The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi is a sharp, poignant look at the world of modeling, music, fame, and Sunset Boulevard mainly in the 70s-80s through the life of Birdie, a model who was discovered at 13 walking into Saks Fifth Avenue by Harriett, an agent who has a very complicated relationship with Birdie. Cover Girl is told in dual timeline, focusing on the past and present Birdie (who now goes by Elizabeth).

Cover Girl was a wonderful and complicated story. It touched on a lot of important topics, from girls in predatory relationships to parental neglect to the AIDs crisis. Unfortunately I think this book tried to cover almost too much, A lot of topics felt glazed over, especially how they related to Birdie and her recovery personally. However, I did really enjoy this book. There was something cathartic about the ending especially, seeing how Birdie's relationship to Harriett was redefined and changed. I certainly agree with other reviews that this book is perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Amy Rossi tells a tragic story of a young model, Birdie Rhodes, who was abused by the system, neglected by her parents, groomed my a much older Rock Star and affected deeply by the AIDS epidemic.

Rossi hits on so many topics that are relevant to the fashion and rock star lifestyle, however it is all happening to one character and I felt like it glazed over these topics instead of picking one or two and doing a deep dive. Birdie is a complex character, but reads as more of a bystander in her life. I felt like she had no fight in her, which may have been exactly what Ms. Rossi wanted from her. Because of that I had a hard time really connecting with Birdie. I wanted so many more confrontations from her as an adult, then just the retrospective she fades into.

I did enjoy reading this novel, but I was looking for a different ending to the character.

Birdie is discovered at the tender age of 13 and thrust into the grown up world of modeling in the 1970s. Her agent, Harriet, is the only one who offers some semblance of security. Her parents were only too eager to let her go off w a much older rock star. That strained credulity for me.

The novel offers a sometimes shocking look at the modeling industry in the 70’s and 80s. Fans of Daisy Jones and the Six will certainly enjoy. Recommend for all public libraries

If you're a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid, this is the book for you. Personally, The Cover Girl felt a little too shallow. I think it properly painted LA in the late 70's/early 80's Sunset Strip Rock & Roll life. I did find it disappointing that it took Birdie 40 years to realize that she was in a predatory relationship with "The Rocker" and how it derailed her career. You'd hope that she came to that realization earlier on in life, but it is what it is.

Well written historical fiction told by Birdie, the very tall, very beautiful girl/woman who doesn’t have her shit together. Writing is delightful, Birdie is a great character, and I highly recommend this novel.

📸 Summary:
At just 13 years old, Birdie Rhodes is discovered by legendary modeling agent Harriet Goldman and swept into the glamorous, high-stakes world of fashion. But while she dreams of making it big, she never quite reaches the top. At 15, she falls into a relationship with a much older rock star—something Harriet warns her against. As her career takes her from LA to Paris and beyond, Birdie buries her past, reinventing herself along the way. Decades later, an invitation to honor Harriet’s legacy forces her to confront everything she’s tried to forget—the fame, the trauma, and the choices that shaped her life.

🌟 My Thoughts:
Overall, The Cover Girl was a pretty good read with an important message. It sheds light on how women were treated in the modeling industry before the #MeToo movement, showing the darker realities behind the glamour. Birdie’s story was compelling, and I appreciated how the book explored the exploitation young girls faced.

That said, the pacing felt uneven. A huge portion of Birdie’s life seemed to be skipped over, leaving gaps in how she truly felt about everything she had experienced. Then, when she finally figures things out, it all wraps up too quickly. I wanted a deeper look into her emotions and journey rather than a rushed conclusion. While it had its flaws, I still found the story impactful and worth reading.

"The Cover Girl" by Amy Rossi highlights the child modeling industry and the impact that it leaves on those involved. Birdie is discovered as a model at a very young age and ends up mainly surrounding herself with people who aren't the best influence nor are looking out for her best interests. It was honestly sad to read what she went through and how it shaped her decision making skills later on, especially when her bad decisions were so apparent to those who truly cared about her. There were so many times in the book when I just wanted to yell at Birdie to open her eyes!

The story ties together nicely at the end and I enjoyed the slight-dual timeline. Thank you for the advanced reader copy!

I felt for Birdie so much when reading, being young and feeling unloved does cause you to make bad decisions. Her parents truly failed her and Harriet tried her best. Birdie was stuck in the false sense of a fulfilling love that was never pure. I don’t think she would have actually listened in any of the adults of her life overtly stuck up for her. I could feel how she disassociated from modeling, her life and that she just never knew who she was. This shows how much trauma can truly alter your brain chemistry and perception. Birdie was never going to realize the abusive situation she was in until she was ready to confront. My favorite thing about the book was how the rock star was never given a name - he could’ve been anyone. Because this has happened to many woman and that is terrifying.

