This was such an enjoyable read! My initial feelings involved eyerolls for the handsome and wildly popular actor feeling like a victim by having to overcome the pitfalls of fame. But alas, Firkins’ handling of and writing for angsty Angus was chef’s kiss! With overarching themes of worth, courage and manufactured images, this book packed a lot of heart.

Marlowe is a down-to-earth, highly likable character. She has low self esteem- from not only her hard to please, hyper successful parents- but also from her jobs where criticism is par for the course. She is currently in a Personal assistant roll on set for a hugely popular TV show, for a hard to please boss, after escaping her design job in New York to move to LA. She becomes a somewhat unwilling side character in the TV show, opposite bad boy and heartthrob, Angus. Angus is everything she tries to avoid in a guy. But wait- is that really who he is, or is she believing every piece of publicity as if it’s fact?

The story follows Marlowe’s struggle to find her way. In her job, in her relationships and in her self-worth. I loved the bend toward female strength and representation in this book. The banter and sexual tension between Marlowe and Angus was perfect. There were several great side characters and the pacing was also good. By the middle of the book, I was flipping pages quickly to see how this would all end up. I was very satisfied with the ending and loved that neither one had to gave up their dreams.

Definitely recommend this one! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC to read and review.

the setup…
Marlowe Banks is hiding out in L. A. She’s a Broadway costume designer who is extremely talented and, until her last play fiasco, showed lots of promise. When reviews of the play called her costuming a disaster, she packed up and fled to California. Marlowe also broke her engagement to fiancé Kelvin, which was long overdue. Now she’s working as a production assistant for a demanding costume designer on a hit television show, assigned fairly menial tasks but still applying her creative skills in helping to find the clothes specified by her boss. The star of the show is Angus Gordon, an actor who Marlowe doesn't think much of (based primarily on his social media). However, their first accidental encounter leads to a sequence of events that is life changing for both.

the heart of the story…
I took my time with this one as there was much to savor. It doesn't take long to figure out Marlowe is seriously underemployed and I wanted to know what happened to send her with tail between legs to Los Angeles and why she broke things off with Kelvin. She’s extremely complicated and her issues aren’t easy. We’ve all been there, experienced some level of failure, but something about hers damaged not only her confidence but belief in herself. Her boss doesn’t help much, never missing an opportunity to keep her in her place. But it’s when Angus Gordon crosses her path, things shift as he turns out to be polar opposite of the image projected through social media and these two become places of refuge for each other. Their conversations were thoughtful, reflective and respectful…something both craved and lacked in their lives. The evolution of their relationship was rather lovely, so much so that every word was important and not to be missed.

the bottom line…
I was expecting something fairly lighthearted and it turned out to be more of a precious gem. There’s a lot about what’s entailed in costuming decisions and show production, which I found fascinating. I’d imagined the process but it’s much more methodical and meticulous. But what captivated me was the relationship between Marlowe and Angus, not so much the romance but what they evoked from each other. Their sincere interest in each other’s well being brought them both to healthier places and stronger self perceptions. It’s one of the best paths to romance I’ve read in a long time. The writing is mature and smart with equally interesting secondary characters. The author is new to me and I’d sign up for whatever she plans next.

This is your typical romcom hallmark type book. The main characters start basically as enemies & then find themselves not hating spending time with each other. Whether you’re a die hard romcom fan or looking for something out of your norm (for me I typically lean towards suspense) I think either way this book is a win. It’s cute!! Marlowe’s character cracked me up & her clutsy character I could relate to so much. It didn’t take me long to warm up to Angus’ character. Angus! Maybe it’s because I live in farm country where there are alllll the cows but I can’t with his name lol. Like hey y’all, meet my new boyfriend Angus or Holstein or some other animal you’d find on a farm. No!😂 That is probably my biggest hang up with this book is the names of the characters. Tanareve?! Edith for a DOG! And Babs…I could only picture her as some bitchy old lady but for all I know she’s like 40.

This is definitely a slow burn of a book but it was done well to where the reader isn’t bored & it gave us a chance for her relationship to develop with Angus while also giving us more of Marlowe as far as her other relationships (new & old friends, exes) & her life in general. For me I think it would have been nice to have more of Angus since we really only get him when he’s with Marlowe. I liked the idea of Marlowe & Angus & they’re cute together but I had a bit of a hard time with her character. She didn’t like to be judged but she’s kind of judgy herself. As far as her & Angus as a couple it almost seemed like a stretch because, for me at least, she just really didn’t seem his type. She’s painted right off the bat as not being pretty (“invisible”), not that that matters, but with Angus being some heartthrob it just seemed like an unlikely match & the entire time I pictured Marlowe as a simple nerdy dork type character. I couldn’t really get there visually as seeing her as Angus’ love interest? Angus though he was pretty hard not to like & I like how his character developed throughout the book. Even with Marlowe not necessarily being his type it was impossible not to root for them though, I loved them together!

