Marlowe Banks, Redesigned was an emotional, sweet read with some great takes on social media/celebrity personas and how they can negatively affect people. This book had quality writing, interesting characters and professions, and great angst!

Marlowe Banks is a new L.A. resident after departing a tough job as a costume designer in NYC and a breakup with her fiance. While on set at her new job, she meets TV star Angus Gordon and sparks fly. This was a really cute book, although it felt kind of New Adult at times. Marlowe struggled with her self worth and self confidence. She had a wonderful growth arc throughout the book and really came a long way forward when it came to letting others' opinions determine her path. I loved the look into her job as a costume designer. You could tell the author really shares a love for that form of art as well. Angus was a sweet, introverted, often misunderstood actor. Together, they had a slow burn relationship that really took the time to develop into a friendship first before they moved into something more. I thought the book was perfectly paced with a good amount of tension between the two main characters. The TV show set offered a robust setting that added lots of other fun characters with big personalities to the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read. It would be a perfect summer read for anyone who enjoys a bit of angst and a lot of character growth in their romances. Also if celebrity/normal romances are your thing, this one is great at bringing the glamour of the profession while still acknowledging the hard parts of dating someone famous.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the advance e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

This didn't work for me. I think Marlowe is a great protag - she's relatable and charming, and I really resonated with her issues with self-confidence and her almost compulsive over-thinking nature. Marlowe isn't the issue with this novel and, tbh, she makes it worth reading. My problem was with Angus. I think his relationship with Marlowe is sweet, but it's almost too sweet. It ticks all the romcom boxes, but in a way that feels sort of stifling to read. Angus was a bit too expected, if that makes sense. But, if you're looking for a sweet and relatable read, this will do it for you.

📚BOOK REVIEW 📚

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned

Thank you to @netgalley and @jfkillsdarlings for the ARC!

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely LOVED this read!! I could relate a lot to Marlowe when it came to self confidence.

What I liked : I really enjoyed the journey of Angus and Marlowe together. Their relationship was adorable 🥰. Not only did Marlowe gain confidence in herself throughout this story she also gained relationships with her friends, coworkers, and angus.

What I didn’t like: I’ve been trying to think of things I didn’t like and I honestly can’t come up with any. It was a great read!

I recommend this to anyone everyone, it’ll make your heart smile. ❤️😊❤️

#netgalley #netgalleyreads #bookstagram #books #booklover #book #bookworm #bookstagrammer #reading #bookish #bookaddict #booknerd #bibliophile #instabook #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #b #read #bookaholic #booksbooksbooks #bookphotography #bookshelf #booklove #love #bookreview #bookcommunity #bookblogger #instabooks #booklovers #reader

I went in with no expectations, not yet reading a novel by Jacqueline Firkins, but was pleasantly surprised! I loved the setting of this book, with the ties to backstage Hollywood in wardrobe design and felt like I learned a lot about the pressures of all the people behind the scenes. The banter between Marlowe and Angus was *chefs kiss* ugh so good. I loved the development of Marlowe throughout the novel, really coming into her own. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for their next rom-com!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a sweet, funny and heartfelt story about figuring it out and pursuing one's dreams. The banter between Marlowe and Angus had be cackling and the self-discovery Marlowe goes through was very touching.

This book was fantastic. I loved it so much. The love story was both beautiful and inspiring. This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last.

Loved this NA novel! I thought the author did an excellent job with a realistic look at behind the scenes, as well as developing chemistry and supporting characters. I would happily read any novel by Ms. Firkins!

This book was provided to me by NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved all of the main characters and thought that the relationship between Marlowe and Angus was adorable. Overall, it was a fun and quick read that I could not put down!

I really enjoyed this rom-com from author Jacqueline Firkins.

Marlowe is a likable heroine recovering from a narcissistic ex who gaslit her. Her empowering confrontation with the ex later in the book was one of my favorite parts, and the author showed the emotional scars in a realistic way.

Marlowe and Angus together were so adorable. Angus is such a dorky and emotionally mature male lead, I found him charming and wholesome, but still sassy to Marlowe. I enjoyed their banter and chemistry.

This is a super enjoyable rom-com with a realistic description of a woman growing and healing after a toxic relationship.

A really fund read about the messiness of failure, forgiveness, and embracing a second chance on life and love. Well done and wonderful characters.

A cute, fluffy little romcom, this book was entertaining and quick, easy read. The relationship between Marlowe and Angus wasn't necessarily 100% believable, but it was cute. I essentially could have done without the Kelvin character at all.

Give us the Cherry spinoff that she deserves!!

Originally an East Coaster, Marlowe Banks has left behind a floundering career as a costume designer and an ex-fiance for the sunny skies of Los Angeles. Working as a Costume Production Assistant (basically a glorified errand-runner for her boss, Babs) on the popular television show, Heart's Diner - Marlowe finds her new job and new life to be busy, unfulfilling and lonely. When a background actor calls out sick, her replacement doesn't fit into the diner waitress costume. No one else seems to be the same size... except Marlowe. Her scene puts her in contact with dreamy bad boy, Angus Gordon. Their chemistry in the single diner scene leads to a new friendship and a three episode arc for Marlowe. As Marlowe tries to balance her new acting gig with her PA job, annoying texts from her ex and her growing romantic feelings Angus, Marlowe has to figure out what she really wants.

