Starlet's Run (The Starlet Series, #2) by Carla J. Hanna is the story of a Hollywood actress, Liana, and I will disclose that this book really won't make as much sense unless you read the first book. It does take some time to understand what's going on. Carla J. Hanna has a different writing style and that, too, took some getting used to. That said, the story is interesting, although slow-paced at times.

I gave the book four stars, not because I didn't read the first book, therefore, it took longer to grasp this book, but because there were parts where the story seemed to drag along. What I did like about the book is that Ms. Hanna does relate the story of young, complicated love in a realistic way. Although it may be a bit advanced for the "young" Young Adult audience, the plot does play out well. Again, there are parts of the story that drag out but the plot is good. It does contain language and scenes that aren't suitable for 17 and under readers.

The story focuses on Liana and Manuel, who is her love interest. Manuel is sometimes too perfect, yet, he's the stereotype of what most girls that age are dreaming of and looking for. Liana faces some adult decisions and Ms. Hanna does handle them nicely. I recommend this book, but I would suggest reading the first book so that it's easier to connect to the story and the characters. Overall, this book is different, but enjoyable.

Liana Marie Michael is a starlet in love. She is also a cancer survivor, having been given a drug by those in authority over her, that was intended to keep her young but that in fact caused her illness. In Starlet's Run, Lia is confronted with how to handle her medical problems while also seeking to solidify her relationship with Manuel. Carla J. Hanna has presented a realistic picture of young love, if not a sobering one from time to time. Lia and Manuel are confronted with the difficulties presented by parents and family who want them to wait beyond their 18 years to be married, and by friends — or former friends more like — who seek to benefit by providing secret information to the press. While wanting to begin a life together that may be cut short if Lia’s disease progresses, Lia and Manuel also recognize the significance of the meaning of “forever” that would come with marriage.

Lia is purported to be quite mature, and I suspect in many ways she is, but witnessing the dark side of life or sitting on a fortune is not the same as acquiring the maturity to handle the issues life presents. In this regard, Starlet's Run offered some fairly traditional teenage angst and lack of wisdom. Lia and Manuel are faced with differences in the things they love and love to do, the things they believe and religions they practice, and perhaps most significantly, the pain and almost debilitating jealousy they each experience with the knowledge of those love interests who have come before them. While the jealously and continuous “feelings of love” seemed at times a bit overdone, the relationship seemed believable in light of the young lovers' inexperience in life. I quite liked Manuel and his desire to earn his own way and be his own man, though he could have merely sat back and expected to live on Lia’s millions. I also appreciated that after voicing his demands, Manuel discovered that while he might not like Lia’s continuing her career, his relationship with her would depend on his coming to terms with that truth. Starlet’s Run, which examines young love in the context of a rich young starlet, is sure to be enjoyed and followed by the young and young at heart who would like a peek into the world of the rich and famous.

Starlet's Run by Carla Hanna is book 2 in the Starlet series, depicting the life of a teenage Hollywood star and the challenges that come with that life. We first met Liana in book 1, Starlet's Web, and now she continues with her journey of survival in Hollywood. She has undergone brain surgery to remove a tumor that was the result of taking an anti-aging drug, and now she is ready embrace her new life. She is an Oscar-winning actress and a cancer survivor who is still battling the various challenges of Hollywood life. From blackmail, betrayals, and all the inevitable drama that accompanies that life, she is determined to survive and come out on top. Her biggest challenge, however, will be how to balance her personal and professional life so she can have a successful career without losing the love of her life, Manuel.

Starlet's Run is a heart-warming story portraying another side of the life of Hollywood teenage stars, one that is unlike the stereotypes we are used to. The novel shows these stars may be super rich, but they are also human and face the same life challenges we all do, if not even more. Carla Hanna crafted the main character to show a very beautiful, very successful, and very down to earth star, with a heart of gold to match. I could not help but fall in love with the girl who has overcome so much, learnt her lessons, and is now ready to take on the new challenges of living with a terminal illness without abandoning her career or her love life. I cannot wait to start on book 3 so I can follow this inspirational story of a girl determined to live the Hollywood life on her terms.

Starlet's Run is the second book of Carla J. Hanna's Starlet Series and picks up right where Starlet's Web left off. Struggling with the aftermath of her Mom's misguided choices, Marie faces surgery to remove a tumor in her pituitary gland. Going from an Academy Award Winning actress to an 18-year-old cancer survivor, she needs all the help she can get. Manuel, her best friend and now boyfriend, has become her rock, but together they face even more problems. Being in a relationship has never been easy and having one when all the world is watching is even more troublesome. Starlet's Run talks about Marie's inner struggles and questions about who she is, and what she wants, not just with her career, but with her life. This second book also deals with building friendships, and losing some, and finding strength in family.

Carla J. Hanna does it again with the sequel to Starlet's Web, and Starlet's Run is even more engaging than the first. This book is filled with touching poignant moments, and asks a lot of important questions about how you deal with changes in your life, and how you accept the changes in others around you. The love between Manuel and Marie is something I particularly enjoyed; it's mature for a teenage relationship, and I appreciate the practical questions and problems thrown at them from the adults' perspective. The rest of the characters are interesting as well, particularly Six, or Pierre, Marie's email buddy who becomes her support group surviving the ordeal from the x-nib fiasco. I can't wait to read the next installment to see what happens next!