Constructive criticism maybe for the author. I feel like there was a lot of repetition with words (‘stubble’ comes to mind immediately as far as his beard or lack of). The sex scenes. I’m not anti sex in books at all but the sex scenes seemed kind of out of place, overall the entire book seemed almost PG (Hallmark!) and then there are a couple random sex scenes that are quite the opposite, it just just didn’t go with the cheesiness & hallmark feel of the rest of the book…it’d be like watching a hallmark movie & some random porn scene comes on here & there. I’m exaggerating but you get my drift. OH I almost forgot. Multiple times the author used the word ‘spat’ when referring to Marlowe biting her nails & spitting them out, all I could think about was someone spitting while chewing (tobacco)😂😂
And my last nitpick..I do feel like it was bordering on being a slow burn going into just too long of a book.

With all that being said I did really dig this book. This was the perfect romcom book to read especially since this isn’t what I’d typically choose. Super cute!! The banter between the two main characters was perfect, funny, & not over the top to where the author was trying too hard to be funny. Marlowe on her own had me smiling throughout the book so many times. This is my first book by Firkins. I love her writing style & sense of humor, this was an easy book to get into & just enjoy. I’d definitely read another book by her!

Thank you to both NetGalley & St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin (St. Martin’s you always seem to put out great books!) for the advanced readers copy in exchange for a review!

This book, I loved. I easily connected with the characters and was invested in their romance. The steam was a slow burn but excellent. Writing style was easy and flowed well, and I’d happily read another by this author. I particularly enjoyed the messages about representation and the dichotomy of good and bad in social media.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There's something about this book that makes it memorable. It could be the very relatable leads, or the witty dialogue. Whatever it is, this book is a pleasure to read.
Angus is adorable, and Marlowe is flawed and delightful. They make a good team. Cherry and Tan are also lovely side characters.
The novel gives people good insights into all the work that goes on behind the scenes in a tv series or movie.

Unfortunately there was nothing to grab me and this books seemed to lack something. Loved the cover but would’ve enjoyed it more w something to hook me.

I really enjoyed this book!! I always love books set in Hollywood, but I really liked the point of view we got from a costumers' perspective! Marlowe, like the detective, is an intensely relatable character - a messy, frazzled, deeply insecure, working class girl, who I think any reader can see a bit of themselves in! And Angus, not like the beef, is a Scottish, grumpy on the outside, soft on the inside actor, who is impossible not to fall a little in love with. These two get off to a rocky start, but I thought Firkins changed their relationship from enemies-friends-lovers very organically and naturally.
Overall, I think the characterization is what sold me on the book - I enjoyed even the non-romantic parts, simply because it was well written. This book also gave a real and honest look into how toxic celebrity culture and social media can become.
I will definitely keep an eye out for other books by Jacqueline Firkins in the future!!
Thanks NetGalley, Jacqueline Firkins, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book felt like a Hallmark movie in book form, with a goody girl, a bad hollywood boy, sweet moments, saucy moments and things that fit, yet didn't all at the same time.

I enjoyed this, but NEVER felt the urge to pick it up. It felt a bit long to me, but the writing was well done. I just don't know what was missing for me, but it just never captured my attention fully.

This was an easy read and maybe it will be polished up for final publication.

This was a nice light book nestled between a couple of heavy thriller books. I immediately enjoyed Marlowe and Angus as characters. Both of them did not take life too seriously and had a great connection. Initially there is the typical troupe of enemies to lovers, but their time spent as "Enemies" was enjoyable and believable.
I admit there were times I laughed during the book, Firkins has a clever sense of humor. She did a great job of developing the characters, in fact, if Angust *Yes like the meat--she even says that-ha* jumped off the page I would probably fall for him too. [I did eye roll the number of times she described his copper penny colored hair--22 times fyi)
Marlowe was a bit frustrating at times complaining about all the celebrity "stuff", that got old quickly. I am not a big fan of reading about "celebrity" stuff, but I knew it was limited to this book so I went with it.
I couldn't quite give it 4 stars because I really was not super motivated to pick it up whenever I Could. I think back to my 4 and 5 star reads and they are the ones I want to read while I am blow drying my hair or reading at a stop light (neither are safe ideas--haha) . The book seemed to drag on, and was never ending?? Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if it was about 75 pages shorter?
There were also some current social topics inserted that were totally unnecessary which I don't enjoy.
And then there is that shower scene......ew gross.
And that awkward scene where I feel like Firkins reminds us that Marlowe practices safe sex--as I told Holly, Marlowe is too much of a "good" girl to have such "Harlequin" romance scenes....it just didn't fit.