I absolutely adore this book. Angus and Marlowe are couple goals to end all couple goals. Angus is the slightly insecure, introverted book lover of my dreams. SWOON. 100%.

All the characters are truly presented as dynamic, interesting human beings. Cherry's extroverted and ballsy personality are the perfect opposite to Marlowe's almost obsessive overthinking.

The story is captivating and absolutely enjoyable.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Marlowe is a costume designer who recently broke up with her fiancé and moved to LA to try something new and find herself. Angus is the star of the show Marlowe works on. Sparks fly.

I really liked this book. Marlowe is so relatable and I loved how her relationship with Angus developed. She was real without being too over the top and you felt like you were there watching them fall in love. The friendships in this book were top notch. I cried at the epilogue.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Did I request this book simply for the book cover, yes? Did I love the heck out of this book? Also yes.

Marlowe Banks has lost her confidence. She put her career as a costume designer in NY, called off her wedding to a fiancé who made her feel less than, and is now working on the set of a popular drama series and is more dog walker and shopper than designer. She is trying to stay away from the bad boy star of the series but when a wardrobe malfunction threatens to derail production and hurt her friend, she finds herself on the other side of the screen across from said bad boy.

As their hate at first sight steamy glances go viral, she ends up on the show in a three episode arc and also realizes that Angus is not the bad boy everyone thinks he is.

This is a great exploration of finding oneself, the consequences and affects of life in the Hollywood spotlight and living up to others’ expectations. It is light hearted but important. Their friendship is sweet, their romance is definitely slow burn. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book.

Thank you NetGalley for my gifted arc.

I read this novel on my way to Rome and it was a great way to spend a long plane ride. Marlowe Banks, Redesigned follows the story of a lowly design assistant on the set of what I imagined to be a soapy teen drama like Riverdale and how she ends up with the star of the show, Angus Gordon. Marlowe and Angus start off on the wrong foot and that initial run in sets the tone for these two. She thinks he's an ass and he thinks she's clumsy, add a series of events and these perceptions don't seem that far off, but of course, they are. Marlowe's just a frazzled, overworked, undervalued step above intern to her boss who is constantly tasked with the most menial and impossible tasks. And Angus? Well his quiet persona and aloofness don't help things. As these two get thrown into a situation that forces them to spend more time together we get to see that Angus is so much more than he appears, as is Marlowe. He longs for roles that stretch him beyond what he's been given and she's longing for the commercial success that has eluded her so far.



This novel was fun to read, not only for the way the romance unfolded, but for the evolution of their separate careers. I also enjoyed how steady Angus was--he wasn't the usual angsty, over the top actor type and his kindness and patience was an unexpected plus.



A very lovely read, by a new to me author. Definitely will try her other works.

Ahhhhh this was just such a great read. I just didn't want this book to end and I was sad to turn the last page. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

This was a very solid 3 star read. I liked the illusions to Riverdale. Angus, the hero, was like a mashup of Archie & Jughead. A fun read! Thanks to @netgalley for the ARC!

thank you netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest review :)

my oh my oh my

this book had such an original plot. i loved that our actor was this introverted, flirty, misunderstood, quiet person that strongly contrasted the character he played.

the fmc marlowe reminds me of me and honestly has this internal battle that most of us can relate to. Taking risks, up and changing your life, figuring out what you want to do with your life (career wise). I know I can relate to this as a college student with her graduation coming up lol.

overall this was a good read! a bit slow in the beginning but it picks up once marlowe enters california.

3/5 stars

posted on goodreads 6/10/22

I'm often drawn to contemporary romances set in the world of show business, and this one is a case in point. Marlowe doesn't want to be in the limelight. Her dream is to be a costume designer, but she's still paying her dues as a lowly assistant working on a long-running TV drama. She's also reeling after breaking up with her cluelessly abusive fiancé, although she knows it was the right thing to do.

Marlowe feels sure that Angus, the hunky male star of the TV show, shares all of the traits that soured her on her ex, but when a twist of fate has her subbing for a background actor, she finds herself exchanging glances with Angus that appear steamy when they turn up all over social media. All of a sudden, she is the subject of hatred from his fans and those of his actress girlfriend.

I appreciate the fact that the story is more about Marlowe's difficulty in going after the career that she deserves and standing up for herself where relationships are concerned than it is about romance. My favorite character, however, is Angus because there is so much more to him than his handsome exterior. I like the way we slowly uncover bits and pieces of the "real" Angus and how he feels about himself as the story progresses. Marlowe's friend and coworker Cherry also provides some upbeat assistance and counsel that is frequently humorous but always supportive and insightful. I was not familiar with this author but, on the strength of this book, will look for more from her.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

This was a great book, easy to get lost in the world of LA and TV stars. The plot was slow at times but it still was a fun and enjoyable summer read