This was the perfect read to kick off my summer break. The tension, the banter, and the way my heart couldn’t stop fluttering. 10/10, I ate this up and left no crumbs!

This book wrecked my life and I said “thank you” when it was done. Wilder excels at crafting complex, relatable characters and Merritt's journey is portrayed with sensitivity, while Niko's cautious approach to love adds depth to his character. Their interactions are filled with witty banter and genuine connection, making their evolving relationship both believable and engaging.

While I don’t read many celebrity OR small-town romances, by the end of the book, I wished Crested Peak was a real place I could visit. The secondary characters are vibrant and well-written, and I enjoyed getting to know them along with Merritt and Niko. As always, Wilder’s celebrity-adjacent stories really scratched an itch for me, and I’m looking forward to her future work!

Thank you Ava Wilder for allowing me to read your book in return for an honest review. This small town romance is honestly perfect to read during the upcoming summer months. I’m also just a sap who loves romance and this was really cute!

i loved this new book from ava wilder! i love ava's celebrity romances and this was no different. she knows how to write characters with such depth and dimension. both the MMC and FMC had their own backgrounds, stories, struggles, vulnerabilities and i love how that played into how they approached the relationship. i also loved how the MMC was not the typical macho man MMC. he was queer and had experienced a poly relationship, and he was artistic, soft hearted, kind, and all the things we rarely see in contemporary romance heroes these days. most men in real life aren't 6'5 gruff billionaires. most men are like Niko! they're under 6 foot, they're insecure about things, unsure, feeling lost, financially unstable. niko felt like one of the few romance heroes who was a real person underneath it all.

bravo to ava wilder for creating this little world of imperfect characters learning how to be better everyday. not just the main characters, but the side characters too. everyone was doing their best in this path we call life. it was very wonderful :)

Loved this book! This was my first Ava Wilder and won't be my last. The characters were complex and both seemed like real people. I appreciated the way mental health issues and therapy were discussed, with an acknowledgement that change doesn't happen overnight and isn't always linear. I also enjoyed that even though this was a small town romance, the side characters didn't become overwhelming. Sometimes small town can turn into a cast of characters end up taking over. I laughed, I cried, I'll definitely be recommending Some Kind of Famous!

“Some Kind of Famous” is a gently paced, emotionally resonant novel that trades high drama for a quieter, more introspective journey—and while it may not be a devour-in-one-sitting kind of read, it offers plenty of reward for those willing to settle into its rhythm.

Merritt’s arc is especially compelling. Watching her press into a fuller, more liberated version of herself—one rooted in confidence, purpose, and self-trust—feels both satisfying and well-earned. Her growth is portrayed with nuance, particularly in how she navigates the tension between personal fulfillment and industry expectations.

Niko, too, is a standout: the kind of book boyfriend who doesn’t merely support from the sidelines but wrestles with his own fears and insecurities in ways that add emotional texture to their dynamic. Their relationship thrives on mutual care and vulnerability, offering one of the novel’s strongest emotional throughlines.

However, while the story’s inclusivity is admirable, some of the LGBTQ subplots feel more performative than organic—introduced with good intention, but not always given the depth or integration they deserve. As a result, they risk feeling more like narrative checkboxes than fully realized threads.

That said, the novel lands with heart. The ending is especially moving, as Merritt steps into the very role model she once needed. Some Kind of Famous may unfold with quiet confidence, but its message about self-acceptance, agency, and the courage to live authentically still leaves a lasting impression.

3.5 ⭐️ and a solid romance! Some Kind of Famous is full of surprises as we learn more about both Merritt’s and Niko’s pasts.

Throughout the story we get small glimpses into their world which I think was my favorite part - from Niko growing up in Greece to Merritt’s career and retirement, there is a lot of heavy topics to unpack. But the sunshine in it all was getting to hear dual POV perspectives of how into each other they were. And a bonus for me - all the bits of Greek throughout! Love to see an “agapi mou”!

Overall a solid read! Thank you Ava Wilder, Random House Publishing - Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thanks to Netgalley and Dell for the ARC!

The gorgeous cover for this book was what originally drew me in and the concept was interesting. However, none of the characters had a particularly strong identity and the relationships between characters mostly fell flat. I didn’t feel there was much chemistry or draw between Merritt and Niko.

Rating: 2.5 rounded up

as a huge fan of ava’s book “will they or won’t they,” i was very excited to read this story and expected to fall in love with it. the book does have the ingredients to be the perfect small town romance story, however i did not gel with either the plot or the characters. i didn’t buy the chemistry and also didn’t connect with the characters. the best part of this book was the setting but i wish we had more atmospheric vibes with this being a small town romance.

with all that being said, i am truly very thankful for the opportunity to read this book before its release. thank you to ava wilder, netgalley, and random house publishing group - ballantine for the digital arc!

this book is expected to be released on october 28, 2025.

Some Kind of Famous by Ava Wilder was an up and down book for me. It took me a while to get into the book, but when I did, I really enjoyed it.

Merritt is living with her twin sister and her husband and is given a "move into your own home" notice (after two years of temporary living with them) when her sister finds out she's pregnant. I thought Merritt was kind of a jerk in her actions at the beginning (no spoilers) but she did grow on me.

