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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This adult fairytale retelling of Anastasia was so captivating, dark, twisted and will mess with your mind. It knocked me off of my feet goodness. Cora did an outstanding job.
5 for this Starlet.
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a Star? Then Starlet is a story where the phrase ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ is very apt. This story delves into the Sinister side of Hollywood where the streets aren’t always paved with gold.
Cora Kenborn thrusts us into a dark and seedy world full of violence, secrets, lies, sin and depravity. It’s full of twists and turns and shocking revelations that’ll make your toes curl. I loved the mystery and suspense of it all, it was a thrilling multi layered and deliciously dark fairytale.
OMFG!! Dominic…..he’s as ruthless and devious as they come. A man with no scruples when it comes to getting what he wants. He’s very charismatic and seductive but cold and calculated too.
Angel is head strong and determined I liked her grit. She’s a very complex and intriguing character, I loved her to bits.
The intense situations in this book ripped my fuxking heart out at times. There were so many overwhelming emotions to the story. It was brutal, passionate and very powerful. Dominic and Angel consumed every part of me and I loved every minute of their breath taking journey.
I’m just gonna finish by saying I have massive love for Luciano in this book, he is such a fantastic character.
Holy hot and crazy 6 stars. Yeah, she just had to pick my favorite number to, ahem, mess with in this one, but I am already digressing in the second sentence of this review. Might be a record quickness, but Starlet is just that kind of mind, ahem, mess. Full of contradictions that, ahem, messed with me in all the best ways.
I’m not crazy about actual fairy tales (heh, digressing again already, but for months a line from a song from my favorite band has been haunting me – I don’t believe in fairy tales and no one wants to go to he…ck – guess it was just waiting for me to get my eyes on Starlet) but I have a really soft spot for the modernizations. And, I *really* love the darker twists and turns. Not the FSOG type so much (which, as I have said since the beginning, Anne Rice did so much better eons prior with her Sleeping Beauty trilogy, but, yeah, digression disease….but I guess that was probably the first time a fairy tale spin caught my attention.) Then there are the Romanov’s. I have been intrigued by them for as long as I can remember. A story destined for Hollywood spin if ever there was one, but no one could come close to spinning it quite the way Ms. Kenborn has done with this book.
I have been a fan of Cora Kenborn’s since I stumbled across the first Lords of Lyre book shortly after it’s publication. Rockstars always draw me in like that, but it kept my attention for so many other reasons that I have followed this talented author ever since. Whether she’s making me laugh myself to tears in inappropriate settings (you try to read Swamp Happens in a doctor’s office waiting room….) or keeping me on the edge of my seat with the Carrera Cartel and everything in between in her standalones, she always keeps me devouring the next words.
Starlet did even more. Having just finished it, I am considering something I never do…an immediate reread. There is simply no way that I caught every little thing as I rushed through the roller coaster of these pages. And, quite frankly, I am not willing to walk away from Angel and Dominic just yet. Love, hate, fear, sadness, joy, triumph, sex – can’t forget the sexy or the twisted… it’s all there, all beautifully twisted. I am intentionally not dwelling too much on the plot; I would rather you jump into this story blind. So many twists and turns…some you will expect, others hit much more randomly, and all will not end quite the way you think they will. This one will haunt you far beyond taking your eyes off the page.
Grab a bottle of your favorite wine and a nice Mason jar…you will break the stem from the tension if you try this with a traditional wineglass… but you might as well have a traditional hangover to go with the book one this will leave you with.
Starlet blew me away!!! This book deserves more than 5 stars. Cora knocked it out of the ballpark with Alexandra’s story. Starlet won’t be an easy story for some due to certain situations but if you can handle it then it’s a must read. The details of Alexandra’s mind, what goes on in her head was an eye opener. Man, I want to write a long review but I don’t want to give anything away. So grab some tissues, a snack, a drink and dive into the unkown. Cora will have you gripping the pages. Fantastic story Cora, I loved it and it’s your best yet!!!!
