Fame is an allusive goal -- it's the primary reason people enter the often intrusive world of entertainment. It could be considered a reward for a creative piece of work but often times it seems to be a curse. Think how difficult it would be to live up to some exalted image fans create. The other more concrete reward is of course money. Supposedly your ranking in this world can be derived by the amount you command. The higher the rate the more popular you are. And with that the more demanded by your fans, agent, and the paparazzi of your time and before long privacy is lost.

FAME has a cast of character that could rival anyone's imagination. Each seems to embody characteristics that parallel many of today's stars complete with their flaws and foibles. But what is central to this story is the connection made between the reader and this population of unique sometimes humorous and often angst driven personalities. Not the least are two stars of this story Vio and Sabrina.

Vio's main personal goal has been to garner respect and maybe even love from a mother who seems unable to find anything redeeming about her son the actor/performer. Vio's way to impress this intractable woman is through money. More money equals more respect, or does it? His leading lady has become a sort of piranha in the business. She has developed a very bad reputation by her lack of professionalism. In short Sabrina is a kind of train wreck. Vio and Sabrina turn out to be a pretty wonderful casting match. It is rather apparent that they are an amazing couple and there's no denying the heat when they are in a scene. Wouldn't it be wonderful if life could imitate art and their on screen relationship give way to a foundation for a healthy real life?

And yet in the vehicle destined to either save his career or condemn it to a certain death. Director Dorian Rasmirez chooses these two actors to star in his ill advised remake of Wuthering Heights. His reputation is in shreds and in truth his finances are none too healthy. His personal life is also in danger of hitting bottom with a wife intent on spending money he does not have. But it quickly becomes apparent that there are people that are counting on the failure of this movie and Vio and Sabrina could well become collateral damage.

Sometimes it takes a very gutsy bold move to break the mold of failure. Question is will this movie save the careers or will it feed the tabloid frenzy.

Bagshawe's newest book invites us into a really intriguing world where the separation between real and imagined is vague at best. Kind of a Peyton Place of players in the entertainment industry. She is brutally honest in her description of these characters that makes for a fascinating read. FAME is definitely a great choice for a beach, summer read. There is something for everyone in this entertaining book.

Book Summary

When legendary film director Dorian Rasmirez gambles his fortune on an opulent remake of Wuthering Heights, he knows it’s his last chance to salvage his career. Thanks to a bitter public feud with producer Harry Greene, Dorian desperately needs a hit—a big one—and he’ll do anything to get it. Even cast Hollywood bad girl Sabrina Leon in the lead role.

Plucked from obscurity, Sabrina catapulted to fame at an early age. Now the young starlet is as famous for her battles with drugs and alcohol as she is for her intoxicating beauty. But Dorian knows that with the right leading man, Sabrina could give the performance of a lifetime. Enter Viorel Hudson, the arrogantly sexy British import whose Heathcliff promises to be the most explosive Hollywood has ever seen.

From the moment Vio and Sabrina meet, their chemistry is undeniable. But as hot as their on-screen performance is, it doesn’t hold a candle to the tabloid-ready drama unfolding behind the scenes…