Niko is a contractor who met Merritt in an awkward situation and she's avoided him ever since. After being told by her sister and her husband she needs to move out, she hires Niko to work on the house she bought and then abandoned when she moved to town.

Their relationship progresses and Niko learns about who Merritt used to be. Their relationship progresses from there slowly as they get to know each other as he renovates her house.

It was a joy to watch their relationship progress naturally - awkwardness and all. There was a slow burn we felt and could relate to the characters and Merritt grew on me, Niko was always likeable.

I truly enjoyed their banter and character development throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book is a tender, emotionally layered small-town romance that blends the quiet charm of a Notting Hill-esque trope with a refreshingly down-to-earth depth. It offers a sweet, slow-burning connection between two flawed, healing people who never expected love—especially not with each other. If you’re a fan of introspective love stories that focus on growth, intimacy, and soft vulnerability, this one’s for you.

We meet Merritt Valentine, a once-famous singer-songwriter who’s been living in the shadows of her former fame after a highly publicized mental health crisis sent her fleeing the spotlight. Now tucked away in Crested Peak, a sleepy Colorado ski town, she’s been quietly rebuilding herself—emotionally, if not yet physically. When her sister’s pregnancy nudges her to finally leave the guest room she’s been occupying for far too long, Merritt decides to renovate her own fixer-upper with the help of Niko Petrakis, the town’s trusted (and infuriatingly handsome) contractor.

Niko is younger, creative, and a little bruised from his own past relationship scars. He’s also completely not the type of person Merritt sees herself with. Their mutual attraction simmers beneath layers of awkward tension, snappy banter, and heartfelt vulnerability. The chemistry? Absolutely undeniable—but the emotional baggage? That’s what truly sets this story apart. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about two people learning how to make space for each other’s pain, and eventually, joy.

While the plot moves gently—definitely more character-driven than event-heavy—it feels intentional and authentic. The pacing reflects real emotional growth, and Ava Wilder doesn’t rush the journey. Readers looking for action-packed twists won’t find them here, but those who appreciate a well-developed emotional arc and nuanced characters will feel right at home.

There’s a beautiful softness to this book that reminds me of Sarah Adams’ When in Rome, particularly in the way it plays with the idea of a “famous outsider” finding comfort and connection with someone rooted in a quieter life. But Some Kind of Famous leans more into the complexities of mental health, creative burnout, and the pressure of past expectations. Merritt’s journey is especially poignant as she slowly reclaims her voice and confronts the pieces of her identity she left behind.

And Niko? One of the kindest, most quietly swoon-worthy heroes I’ve read in a while. He listens, paints, builds, and lets his walls down piece by piece. The romantic moments—especially his confession in Greek!—are both tender and satisfying without ever feeling overly saccharine.

While the book may not have the dramatic highs of Ava Wilder’s previous novels, the emotional payoff is still incredibly rewarding. It’s comforting, warm, and reflective—a love story that feels like a deep breath and a soft place to land.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine | Dell for the opportunity to read this heartfelt romance early. I’m so grateful to be approved for titles from one of my favorite romance authors—Ava Wilder continues to deliver stories that feel honest, hopeful, and deeply human. This one was a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but love can absolutely bloom along the way.

Ava Wilder has written a perfect small-town romance. I love a "one of us is famous" trope when it's not cheesy or poorly done, and this author has proved she is a master at writing those well. Though the FMC is a fictional famous person, there's an authenticity there — with all of the characters, really — that I enjoyed.

The characters are beautifully fleshed out, and the chemistry between the two love interests is undeniable. As a bonus, we have some queer and mental health representation here, too, which is always welcome.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the e-arc!

3.5 ⭐️
This was a cute quick small town romance. In the beginning believe it was quite slow and lacked substance until about 50% I wasn’t connected to the MMC and MFC due to it all feeling surface level. I truly wanted to get to know them more. However at the halfway point things started to pick up and we got answers as to why the character were the way they were and why we were supposed to like them. Merritt and Niko as real couple goals!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Merritt is a grammy winner singer who left behind her glamourous life on is living with her twin sister and her husband in a small town. Meritt finds out the her sister is pregnant and that she will need to move out. Meritt hires Niko to help finish her house. Niko is a few years younger than meritt is good friends with Meritt's brother in law. Both Meritt and Niko are jaded from previous relationships and are not looking for anything serious. It starts a friends with benfit siuation but develops it something so much more meaningful. This was my first reading anything by Ava Wilder and enjoyed her writing style. The book was perfect length to read and story was easy to follow.

Thank you Net Galley for the arc!

I had a good time reading this book! I love a romance with a famous person because it gives off that billionaire romance vibe and I loveee that trope! So this was definitely a cute read!

4 STARS! ****

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!

I've liked every book of Ava Wilder's that I've read so when I saw Some Kind of Famous on Net Galley, I smashed the request button with my fingers crossed.

Some Kind of Famous is about Merritt, a retired singer/songwriter/musician, and Niko a contractor/artist. The flow, pacing, and dialogue was great and felt natural. I really liked that the conflict didn't feel forced or stereotypical.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book and Ava Wilder has become and blind-one-click-purchase for me.