“Love can’t exist on a bed of lies, and angels can’t fly with broken wings.”
Ever read a book and feel like you just watched the characters play out the scenes inside your head and now that it over you just want to hug them and keep in touch with them forever. That’s how I felt reading Starlet. Cora Kenborn has truly brought these characters to life in a phenomenal way. Your heart will bleed for these characters and you will want to see them succeed in everything they do.
Can I please give TEN STARS?!! STARLET, WOWZA! Hold onto your hats for this ride! I’m still breathless!
STARLET, words off the page and into your heart and soul! So moved by this gripping tale, I need to re-read immediately – IT’S THAT GOOD!
Truly a MASTERPIECE by Cora Kenborn.
Without spoilers (since you need to unwind this dark, deliciousness yourself,) STARLET is way beyond a good summer read and one of, if not my favorite books of all time! The lead characters, Dominic and Angel, breathlessly take you through their heartwrenching lives in a gritty, page turning story. It twists and turns so effortlessly – you’ll think you have the plot figured out while, holding your breath, and it veers seamlessly into an ‘ooohhhh’ different, unexpected path-EXPERTLY WRITTEN FROM BEGINNING TO END. Even ter the last page, I’m still deeply invested in this story, processing, spent in the best of ways I could hope to be emotionally and mentally engaged within a story.
Just INCREDIBLE! From one of the best selling authors, CORA KENBORN again is able to weave words into magic – gripping, action packed storyline with heated, passionate characters – can’t get enough from Cora Kenborn and STARLET will leave you not just wanting more, actually needing her next brilliant work. Just Fabulous!
HOLY WOW! This was one heck of a wild, heart-pounding, angsty, twisted, and suspense-filled ride that left my mind reeling and my mouth gaping open. This is my favorite dark read of 202o and definitely a top 2020 read. I am not going into detail because this book is too awesome to be spoiled.
Starlet is a dark and sinister retelling of Anastasia. It is a dark and twisted tale that is shrouded in secrets, lies, deceit, and mystery. It will leave your heart beating fast and mouth gaping open, wondering what is going on. Then just when you think you know what is going on, BAM! You are thrown another curveball. Dominic and Angel’s love story was very unconventional and definitely twisted but it was sexy and romantic at the same time. Their sexual tension was palpable. Their coupling was sizzling and steamy. Their love story was EPIC!
If you love a dark read, this is a MUST-READ! It was such an incredible and unique story that I devoured in one day. The plot was amazing! It was so well-written and perfectly paced. I felt as if I was living the story. The emotions and feels leap and pour off of the pages. I was hanging on the edge of my seat wondering what was going on and what would happen next. The characters were wonderful, engaging, and captivating. It was enthralling from start to finish. I inhaled this book. I have such a major book hangover. The only problem was that I hated to see it end. This book will stay with me for some time to come. This book consumed me, heart and soul! This was my first read by Cora Kenborn but it won’t be the last!
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Absolutely amazing book!!! I couldn’t put it down. Dominic and Angel had a chemistry you can’t deny. This book was dark, dirty, and so suspenseful, I never knew what was going to happen next. I felt like I was always on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I figured the storyline out it changed again. I fell in love with this story and the characters. I got all the feels with this one and I totally cried at the end. I love all of Cora Kenborn’s book, but this is probably her best one yet. Keep them coming!!!
”The Biggest Mistake I’ll Never Regret”
STARLET is Cora Kenborn’s addition to the Sinister Fairy Tales Collection, and it’s her version of the classic, Anastasia….STARLET is not an easy book to read…it’s dark and scary, but I couldn’t put it down and my stomach is still tied in knots…I‘m not going to re-tell the whole book here, because (1)You should have the pleasure of discovering this book yourself, and (2)I would never find a place to stop….I can promise you STARLET is one of Cora Kenborn’s best books, if not the best, to date, and trust me, you want to read it….