How this book is written definitely reminds me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which I loved. The premise of this book really hooked me in because I love learning about how the fashion and modeling industry was so different before the 2000s. I love how universal and timeless womanhood is, but in a tragically beautiful way.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!

After reading The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi, I was brought into a world filled with values placed on the superficial and morals that were easily seen as corrupted, and it kept me wanting to read more. As the story follow Birdie, a young model, it has us travel through time in the present and with vivid flashbacks to the past to give insight into the world of modeling in the 70s and 80s. Birdie strives to make it big and get away from her love lacking family but ends up putting her life in the hands of her agent and a rockstar with very questionable motives. While at times I was deeply concerned for Birdie and her well-being, Rossi made me care for Birdie as if she was a friend. Picking up pace at different points in the novel, I reached the end and wished for a deeper understanding of the relationship between Birdie and her agent, Harriet, who was such a role-model in a sense to the impressionable and young Birdie. Leaving me with insight to a new world and questions about how far is too far in certain industries, The Cover Girl is a read that lead to many shocking revelations and appreciation for the work placed upon models, beyond the superficial narrative.

More than just a face....

At thirteen, Birdie Rhodes is a gangly outsider amongst her school friends. But when her mother drags her to New York City for her annual school clothing shopping, Harriet Goldman sees her and MUST meet with her. Harriet is *the* woman in charge of *the* modeling agency of the time. Undeniably, Harriet has an eye for talent and developing it.

As Birdie becomes more experienced and starts to spread her wings, she sees a call for a rock and roll album cover. And things are never the same after that shoot. She falls head over heels for the lead singer, who just happens to be 31 years old! She grows up quickly, and sees more than any young girl should.

Fast forward to her mature world, where she's the face of vitamins and anti-aging creams. Her time in LA, enmeshed in the punk scene, and all that does with it are just faded memories. But when an invitation arrives to join those from her past in celebrating Harriet's 50-year career, everything comes back to light.

I had to keep reminding myself that this was the 70's/80's and not quite the timeframe or mindset of my youth. Some things seem unbelievable, but when you think of the time, maybe not so much... It was really interesting to see the perspective, like an inside peek within the industry. And it's not all sunshine and rainbows.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Amy Rossi for the eARC.

Thirteen year old Birdie Rhodes gets discovered in a NYC department store and her life changes forever. In a series of wrong doings and miscommunication, adults let her down, allow her to be abused, and discard her like she’s a useless commodity. It took me a bit to get into this book and then, bam, I was sucked in.

If you are a Millennial you will like this book. It reminds me of all the stories we heard of modeling days and living in LA in the 90's and early 00's. Kind of like a follow up to ANTM. It was so good and captivating.

Thank you NetGalley and Harelquin Trade Publishing for an advanced reader copy of Cover Girl by Amy Rossi. This was a good,quick, entertaining read, it following Birdie at a few periods of her life jumping between the 70s when she is a young teen in the modeling industry and 2018 when she is about 50 and it’s a culmination this sort of trauma that is resurfacing and she has to finally face it. For me sometimes a good 3 star read is perfect just entertaining and quick. I would recommend this even if the modeling premise isn’t appealing because it isn’t too heavy on like the vain aspect it has depth, Birdie has depth and while those classic model connotations aspects were definitely there it wasn’t in an annoying way at all.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this book!

Although this book was not my taste, I know a lot of people are going to love it! "The Cover Girl" follows Birdie Rhodes as she begins her career in the field of modeling in the 80s and 90s and a second timeline in 2018, where she reflects on her experiences.

I would recommend this book to people who are interested in the darker sides of the fashion and modeling industry. This book does an amazing job at showing the problems in the field, many of which still exist today.

The one thing I did not love about this book was the pacing. While the 2018 POVs were necessary for the plot, they did really take me out of the action of the plot. Since the entire book is a recounting of a period from the past, I wish those 2018 reflection moments were placed in the prologue and in an epilogue, rather than separating the narrative.

Something about the plot, and the writing style reminded me of the work of Eve Babitz. So, if you are looking for any Babitz-esk fiction I would highly suggest checking this title out!

