Previously published as Starlet by Cora KenbornHollywood. Mafia. Love. Lust. Secrets. Corruption. Romanov.From USA Today Bestselling Author Cora Kenborn comes a dark and twisted enemies-to-lovers retelling of Anastasia.They call me America’s Sweetheart.Hollywood royalty. The last of an era.Sole survivor of LA’s most infamous crime.I’m not any of those things.He forced me into the spotlight…… crime.
I’m not any of those things.
He forced me into the spotlight…
Dominic McCallum, a torn page from my tainted past.
The liar with the perfect smile and cold blue eyes.
We’re playing a high-stakes game.
Resurrect an icon and share a million-dollar payout.
One wrong move and history will repeat itself.
But Alexandra Romanov’s fate won’t be mine.
I’ll speak her lines. I’ll hit the mark. I’ll strike a pose.
And when the past and present collide, I’ll become their worst nightmare.
After all, wrath is the sixth of the seven deadly sins…
They told me to preserve the legacy.
Be careful what you ask for…
You just might get it.
*Please be aware this book contains dark themes and sensitive subject matter that may bother some readers.
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Welll… When I found out that this would be an Anastasia retelling, I was on board, obviously. I love Anastasia, so I was super excited for this story, and it delivered as usual. This was darker than what Cora Kenborn writes (there are trigger warnings, so beware) and it’s awesome in its darkness, if you know what I mean???
Our heroine, Angel, is a badass. One of those women who never let the men dictate their lives, they always decide their fate. She’s sassy, she stands up for herself – if you look for an heroine that won’t let others drag her around or step on her feet, you’ve met your match.
And don’t let me start on Dominic… the chemistry these two people have is explosive. They both have issues and they try to face them, but they can’t runaway from their past, especially in the world they live in. But hey, this doesn’t mean they won’t fight to be together despite the circumstances. Prepare the tissues, because the journey towards the HEA is tough, but in the end all the tears and the pain will be worth it.
Once again I find myself intrigued by this author, because everyone of her books keep you glued to the pages until it’s over and you find yourself staring at your Kindle because the story is finished. There’s a lot of action, suspense, secrets, betrayals… you won’t surely be bored when you read this book.
And it’s an Anastasia retelling with a darker spin, so it is a must read.
Wow their are no words for this story. This story will take you on a emotional ride. Their are many twists and turns that are dark and will pull you in from the very first page tell the very ending. This book was hard to put down once started reading.
This was really close to a 5-star read for me. The only reason it was a 4-star read is because it was a bit slow to get up to speed. Once Cora Kenborn hit the speed though, the story took off and it was on some crazy road that twisted around some crazy high cliffs. I’ve always enjoyed the story of Anastasia… the missing princess, long lost royalty. It was really that first 40ish% that lagged for me. But really, it’s like a steep incline and it just got better the higher the story went. I’m not going into the real storyline once it hits peak. That is when Kenborn hits her stride and the story sores into 5-star territory.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
Another Winner by Famous Author
When this author writes a story it is always done in a way that will draw you in immediately, keep you on the edge of your seat and then spit you out in the end leaving you with one h*ll of a book hangover. Starlet is no different because Dominic and Angel’s story took me on a ride that gave me exactly what I needed that I couldn’t put this book down. It is full of darkness, twists and turns and this book won’t let you go.
Do yourself a favor and one click this book and then sit back and enjoy another fabulous read by this amazing author that will have your head and your heart reeling.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review. This is part of the Sinister Fairytale Series. Starlet is Cora Kenborn’s version of the missing Romanov’s daughter, Alexandra. In my opinion, it’s not really a fairytale but thats alright. There are parts of the story that are too coincidental to have happened in real life. Remember this is a “fairytale”. That being said if you enjoy dark tortured characters, you will enjoy this retelling. The author does put a warning at the beginning of the book that the book contains psychological manipulation, sexual assault and death of children. Take heed and pass on this read if those things are triggering for you. If you are able to read this story, then you will be satisfied with ending! Happy Reading!
Yvette, Book Haven Book Blog
I knew it would be dark but I still didn’t know what I expected. I was sucked in from the first sentence. I thought I would be able to read a little, put it down, and then continue. Definitely not. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. It just grips you and has you questioning everything. It’s dark, gritty, sexy, enticing, and so much more.
Holy book hangover! I don’t know if I’ll ever be over this one.
It is so rare for a book to leave me stunned.. and bravo to Cora for leaving me absolutely speechless.