Dominic, Dominic, Dominic……He is just such an as-h-le….but he’s one of the hottest as-h-les you’ll ever meet…I’m not going to tell you what a good person he is, or how sweet he is, just because he’s the H, because he’s definitely not either of those things….He’s selfish and narcissistic and shady as….well, you know…But, you will still fall in love with him…because…well…he’s Dominic….and there really is a big ole’ heart beating somewhere in that gorgeous chest….
Angel is a different type h for us…She’s stronger than she appears, and she’s survived a childhood no kid should have to experience…Angel’s mind was fragmented by the tragedies she’s locked away, and she’s spent most of her life trying to…just be…Angel is one of the most complex characters I’ve read…and I love her…
Obviously, child abuse and mental health issues aren’t sexy or fun or happy subjects….And we have all had some experience with some form of mental illness, whether it’s a friend, a family member or ourselves….I admire and respect Cora Kenborn, even more, for, fearlessly, tackling such sensitive subjects and kicking them where it hurts….. Her blood, sweat and tears are splattered on every single page of STARLET….She’s just a RockStar… Saying she’s done an excellent job writing his book is a bit of an understatement……
This is one dark and twisted book. I loved it.
It kept me glued to the pages from the start .
It kept me on the edge throughout.
Itll rip your heart out but you will get a happy ending just not the one you expected.
I would recommend anyone to read this book and you would not be disappointed.
Cora knocked this out the park.
If I could give this more than 5* I would of!
OMG THIS BOOK!!!
Let me first start off by saying this is THE BEST book I’ve read in a long damn time, and I read a lot of books. Cora has truly outdone herself with this one. But I knew she had it in her. All of her work is phenomenal. But this book? This book gutted me! This book ripped me apart! You know those books where you ask yourself, did she really just do that? Did this author really just go there? The answer is yes. She really went there. She really did just do that. Cora’s going to take you to the edge. But she’s going to bring you back again. This book is everything and more. To say l loved it is one hell of an understatement. The characters, the storyline, the emotions she brings out, all of it is just incredible. Do yourself a favor. READ THIS BOOK! You’ll be so glad you did. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have the book hangover to end all book hangovers.
You know when you start a book and can just feel it in your heart, your bones, your soul, that it will be epic? Well, Starlet is that book. I don’t even know where to begin with my review to bring this book the justice it deserves and not give away any spoilers. Dominic and Angel are my new power couple, who will forever be in my world. This story takes you on such a dark, twisty, unbelievable ride of which you never want to end. It made me emotional, and I loved every minute of it.
These characters are so perfectly described by this author that I can envision them in my mind. Dominic is rough around the edges, crass and sometimes cruel, but you can’t help but fall in love with him. And Angel, is a strong, beautiful young woman who you just know if she was real, you would want to be friends with. There are some parts that may be difficult for some to read, but let me just say, everything in this story was handled with grace and dignity.
I have read books before by this author, but this one is by far my absolute favorite. She has proven to me again, how incredible she is, her words are perfection and the story is just plain brilliant. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m telling you to run, don’t walk, and read this phenomenal story.
Wow, is all I have to say.. This book blow my mind the more I read. I really wish I could give it more then 5 star because I would.. I really think you enjoy this one. I love Dominic as he now my 2nd favorite book boyfriend by Cora, lol.. I don’t want to give much a way.
This book is the perfect conclusion to the Sinister Fairytale Collection of books. It will take you on a magnificent retelling of the story of Anastasia. You will be gripped to the worfs from the very first one until the very last. The characters of Angel and Dominic will quickly become ones you won’t soon forget. This book is definitely one for readers who enjoy retellings of stories with new, fresh and unique twists. This author hit this retelling out of the park and the ball hasn’t landed yet.
“Dare to Dream….
Starlet…
The story of Dominic and Angel in the sinister retelling of Anastasia.
Usually I have so much to say about Cora Kenborns books but this, this one completely stumped me. I’m lost for words at how amazing this book is. I literally spent the whole day reading and refused to stop until I read those infamous words ‘the end.’