But if you need a good fun read, with lots of cute interactions this would be a good book for ya.
*Also the names in this book......

I will definatly pick up some more books by this author when the mood strikes!
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy read. I was not influenced or reimburst in anyway for this honest review

* I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a really fun book with a good plot and characters that you really want to root for. Even some of the side characters are great! I wish we got a little more back story for both Marlowe and Angus, but no complaints other than that. I really enjoyed the story and how Marlowe works in on set in the wardrobe department because it helps differentiate the book from other romance novels where one of the love interests is a celebrity.

Definitely recommend this book!

This book could be made into a Hallmark Movie. Girl meets boy, girl and boy hate each other, girl and boy start to tolerate each other, girl and boy love each other.

Fluffy story with a little bit of depth. I was in the mood for a light story, but this was was a little too light for me.

Fun read and quick read. I did a lot of skimming, didn't feel like I missed anything important.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3 because it didn't deserve to be rounded down.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned, by Jacqueline Firkins, is precisely what I look for in a rom-com. Sweet heroine, Marlowe, and studly hero, hot television actor, Angus. Under most circumstances, these two would never have met since Marlowe was a lowly costume assistant and Angus was a mega-star with a considerable fan base. But on the set of a show, they meet, and while sparks don’t fly instantly, they slowly build up into an adorable relationship. Go figure that two people who are so lonely and full of doubt will find something in each other to make them brave and bolder. Super fun and satisfying new romance novel from Ms. Firkins. #romance #actor #booklove #enemiestolovers #love #chances #jeeves #future #compromise @netgalley @stmartinspress @jfkillsdarlings

🧵

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Griffin and the author for the opportunity to read this book. Pub Date: Oct. 25, 2022.

#bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #bookreader

Loved this one. It was very readable, hard to put down.

Marlowe's loneliness of moving to a new city and working a stressful job with long hours was so relatable. Angus was an interesting, mysterious love interest.

The writing style was a bit cool and detached. I didn't mind, because I think it actually helped some of the vulnerability and emotional weariness come through. I really felt Marlowe's burnout working in a high-stress PA position for a TV show. (I just finished Jennette McClury's book so the culture of filming TV shows is fresh in my mind.)

What's keeping me from a full 5 stars is some underutilized moments of emotional tension. Also, the conclusion felt a bit weak, even though it was still pretty satisfying.

| About |

Marlowe Banks’s life has come apart at the seams. Her engagement ended abruptly. Her latest costume design was shredded by critics. Her student loans are overdue. Her parents have never been more disappointed. Desperate to hide from her failures, Marlowe flees New York City to embrace invisibility in Los Angeles as a menial Production Assistant on a popular TV show. While sorting socks and taking care of her boss’ spoiled Weimaraner, no one can confront her poor artistic choices or the end of her engagement, the end her ex refuses to accept. 

When a costume mix-up requires Marlowe to step into in a scene, the camera catches a heated look between her and Angus Gordon, the show's arrogant bad boy, thrusting Marlowe into the spotlight. As the pair is forced together on set, Marlowe learns she's not the only one hiding. Walls come down for both of them, revealing a life Marlowe isn't sure she's ready for, and when her past comes calling, she has to decide if she's going to stay invisible or if it's time for a redesign.

| Thoughts |

Cute, funny, witty. It bared a resemblance to a certain tv show I watch in more than one aspect. It was heartwarming and I really enjoyed the storyline. Behind the scenes jobs are rarely glamorous, this had a hint of both honest highs and lows that were believable.

ARC BOOK REVIEW

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned
by Jacqueline Firkins

Publishing date: 10/25/2022

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Marlowe Banks is at the bottom of the totum pole. She recently left New York City after a failed engagement and is working as a televison production assistant in Los Angeles   After a wardrobe mix up, Marlowe finds herself filling in for a  small role on the show at which she is working. But when the public reacts strongly to Marlowes on screen chemistry with show star Angus, the writers decide to include her in  future episodes.

Marlowe however doesn't want to be famous.  But when she starts to fall for Angus, how will she stay behind the scenes? Especially when the public believes that Angus has a girlfriend that is NOT Marlowe. ( and pictures of them end up all over social  media) And what will she do when everyone from her past starts to notice her in the spotlight?

Review:Soooooo. I didn't love it. But I didnt hate it. It felt like a typical " rom com"  ( which I love and thoroughly enjoy, so not bashing at all! ) I knew exactly where the story was going and there was no shocking moments in the book.

