
Member Reviews

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a fast and fun contemporary romance about Marlowe who decided to run away to figure out what she wants. This all happened after some bad reviews online. People were saying that her poor designs made a show flop. And to top it all off, she broke up with her fiance. It was interesting to see Marlowe take on a new life because her old life just wasn't what she wanted anymore.
I loved that her just stepping in to help out turned into some chemistry with the main character of the show. Angus is supposed to be a grump, but that doesn't stay the case very long. I loved how Marlowe and Angus were friends first and really got to know each other. Marlowe isn't looking for a relationship, but you slowly see her start to feel things for Angus.
This book is really just a sweet romance about a character finding her way. I always love stories where a character rediscovers themselves. Everyone should be able to have a life they love. That being said, I didn't really feel as invested in this one as I expected. It was still a fast and fun read and I'm glad I read it.

I really enjoyed Marlowe Banks, Redesigned! It was interesting to get a glimpse into what happens behind the scenes of a TV show. I loved Marlowe and thought she was very relatable! The slow burn romance between her and Angus was the best! I recommend this sweet, smart, and fun romance book!

First I would like to thank St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the story of Marlowe Banks, costume designer, who runs to California after a bad review and the end of her engagement to end up as a production assistant on a TV show. After a costume mix-up to save her co worker Marlowe volunteers to stand in for the background actor as she already fit the costume. It was supposed to be a one day gig but during her scenes she gives a heated look to Angus Gordon, the bad boy of the show, and the editors make that a key part of the scene. To try and save the show the show runners propose Marlowe has a small guest role and play out this 'relationship' with Angus' character. Through her time deciding to take the job she has to deal with her boss, who is kind of a jerk, a nagging ex-fiancé who won't let go, her growing attraction to Angus and her own hesitations of being in the spotlight.
What I liked:
- Job, I love that Marlowe has been a costume designer for the stage in NYC and a production assistant since they both sound like interesting jobs, also I would LOVE to be creative
- Angus, he is the stereotypical 'bad boy' on screen but seeing the 'normal' side of his character was interesting cause you always feel like you know celebrities but maybe not
- Relationship, I really enjoyed how Marlowe and Angus' relationship built throughout the story from her hating him to him looking out for her to them realizing how much they do have in common and shared attraction
- Side characters, as this is set within a TV show there is a fun group of characters around Angus and Marlowe who help humanize them and bring more fun moments
Overall this was a good quick read that kept me engaged the entire time. If you are looking for a celebrity enemies (only to her) to lovers romance with amazing settings, clothes and a slower burn then I would recommend you take a chance on this book.

The idea of redesigning your life or starting again was really appealing to me which is why I requested this book. "Marlowe Banks, Redesigned" did not disappoint and it was heartfelt, funny, and comforting in the best way. I appreciated the character development throughout the book because it felt mostly realistic and hopeful. The slow-burn between Marlowe and Angus was delicious but overall, I enjoyed Marlowe's personal growth throughout the story more.

Such a sweet book that can really warm your heart. This book has all the dynamic of kids these days, seemingly failing and needing their parents assistance to make things right. But, when it all works out with bouts of hilarity, it's fun to see it unravel into something good for Marlowe.

A hilarious and heartwarming rom-com about finding yourself, taking risks, and falling in love with a rising Hollywood star. The dialogue sparkles, and Marlowe is a heroine you can’t help but root for. A little predictable, but completely charming. Perfect for fans of feel-good romances.

This book is cute and funny. The romance was brilliant and the pressure that social media can have on all of us was believable in the story. I think this is a great book for a book club. Read this if you need a pick me up.

I just loved this story! I enjoyed the real character that turned Marlowe into a person with flaws and fears. I loved the romance and the ups and downs of the story!

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins is an engaging contemporary romance that kept me hooked from start to finish. Marlowe is a strong, determined woman looking to rebuild her life and career, while Jackson is a talented contractor with his own emotional baggage. Their chemistry is palpable, and the slow burn between them felt natural and satisfying.
While the book hit all the right notes in terms of character development and emotional payoff, there were a few moments where the plot felt predictable, and I wished for a bit more conflict to heighten the stakes. Still, the overall narrative was enjoyable, and I found myself rooting for the couple.

I love Marlowe Banks!! She's down-to-earth, hilarious, and an all-around delight. A great read to lift your spirits.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

I love a good slow-burn romcom and Marlowe Banks, Redesigned delivered just that. Characters I enjoyed reading about, pacing that drew out the slow-burn at the right pace, and writing that was easy to follow and flowed beautifully. Definitely would recommend.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned was super sexy, super romantic, and full of delicious banter that was both witty and funny.

I love love love second chance at life storylines. Marlow feels lost and needs a change so she picks everything up and moves to LA. She soon meets Angus and cannot stand him. Hello bad boy MMC. But of course, it’s because she can’t stop thinking about him. The banter is *chef’s kiss*. Fun and quirky romcom.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is really cute book. A celebrity/normal person romance which usually my favorite romance trope but is did enjoy this one.
Angus is a former child star who’s now starring in his own show. Marlowe is working for the costume designer when she accidentally becomes Angus’s characters leading lady in the last couple episodes.
As they begin to know each other, they develop feelings for each other. But Angus is taken-or is he??
I loved all the behind the scenes is a show that is shown in this story. The characters are a bit awkward, but they were also charming.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the advanced e-copy of #marlowebanksredesigned.

Such a fun, real, romance. I laughed out loud multiple times....and probably said awwww more than I should have. I was ready for a little change of genre, and this was definitely the right pick. Read life characters, with real jobs and problems. I just all around loved it!
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher and author for the chance to read this ARC (super late, but better late than never)

Firkins’s writing is witty and warm, and makes you want to keep reading! I really enjoyed this one! .

After following the author's book-inspired dress designs on instagram for years, I was super excited when I heard she was writing a book with a protagonist working in costume design. I love a meet-ugly and this was no exception. Marlowe and Angus's dynamic had me on my toes the entire book. The story was, at times, predictable, but I never stopped rooting for Marlowe.

I slept on this book for too long, but it was so worth the wait! I love a celebrity romance, especially when it takes place on the set of a show or movie!
Marlowe leaves NYC for the sunny LA after her engagement abruptly ends. She finds herself living in an apartment full of strange furniture and art, but it came furnished as a perk of her role on the production team for a campy TV show. A costume mix-up leads to Marlowe stepping in as an extra for a scene, but a heated look between her and the arrogant yet handsome male lead goes viral and Marlowe’s is thrust into the spotlight.
I LOVED this book. Marlowe is such a fabulous character and I thought the story was structured really well. The romance is definitely slow burn and frenemies to lovers, but I live for a tension-filled story.
Read for:
- A well-read love interest
- Slow burn
- Hollywood setting
- Friends to lovers
- Self-discovery and growth
- Behind the scenes of a TV show production
- Forced proximity
- Celebrity romance
Thank you to St Martin's Griffin for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins is a delightful fit for readers who adore lighthearted, emotional, and humorous stories about self-discovery, second chances, and the transformative power of love, particularly those who enjoy themes of costume design, grumpy-sunshine romances, and the journey of finding oneself in the midst of Hollywood glamour.