I shouted, I sent messages, my heart stopped and I’m sure I had to remove my stomach from my throat so I could take a breath.
Starlet is the story of Dominic and Angel. You’ll fall in love with Dominic. He’s a ruthless journalist who’ll do just about anything to a story no matter what debris he leaves behind. Dominic McCallum is one dark hero I won’t forget.
And Angel is like none of her other heroines. She’s feisty and sexy and has a massive heart. I may have a little girl crush on Angel.
In true Cora fashion we have mafia, suspense, a hang on to the edge of your seat ride and more twists than a chicane. It’s dark and it’s purely brilliant! The one liners in this book were amazing and so were the quotes.
Tell a lie long enough and just like sand, before you know it you don’t remember the truth. Wear a mask long enough and no one knows your real face.
I won’t cry. Tears are a tool not a weakness.
“Well, rub my lamp and call me genie, baby.”
This book will make you gasp, maybe shed a tear, but most of all you’ll be astounded at the story and how it pans out. This author will amaze you with her talent, it’s so beautifully written. I’d read it again in a heartbeat!
So on that note I’m going to leave it there.
If I could give starlet a rating of stars I’d give it 100 – it’s that good!
So do yourself a favour and read it. You WON’T be disappointed!
I hope you love funhouses because that is exactly what Starlet is… and at that, make it a funhouse in the dark with no flashlight or night vision goggles to assist you.
You are excited to enter a place where you have no idea what to expect to find, then you feel your way through, and at every twist and turn, you are greeted with surprises. Surprises that will make you laugh, gasp, and cry in both bad and good ways. A totally thrilling ride that you must experience!
Prepare to lose sleep as I guarantee you won’t be able to put this down…
“I’d escaped one cage only to be caged by another.”
A fun, fast-paced, dark read full of steamy scenes, cons and mind games … what could go wrong?
“In sifting through 100 lies, there could be one truth …”
I found this to be a decent read … more intriguing and exciting in the beginning than other parts, so the pace varied. It contained excellent writing and intriguing characters. Will seek more from this author.
Overall:
3.5 stars.
Audio:
The performance is completely perfect—5-stars on this front.
4 Stars!!
Having first picked up Ms.Kenborn’s work earlier this year I’ve been looking so forward to getting into more of her books! As soon as I read the synopsis for this audiobook I knew It had to be the next book of hers that I started next! I ended up listening to this in one sitting. I enjoyed this audiobook!!
This was my first time listening to both Mollie Stark and Tanner DeBruyne and their narration was great! I truly enjoyed what these two brought to the story as Angel and Dominic! These characters and their story had my attention very quickly! I loved the way these two got under each other’s skin and the heat between them! I wasn’t sure what all was going to happen in their journey and I really liked how it kept me on my toes.
WIth Sixth Sin, Ms.Kenborn has created such a good and different kind of story! Mollie and Tanner will pull you in with their narration! I am so looking forward to picking up more of Ms.Kenborn’s books / audiobooks and as well as audiobooks narrated from these two narrators!
*I volunteered to listen and review a copy of this audiobook from Audiobook Obsession PR / the author*
Sixth Sin – a dark and twisted enemies-to-lovers retelling of Anastasia with a mafia twist. Takes a intriguing twist on the dark underbelly of Hollywood. Puts you through a mindscrew with intricately entwined suspense, & underworld crime into a mysterious plot. Well developed complexed characters, angst, opulence of drama, and lies weaved into a wild story.
Mollie Stark, Tanner DeBruyne dual narration cast performance brought out the roles they played. They set the pace and tone for the romance. Mollies intonation was smooth and sweet listening. Both narrators captured the characters emotions.
Great narration and story.
A different takeoff of the mystery Anastasia. This story is dark, twisted, full of mystery and lies. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Cora Kenborn brings this complex story all together at the end, a wild story she weaves..
Tanner DeBruyne and Mollie Stark narration is very good making it a great listen!
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