The best way to describe the way I feel about this book is similar to when you wait in line to ride Splash Mountain on a hot day. You wait and wait and excitement builds and you get on the ride, slowly inch up to the top of the steep cliff and all of a sudden it’s a thrilling, breathless free fall to the end. And you’d do it all over again!
Like other reviews have noted, it is a slow build and I found myself unsure what to think or where it was going.. but I was intrigued so I kept reading. And it was SOOO worth it!
Starlet (Sinister Fairy Tales series) by Cora Kenborn is a story of the missing child star from a famous Hollywood family. 15 years ago Alexandria Romanov’s entire family was murdered in a home invasion. Now there is a reward for finding her alive. 1 million dollars, people are coming out of the woodworks pretending to be her. Angel is working at a dive bar after her acting career went into the toilet. When the guy who ruined her career stops by she is presented with a proposal that will change their lives. Dominic needs that 1 million dollar reward to pay his debts and keep his business afloat. All he needs is someone who can be the missing Alexandra Romanov. Meeting Angel by mistake he knows she is perfect. His problem is getting past the fact she hates him. This is a dark sinister tale of an unsolved murder and the secrets that didn’t die with them. Angel should be happy with her new found status but there is something going on with her that she can’t explain. As the pieces of her mind start falling into place we are not sure if Angel will survive. This was a story like no other in the series. A story with so many twists and turns and to complicate things Angel and Dominic can’t seem to stay away from each other. Be forewarned somethings that happen in this story might be to much and set some of you off. However if you have the stomach jump on in and enjoy the ride. Hollywood at its worst! 5 star read for me. Loved the ending.
love this dark fairytale love story of Angel and dominic
intense twisted heartstopping all the feels grabbed my heart beautiful love story
ready for more
Wow…
I don’t want to give spoilers and the slightest slip could ruin the twists
And there is more than one “No way it can’t be ” and “What the heck” moments contained within
If you are looking for an easy read – this is sooo not it.
Multiple story lines are running alongside the main one, it is easy to follow just a lot of information.
This does start a touch choppy?
I don’t like the word slow because a lot is happening and the pace moves pretty quickly. It just felt at times like I was drifting in no particular direction as the foundation was pieced together (hope that makes sense). At around 47% the walls go up and Dangggg… Don’t blink – That’s the best warning I can give you
Kenborn manages to tie the events together unveiling the most shockingly twisted connection of events.
Props here for the way everything tied together!
Angel shines from the opening scene through the final curtain call. She gets knocked down, battered, and betrayed yet somehow she still manages to kick arse.
Dominic, I’m giving you a pass. I think you did what you felt was right but I also think some of your choices were jaded
Another solid addition to the sinister collection
My second book by this author and I am entranced. Yes, even by the darkness, or especially by the darkness. As darkness is followed by light, right?
Highly emotional! Gripping! Cannot put it down! You’ll be tired at work tomorrow!
I loved both Dominic’s and Angel’s characters! So well done! So real!
Ms. Kenborn has a new, permanent fan!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This story is dark and twist def not roses and gum drops! It played with my emotions huge! Angel wow what she went through & all the crazyness! Dominic has some demons for sure and these two clash but I love the Anastasia fairytale theme!
BLOWN. AWAY.
Cora never ceases to amaze me. When she tells me she has a new release, I’m chomping at the bit to grab it because I just know I’ll be suffering from a severe book hangover afterward. Starlet is no exception. It’s a dark, twisted ride that will leave you utterly speechless for days, possibly weeks after. One of my top reads for 2020, Cora Kenborn, brings it and then some. This dark romance is up there with the best of the best, and it’s certainly left me needing so many more words from her. If you like your stories intricately woven with twisted darkness and seductive angst, pick up Starlet.
Cora takes no prisoners in this fairytale retelling. It’s pure magic, entwined with fantastic sordid suspense that will have you salivating by the end.
Buckle up, because this was a mind warp! It didn’t take long for me to work out that this was a retelling of Anastasia and I was so freaking excited! Dominic is hoping to get a pay day by finding an Alexandra look like and Angel just happens to be right there when his initial choice fails the test. Angel just wants her chance to be an actress but at what price? Her mind is a labyrinth and it only gets more muddled and twisted when she steps into Alexandra’s life. There were so many shady characters moving in and out of the shadows that you weren’t too sure who was friend or foe.
