L.A. Candy

In this flawed but fun novel, 19-year-old Jane Roberts, new to Los Angeles, and her best friend Scarlett are discovered by a producer who wants to cast them in a “reality version of Sex and the City .” Jane (who is, in the producer’s eyes, “fresh, innocent, vulnerable. Perfect ”) and Scarlett (“a gorgeous brainiac”) jump at the chance to star in L.A. Candy , alongside two other girls: “spoiled, rich heiress” Madison and “loveable ditz” Gaby. Immediately famous, they enjoy new apartments, designer clothes and easy access to L.A. hot spots. Readers get a behind-the-scenes look at the production of a reality show, including how supposedly spontaneous scenes are set up and shot and reshot, presumably inspired by debut author Conrad’s own experiences on The Hills . Jane, who “no longer thought about an outfit as being complete without a mike under her clothes, taped to her skin,” predictably becomes the breakout star of the show and learns the high price of fame. The climactic cliffhanger ending and lack of resolution hurt the book’s ability to stand on its own, but this guilty pleasure should leave readers eager for more. Ages 14–up. (June)