didn’t feel that scandalous. There were a lot more shocking scenes in L.A. Candy & The Fame Game, but Starstruck felt like it was more about growing up, finding your place, and adjusting to the limelight.

Even though Starstruck doesn’t have the same fame-grubbing, camera hogging quality that Lauren Conrad’s previous novels have, it is still an enjoyable read. Emphasizing the characters and down playing the drama is a new direction for Conrad’s novels, but I have to say that it works well. The next novel, Infamous, is expected to be released in June. ( )

Book 2 in The Fame Game series. Madison has taken the fall for her father's theft of a diamond necklace, so now she's doing community service for a pet shelter, where she's given the worst jobs. Her career is also suffering. Kate, experiencing stagefright, gets dangerously close to abusing prescription drugs, as does Gaby. Carmen is starting to make a name for herself as an actress but finds it difficult to get out from under her mother's shadow. And as always, realationships, or lack of, play a role in their lives. ( )