Blacklist (Beautiful Idols #2) by Alyson Nöel
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Goodreads Summary: Layla Harrison has finally found herself in the middle of a celebrity story worth reporting. Aster Amirpour’s name is in every tabloid—even if it isn’t the good kind of publicity she hoped for. Tommy Phillips is inches away from getting the girl of his dreams, which may be harder than scoring a VIP ticket to an Unrivaled nightclub.

But Layla, Aster and Tommy never imagined it would be because they’re entangled in the disappearance of Madison Brooks—a story that’s blinded the world like a starlet blinded by the flash of a paparazzi camera.

Now, Layla is receiving mysterious messages from an anonymous source, Aster’s looming murder trial is so huge even her parents’ lawyer can’t save her, Tommy is retracing his steps as the last person Madison saw alive, and Layla’s ex Mateo finds himself lured into the fold.

You can dig up dirt about celebrities that the tabloids miss if you search long enough. But when Layla, Aster, and Tommy team up with an unsuspecting insider to unearth the truth, they’ll find that some secrets are best kept in the grave.
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: In the second book of the dramatic Beautiful Idols series, the stakes are raised --- will these young stars rise or plummet to the ground? Layla Harrison's blog is losing subscribers as she refuses to broach the topic of Aster. Tommy's blissful life is only getting better but he can't forget Layla... Aster must find out who is framing her before it's too late, and Madison? She may not even be alive.

Blacklist definitely has a better plot, but it just isn't as explosive as Beautiful Idols. Yes, things have "gotten more intense", however it takes awhile for anything of interest to happen. The relationships between the characters certainly shift heaps, we see frustration, love, and support, bonds are made and broken more than once.

Madison is a hot topic in this book, so much of what is hinted at in Beautiful Idols is revealed, specifically information about her. Each character is haunted by different things; Tommy's career is at a stand still, Layla must respond to anonymous threats or be dealt with, and Aster is daunted by the threat of jail for a crime she didn't commit. We see more of Ryan too, and he has changed a lot from his first appearance in the series.

This book answers many questions, but perhaps there aren't enough questions asked to keep the book flowing as the same few questions pop up all the way through the book. Is Madison dead, is Aster going to get out of jail, who is Madison really? Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Blacklist and I think it's done a brilliant job of setting up book three, which is sure to be explosive considering the amount of ammunition Blacklist has generated and not used.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of contemporary young adult novels full of teen angst.

Unrivaled (Beautiful Idols #1) by Alyson Noël
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Goodreads Summary: Everyone wants to be someone.

Layla Harrison wants to leave her beach-bum days for digs behind a reporter’s desk. Aster Amirpour wants to scream at the next casting director who tells her “we need ethnic but not your kind of ethnic.” Tommy Phillips dreams of buying a twelve-string guitar and using it to shred his way back into his famous absentee dad’s life.

But Madison Brooks took destiny and made it her bitch a long time ago.

She’s Hollywood’s hottest starlet, and the things she did to become the name on everyone’s lips are merely a stain on the pavement, ground beneath her Louboutin heel.

That is, until Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the glamorous and gritty world of Los Angeles’s nightlife and lured into a high-stakes competition where Madison Brooks is the target. Just as their hopes begin to gleam like stars through the California smog, Madison Brooks goes missing. . . . And all of their hopes are blacked out in the haze of their lies.

Unrivaled is #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël’s first book in a thrilling suspense trilogy about how our most desperate dreams can become our darkest nightmares.

Hollywood Boulevard is a place best viewed behind a pair of polarized lenses and lowered expectations.

Yet if you know where to look (and if you’re fortunate enough to boast a spot on the guest list), it’s an oasis of the city’s hottest nightclubs—a hedonistic haven for the young, fabulous, and rich.

But there’s no exiting through the gift shop if you buy a ticket to this show. Once you push past the velvet ropes and pulsing crowds, you might never escape.
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Tommy Phillips dreams of becoming a rock star. When his dream guitar is purchased by well known nightclub owner Ira Redman, Tommy's dreams are shattered. The Unrivaled Nightlife competition becomes his only chance at making it. Aster Amirpour has always wanted to become an actress, but her parents have her future set in stone. Layla Harrison wants to study journalism but lacks the cash, and Hollywood's it girl Madison Brooks with her secrets may be the death of them all.

Unrivaled is filled with mystery, suspense drama. Alyson Noël's story shows the ugly side of stardom, a brutally honest tale detailing exactly how far some will go to get discovered. Each of these four characters has a different part to play in this meticulously crafted story. The perspective switches happen seamlessly, the old POV fading out as the new one covers anything that may have happened between the change.

Tommy, Aster and Layla are all fighting for a chance to become a star. While their goals contrast, at heart they are nothing more than three misguided teenagers who believe this is the only way to achieve their dreams. Yet the personalities are never resolute, and the question is always how far they are willing to go before saying enough is enough and calling it quits.

Madison's tale differs from theirs, but her story is just as intriguing if not more. We are only given minuscule glimpses at her past, something which is equally enticing and dangerous. The mysterious blackmailer remains unknown for now, book two promising (some) answers. Unrivaled tells the story of four teens trying to survive in a deadly world where trust and secrets can either make or break you.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine.

This week's WoW:

Unrivaled (Beautiful Idols #1) by Alyson Noel

This book actually comes out today! However, it'll be ages until I actually get it.