Competing with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager - 4/5 - ***BOOK TOUR***
~*~ I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. ~*~
Summary from Goodreads:
The perfect guy, the perfect location. What could go wrong? Hadley Daniels’s life seems perfect… Before the beginning of sophomore year of high school, Hadley and her family move to a beautiful beach town, where she makes amazing new friends and lands the boyfriend of her dreams — Nick Jenkins. He’s the kind of guy every girl swoons over, and it isn’t long until Hadley discovers some are still swooning. A famous ex-girlfriend makes matters more complicated… After some time dating, Hadley and Nick form a deep bond. But insecurity sets in when Hadley discovers her boyfriend once had a huge crush on her friend — who just happens to be the beautiful former teen TV star, Simone Hendrickson. The past is the past — or so they say… Hadley confronts Nick, who confesses about his history with Simone. Though he claims to only have eyes for Hadley now, it’s hard to believe — especially when she’s blindsided with the news that Nick and Simone kissed after school. Now Hadley must determine who is telling the truth. Love, betrayal, friendship… who needs soap opera drama when you’re busy competing with a star?
Review:
The summary from Goodreads pretty much sums up this book. It’s filled with loads of high school drama and and insecurities.
When Hadley’s family relocates and she is forced to change schools, she makes new friends and finds a cute boyfriend, Nick. Things seem to be going smoothly until former teen star, Simone, Hadley’s supposed friend, steps in and creates a world of drama between Hadley and Nick.
Reading Competing with the Star was exactly like stepping back into high school.
Hadley is a bit of a Mary Sue — she’s the new girl and her presence automatically affects everyone. The boys want to fall in love with her, and the girls are jealous of her — even the ex-TV stars. That being said, I still think a lot of teen girls will be able to identify with Hadley because of her relatable issues — boyfriend drama, betrayal, bullies — it all goes along with being in high school and falling in love for the first time.
The story of first love is cute — the ice cream dates and the focus of on old movies. I also loved the nursing home date and the connection that Hadley forms with Nick’s grandfather. It was sweet.
Simone was a perfect portrayal of the girl we love to hate in high school. She’s perfectly manicured and everyone loves her, but she treats her friends poorly. I’m not sure if she and Hadley were meant to really be friends by the end, but I wasn’t buying what she was selling.
The pacing and writing style in this book were both very well done. Hadley’s story is easy to follow and generally light-hearted.
I would recommend this to middle-grade to high school students who are in the mood for an sweet, easy read.