BUT I really enjoy books that highlight Hollywood /entertainment so this is why I was drawn to the story! 🙂

If you love slow burns with your typical " grump" and " enemies to lovers" you will enjoy this one!

Thanks yo @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the ARC!.

I’m not usually a rom.com type of reader. A lot of the romance books I read are just repetitive as far as plot lines go. This book was a nice new refreshing story. The two main character’s chemistry was absolutely lovely. You could feel their emotions for one another get stronger with each additional chapter. I like that the character’s vocation were different than what you normally see in a chick lit book.
The challenges they face and if they will or won’t be together in the end are legit. They are not some “he’s my bosses assistant or I’ve been hurt in the pass” lame excuse. There are a couple of steamy scenes. Mild swearing. I would read more books by this author.

Marlowe Banks is at a crossroads.
Her career path is going the wrong direction.
Her love life is non-existent after breaking off her engagement.
She's struggling financially.
And she has caught the eye of a leading male actor with a bad reputation.

Does she risk her privacy for some extra cash as an extra?
Does she hightail it out of town and give NY a second chance?
Does she keep doing menial talks for her difficult boss?
Marlowe gives all of the above a shot in this new release.

While the author does this heroine no favors in how she is described, there is clearly something special about her to gain the attention of Angus Gordon, the star of Hart's Diner (whose show Marlowe is assisting on). She assumes Angus doesn't like her, but the signs are there that she is way off base.

I liked the connection between Marlowe and Angus. They take some time to get on the same wavelength, mistakenly making assumptions about the other. But when they really take the time to talk, it felt genuine. And once they are on the same page, that's when the sparks really fly.

Overall, this was a fun romance and I loved how Marlowe turned around the direction of her life with a little luck, some personal talent, and a special new cheerleader by her side.

Marlowe Banks is having a rough go of it. So she has decided to leave it all behind in New York for an inconspicuous life in Los Angeles. Or so she had hoped until she is suddenly roped into a small part on a TV show with the one and only Angus Gordon. As they navigate their forced acquaintance they discover things about each other and themselves that lead to a need for some decisions to be made.

Marlowe is such a relatable and likable main character. I loved the depth that came along with the laughs and the romance. This is everything I look for in a romantic comedy. And if you’re a rom com fan as well, you will not regret reading this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced digital copy.

Very well done!
I loved this story, the growth that Marlowe goes through and the grace she learns to show herself is such an honest experience that a lot of us need to put into practice.
Her chemistry with Angus was sizzling. This was a slow burn romance and story of self discovery. One of my favorite reads of 2022

Marlowe Banks is hiding her light under a bush... A designer afraid of being torn down by critics for her art, and thus potentially culminating the lifelong cycle of being torn down by her parents, and ex (who unfortunately has still not got the memo that he is an 'ex') in abject failure. No thanks! Isn’t it better to work behind the scenes doing menial (aka Production Assistant) jobs for a Cruella meets Miranda Priestly of a boss? It might be tough but still better than being criticised for her art. And that'll have to be enough for her. Until the day she spills 'cozy-tub-water-hot' coffee on Angus, the bad boy of the cast. The chemistry, and animosity is instantaneous! And when she steps in to be an extra as a last resort, things are about to change.



The first thing you’d notice about the book is how well the characters are written. Marlowe exasperates me, even as I identify with her. I also love how the friend circle is written. I do hope Tan gets her own book.



The book's central theme revolves around attitude to failure. Should we use failure to step up, or let it define us. We'd all like to believe we'd fall in the former category, but is it always the case? An overarching motif in the story is Marlowe's self-doubt, whether she's good enough. Even as she gives us glimpses of her talent and backbone when she questions some of the misogynies on set, when it comes to showcasing her talent she's content to be in the background. I get a feeling before the events in the book, Marlowe was content being a second class citizen in her own story.



You'd also notice the author has indepth knowledge about the subject, that doesn’t come from doing some quick google research, but living and experiencing the environment. I found the costume designing aspects fascinating. The descriptions are vivid enough that they seem to transport you into that space. There is also ample commentary and discussion about public and private personas, how your social media tells a story about you which might not be true and its portrayal by media.



All things aside, this is a romance, which kind of went from hate (?) to lust to love. I like that the story portrays a realistic getting to know each other phase, even in the midst of celebrity and fan culture. Be prepared for a slowwwww burnnnnn... kind of would they, won't they romance.



If you are looking for a romance which is set in tv drama world/Hollywood, you like costumes/fashion, are in for very slow but very hot burn, look no further!