I couldn’t believe how long it took me to figure out who Rosten was! I felt like slapping myself and saying duh, how could you not know? I was able to figure out a few mysteries but some of them were a surprise. I love that Cora was able to do that and keep me in suspense. The ending scared me but I was so happy with how she ended the story.
This was a fantastic tale. Yes it was a darker story than the one I initially fell in love with but I still loved this story. I couldn’t stop reading. This tale was a page turner. It looks at how the mind protects itself and can turn truths into lies and lies into truths. Sometimes the mind isn’t ready to accept certain truths and needs time to prepare itself. It certainly explores the idea of fate finding a way no matter where you run. Really enjoyed this great twisty read.
The Queen of Darkness has done it again. I say this about every one of Cora’s books, but this by far is my favorite one to date. This Anastasia retelling is far from the warm and fuzzy cartoon, but it is so beautifully written you won’t want to put it down! Also, Dom is amazing and I licked him and he’s mine so back off
Starlet, an Anastasia retelling – Not your daughter’s fairytales
This is the first book I have read from Cora Kenborn and it’s the last in the Sinister Fairytales series. Oh, holy crap, what a series it has been: intense, hypnotic, addictive, twisted and dark. And Ms Kenborn’s ‘Starlet’ is the pièce de résistance, a remarkable finale, the story that kept me glued to my tablet and guessing at the deeper meaning behind her words as she wove her very twisted and sinister fairytale.
This dark and tragic retelling of Anastasia is almost written in metaphors, and I was reading between the lines hoping I was seeing the right trail of crumbs that Ms Kenborn was leaving for me. My heart was in my mouth and there were tears in my eyes. This author gutted me.
The chemistry between Angel and Dominic fair crackled from the virtual pages of my tablet. Wow, the back and forth between these two natural enemies in the world of Hollywood was one powerful volley after the other. Actress vs. Tabloid owner. The damaged one vs. the one who razed her career to the ground. Intense hatred vs. magnetic attraction. I could go on. They didn’t know it at first, but they had a common enemy, so, the enemy of my enemy and all that makes this for compelling reading. Add to that secrets they both hide from the world, and I had one helluva read in my hot little hands. I was hooked.
And when the story came near the end, I cried tears of anguish for a wee girl who knew more about life than any one should for her age, and it culminated in a scene that I never saw coming. It broke my heart for the little one who should have been protected by those responsible for her well-being.
Ms Kenborn has written a celebration of good overcoming evil, as most fairytales are. I also wouldn’t call this a dark themed romance as such either. Yes, it’s absolutely tragic and twisted, but I don’t believe that the sinister actions perpetuated by evil and narcissistic people is the theme of the book. It’s the psychological journey of discovery and survival, revenge and karma, and love and healing. And it’s a book that I absolutely and highly recommend as a must-read. Seriously, just read it. 5 Stars!!!
Wow!! Starlet is like no other book I have ever read. Be prepared to ride an emotional rollercoaster because Starlet has all the feels. It will leave you breathless. The story of Anastasia and Dominic is dark and twisted. This is one book you will never forget.
OMG! Cora Kenborn you just blew my mind with this intense, amazing and phenomenal read!!! I would give Starlet 100 stars if I could. When you think you have this book figured out NOPE you don’t! In my opinion this is the author’s best work up to date and I LOVE ALL of her books. Starlet played with so many deep emotions and kept me guessing until the very end. At one point my heart felt like it shattered into a million pieces, I was stunned, I was angry and I was crying. Then I felt sick and I couldn’t breathe. When a book can make you feel so wrecked then you know it has to be a great book. I highly recommend getting a stiff drink and tissues ready because trust me you will need them.
The characters Dominic and Angel’s chemistry is intense and hot! Oh my are they ever so scorching! They will take you on a wild ride you never will forget. If I may say so Starlet is pure excellence!!
Holy crap! This was the twistiest turniest, angsty mind melding book I’ve read. It was suspenseful, at times baffling, sexy goodness of a book. Dominic, where did he come from, he’s like the alpha of alpha bad boys of a book boyfriend, and Alexandra is a trip and a half. I devoured the book in one setting, for a book as meaty as this one that is saying something. It’s a nice long read where you will fall into the rabbit hole, but not want to come out.
Dominic and Angel/Alexandra’s story was a darker, more sinister version of Anastasia! It was an absolutely thrilling read, and amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, there is also the twisted underbelly that can bring you to your knees! I loved their story, it was perfectly sordid and captivating!