I loved this one. It’s sweet and quiet and tender. Low on plot but high on character development, which is really what makes all of Ava’s books so good. It’s just two people living their lives, sorting out their shit, and falling in love in the process.

Merritt and Niko are a bit of a mess at first. They’re adorably awkward, slightly bumbling, careful around each other in a way that’s both cute and frustrating. But that tentative sweetness grows into a hard-earned friendship and eventually more. Their chemistry was so strong, but what really got me was how soft and sincere it all felt.

I especially loved what this book had to say about healing, about rooting yourself somewhere new, about letting go of the person everyone else thinks you are. Merritt’s complete openness about her past mistakes was so refreshing. And Niko was one of the softest, kindest MMCs I’ve read in a while. He’s thoughtful, creative, and just... good. The total opposite of every emotionally unavailable brooding love interest out there. And the fact that that he first confesses his feelings for her in Greek was just.... SWOON.

Another A+ Ava Wilder book. Two messy, lovable people finding the space to grow amid a completely gorgeous setting.

En Some Kind of Famous, Ava Wilder nos regala una novela romántica intensa, emocional y profundamente humana, ambientada en el pintoresco pueblo montañoso de Crested Peak, Colorado. Con una narrativa pausada pero cargada de sentimiento, esta historia se centra en Merritt Valentine, una ex estrella del pop que, tras una crisis de salud mental que acabó con su carrera, busca redescubrirse lejos del ruido de Los Ángeles. Acompañada por su hermana y su cuñado, Merritt lleva dos años intentando rehacer su vida, cuando la necesidad de independencia la empuja a renovar una casa… y a acercarse inevitablemente a Nikolaos “Niko” Petrakis, el encantador manitas del pueblo.

La relación entre Merritt y Niko es el corazón de la novela. Ambos han sido advertidos por sus amigos de que involucrarse podría ser un desastre, pero la atracción —y eventualmente la conexión emocional— que surge entre ellos es imposible de ignorar. A través de la restauración de una casa, ambos comienzan también a reconstruirse a sí mismos. Merritt, con su carácter complejo y sus cicatrices emocionales, y Niko, con su ternura, arte y su deseo profundo de ser aceptado tal como es.

Este libro destaca por su representación honesta y cuidadosa de temas como la salud mental, las adicciones, los ataques de pánico y el abandono emocional. También hay una visibilidad queer natural y respetuosa: Merritt y Niko son personajes bisexuales, y su identidad forma parte de la historia de manera significativa, sin ser forzada ni usada como simple recurso.

La historia es, sin duda, más introspectiva que argumental. No hay grandes giros de trama, especialmente en la primera mitad, pero eso es parte de su encanto: el foco está en la evolución de los personajes, en cómo se empujan suavemente a crecer, a enfrentarse a sus miedos, a reclamar su espacio y sus pasiones. Merritt vuelve poco a poco a su música, a su voz, a sí misma. Niko, por su parte, se permite finalmente echar raíces.

La química entre los protagonistas es palpable: desde el coqueteo contenido hasta momentos de una intimidad emocional y física deliciosamente descrita. Es un slow burn con toques de picante (3.5/5 chiles, según algunas lectoras), pero siempre con una fuerte carga emocional que sostiene la tensión entre ellos.

Para quienes han leído otras novelas de Ava Wilder, como How to Fake It in Hollywood y Will They or Won’t They, este libro se sentirá como una evolución natural. Aunque se aleja del brillo de la fama, Some Kind of Famous se siente igual de auténtico, complejo y emotivo. Con cameos encantadores de personajes de libros anteriores y una ambientación de pueblo pequeño entrañable, Wilder demuestra una vez más que es una autora que entiende de emociones reales, relaciones complicadas y segundas oportunidades.




Gracias NetGalley por el ARC.

im so sad to say this but im so so so so bored. I love ava's books but this one didnt land for me. I will check out her future books though!

If you know me you know I’m a huge Ava Wilder fangirl, and if we’re friends in real life I’ve probably forced you to read her books and/or gifted you a copy of them because that’s how much I love them!!!! So I was SO delighted to get to read an advance copy of SOME KIND OF FAMOUS, which absolutely lived up to my incredibly high expectations! (Also, this book has one of the most beautiful covers ever!!!)

When Merritt’s career as a singer-songwriter implodes, she moves to a tiny Colorado town to recoup. Ten years later, she’s still there, stuck in a limbo and afraid to take a step in any direction. When her sister tells her it’s time to finally move out of her guest bedroom, Merritt enlists the help of local handyman Niko, a kind-hearted man who Merritt knows she should stay away from. She’s too prickly and difficult for a guy like that. But my girl Merritt PERSISTS!!!!!

So many things to love:
🎶He thinks her laugh sounds like music
📕They nerd out over a book together
🤦‍♀️”Let’s just date for 2 months!” ok good luck with that
👨‍🎨He’s a painter!!!!
👑Male beauty pageants lol

I am preordering the heck out of this book! Out on 10/28 ✨