Amy Rossi’s debut novel, The Cover Girl, is a hauntingly evocative journey through the highs and lows of a life shaped by fame, love, and loss. With dual timelines weaving between Birdie Rhodes’ meteoric rise in the modeling world as a teenager and her quieter, solitary life decades later, Rossi delivers a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the cost of being “seen but not heard.”

What Worked Well
The strength of The Cover Girl lies in its unflinching portrayal of Birdie’s coming-of-age in an unforgiving industry. Rossi masterfully captures the glittering allure of fame and the devastating cracks beneath its surface. The early chapters brim with the intoxicating rush of discovery, as shy Birdie is transformed into one of Harriet Goldman’s “Girls.” Yet the novel never glamorizes the fashion world—it strips it bare, exposing the predators who lurk in its shadows and the heartbreak that follows when a young girl is thrust into adulthood too soon.

Birdie’s romance with the much-older rock star is written with an almost fever-dream quality, capturing the dizzying pull of first love and the disillusionment when it fades. Rossi doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Birdie’s decisions, offering readers a nuanced perspective on her youthful naivety and the fallout that follows.

The dual timelines add depth and intrigue. In the present, Birdie’s quiet life contrasts sharply with her chaotic past. The arrival of the letter inviting her to Harriet’s celebration forces Birdie to confront long-buried wounds, and the emotional stakes are palpable as she grapples with her identity and the trauma she has worked so hard to suppress.

What Could Have Been Stronger
While the story is deeply compelling, the pacing in the latter half of the novel felt slightly uneven. Some of Birdie’s reflections on her past could have been more succinct, as they occasionally slowed the narrative’s momentum. Additionally, while Harriet is a fascinating character, her motivations remain somewhat opaque, leaving readers craving more insight into her relationship with Birdie.

Themes and Takeaways
The Cover Girl is a powerful commentary on the fragility of young women in industries that value appearance over substance. It examines the blurred lines between empowerment and exploitation, the lasting impact of trauma, and the quiet courage it takes to rebuild a life. Birdie’s journey toward self-acceptance is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making her a character who lingers long after the final page.

Final Thoughts
Amy Rossi has crafted a striking debut that pulls readers into the glamour and grit of Birdie’s world, leaving them both enchanted and unsettled. The Cover Girl is a vivid reminder of the costs of chasing fame—and the resilience it takes to reclaim oneself from its wreckage. With its richly drawn characters and emotionally charged narrative, this novel is perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & The Six or Mary Alice Monroe’s character-driven storytelling.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking, emotionally resonant read. Birdie’s story is one you won’t soon forget.

The timeline setting of this book kept me intrigued and I really enjoyed the story to its core. A nice perspective to an industry!

Birdie Rhodes was only 13 when she was discovered by modeling agent Harriet Goldman. Thrust into a life as one of 'Harriet's Girls', Birdie's shyness allows her to express herself in front of the cameras. To shy to say "No," Birdie experiences the highs and lows of the modeling world, the excitement and the trauma. Two years later she meets a 31-year-old rock star and her life changes into that of a rocker's lover, going all over the country with him and his band, all while still trying to model. When that life falls apart, she goes back to modeling in Paris, LA and Boston. Several years later, Birdie retires into a quiet life of smaller modeling gigs and Pilates, and goes by the name Elizabeth. When she receives an invitation to celebrate Harriet's 50-year career, Birdie is torn. She's left that life, and Harriet, behind her, hasn't she? She'll have to revisit her past to reconcile her current life.

The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi

Amy Rossi crafts an engaging and emotionally resonant story in The Cover Girl. The novel shines a light on themes of identity, ambition, and the pressure of societal expectations, all woven together through the perspective of a complex and relatable protagonist.

Rossi’s writing is beautifully descriptive, drawing readers into the glamorous yet challenging world of the fashion industry while balancing the human struggles beneath the surface. The characters feel genuine, their flaws and triumphs making them memorable long after you’ve finished reading.

What stands out most is Rossi’s ability to tackle heavy themes with grace and authenticity, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and highly entertaining. The Cover Girl is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction who appreciate stories of personal growth and resilience.

Told in two timelines, this striking debut novel explores the dizzying fallout of being seen and not heard in a high-stakes industry that leaves no silhouette unscathed.

I really enjoyed this book. It hooked me from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. It was a peek into the glamorous world of runways and the lifestyle surrounding that world. The author, Amy Rossi, did an excellent job at making me feel all the emotions on this one. The character of Birdie was well written, and I think the story was well plotted. I absolutely recommend this to the women's fiction readers. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you Net Galley ARC, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, and Amy Rossi