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Fashioning a Star
Mystique Miller always marched to the beat of her own drum, which made her an easy target for bullies growing up. However, as an adult, she has reinvented herself to become the strong and confident Jade Miller. She sticks up for herself and is following her dreams of starting her own fashion line. But when the new her is met with an old face from the past, her life gets turned upside down. Monica Hart has always lived a charmed life. She was queen bee of her high school and still on top fifteen years later as news anchor, Monica Starr. Even though she had everything money could buy, she didn’t feel as lucky as she once did. All she wanted was to be herself, but she wasn’t sure who that was. When she meets an unlikely stylist, suddenly, her eyes are opened. Can the past predict the future? Or do we all get second chances to start over? Fashioning a Star has an enemies-to-lovers vibe with an ugly-duckling-to-swan story that will leave you with a happy heart.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2023
82 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Taylor
29 books94 followersAbigail Taylor creates beautifully strong yet vulnerable female characters, following a lifetime of personal experience.
Abigail is influenced by her love of human connection, kindness, nature & animals to create heartwarmingly feel-good stories that inspire and enchant.
With a keen interest in equality and LGBTQ+ related issues, Abigail has a strong social media presence offering a friendly, supportive environment where every voice matters.
patreon.com/AbigailTaylorAuthor
https://www.redbubble.com/people/Abby...
https://www.instagram.com/abbytaylora...
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https://twitter.com/a_taylorauthor
www.abbytaylorauthor.com
Abigail is influenced by her love of human connection, kindness, nature & animals to create heartwarmingly feel-good stories that inspire and enchant.
With a keen interest in equality and LGBTQ+ related issues, Abigail has a strong social media presence offering a friendly, supportive environment where every voice matters.
patreon.com/AbigailTaylorAuthor
https://www.redbubble.com/people/Abby...
https://www.instagram.com/abbytaylora...
https://www.facebook.com/abigailtaylo...
https://twitter.com/a_taylorauthor
www.abbytaylorauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 30, 2023
Most of the story happens in the present with some flashback in high school with Monica and Jade. I always love these kind of scenes because they make you understand the characters and their wounds better.
Teenage years are hard for a lot of people, sometimes because people tend to want to put you in a box and if you don't fit into any, you are an outcast; sometimes you loose yourself trying to fit into these boxes hiding behind a pack,unable to stand for yourself or others because of the fear to be cast away. Taylor portrayed that well with Monica and Jade, conciliating perfectly them from the past and them in the present; all their actions in the present making sense with what happened in the past.
Even if I always have a bit trouble wrapping my head around insta attraction (Monica's pov), I appreciate that Monica doesn't over question herself and just embrace her feelings. Overall this is a really entertaining rom-com which delivers what you expect from it : drama, chemistry and feelings. A perfect read for the spring/summer
Teenage years are hard for a lot of people, sometimes because people tend to want to put you in a box and if you don't fit into any, you are an outcast; sometimes you loose yourself trying to fit into these boxes hiding behind a pack,unable to stand for yourself or others because of the fear to be cast away. Taylor portrayed that well with Monica and Jade, conciliating perfectly them from the past and them in the present; all their actions in the present making sense with what happened in the past.
Even if I always have a bit trouble wrapping my head around insta attraction (Monica's pov), I appreciate that Monica doesn't over question herself and just embrace her feelings. Overall this is a really entertaining rom-com which delivers what you expect from it : drama, chemistry and feelings. A perfect read for the spring/summer
June 5, 2023
short, fast paced read
July 21, 2023
A lovely enemies-to-lovers romance written with both verve and feeling.
The flashback scenes to the MCs' time at school, while never lowering the pure reading pleasure, have good points to make about being "different" and very much inform the characters, but this is really a story about the present... and a possible future 😀.
The mild social commentary is so neatly seeeded that you almost miss it in this page-turning fun romance. I absolutley loved it 🥰
The flashback scenes to the MCs' time at school, while never lowering the pure reading pleasure, have good points to make about being "different" and very much inform the characters, but this is really a story about the present... and a possible future 😀.
The mild social commentary is so neatly seeeded that you almost miss it in this page-turning fun romance. I absolutley loved it 🥰
May 14, 2023
Another amazing story by Abigail Taylor! Fashioning a Star is a wonderful, quick read that will make you smile! This book is a little different than some of Abby’s other books. It’s a little more lighthearted and fun, but the characters and the story are just as emotionally deep as always. I love the emotional complexity that Abby gives to the characters in her stories. Her characters are real and vulnerable and it is easy to connect with them and get pulled into the story.
FAS is written with a dual POV and switches back and forth between high school and present day (15 years later). Abby did a great job with the time switching and I think it really added to the story. We get these little glimpses into the past that make the character growth even more powerful.
Jade and Monica could not have been more different in high school. But they both longed to break free from that experience and who they were during that part of their lives. Jade reinvented herself, leaving Mystique well in her past. Monica left the drama of high school popularity behind her, but the limelight followed her, and so did the overwhelming burden of other people’s expectations.
The two are forced together when Jade is hired to design a dress for Monica for an upcoming event. And while the recognition is only one sided, the sparks and desire are most definitely not. And try as they might, this unlikely pair can’t split the seam that had them sewn together from the start. 💖🪡
Fashioning a Star is a second chance, enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of spice. ❤️🔥 It’s also a story about reinventing yourself in order to be the most authentic version of who you are, regardless of the expectations and opinions of others. It’s a story about learning how to stand up for yourself, and to show up for the people who matter. About learning to be confident and comfortable in who you are and knowing that the right people will stick by you. No matter what.
Highly recommend it! Go preorder now and check out Abby’s other books as well. I was grateful for the opportunity to be an early reader. Thanks for the ARC, Abby! 😁
FAS is written with a dual POV and switches back and forth between high school and present day (15 years later). Abby did a great job with the time switching and I think it really added to the story. We get these little glimpses into the past that make the character growth even more powerful.
Jade and Monica could not have been more different in high school. But they both longed to break free from that experience and who they were during that part of their lives. Jade reinvented herself, leaving Mystique well in her past. Monica left the drama of high school popularity behind her, but the limelight followed her, and so did the overwhelming burden of other people’s expectations.
The two are forced together when Jade is hired to design a dress for Monica for an upcoming event. And while the recognition is only one sided, the sparks and desire are most definitely not. And try as they might, this unlikely pair can’t split the seam that had them sewn together from the start. 💖🪡
Fashioning a Star is a second chance, enemies-to-lovers romance with plenty of spice. ❤️🔥 It’s also a story about reinventing yourself in order to be the most authentic version of who you are, regardless of the expectations and opinions of others. It’s a story about learning how to stand up for yourself, and to show up for the people who matter. About learning to be confident and comfortable in who you are and knowing that the right people will stick by you. No matter what.
Highly recommend it! Go preorder now and check out Abby’s other books as well. I was grateful for the opportunity to be an early reader. Thanks for the ARC, Abby! 😁
July 2, 2025
This is my first read of an Abigail Taylor work. This follows Jade (Mystique) and Monica as high schoolers and adults. The dual timeline was a little clunky. The transitions between past and present were a bit abrupt. Speaking of abrupt, these two characters go from 0 to 60 so many times and then they turn a 180. “You recognize me from high school and didn’t tell me, you’re a liar! I forgive you and I love you!”
It’s an ok story, it’s not horrible. It just wasn’t anything special or memorable.
It’s an ok story, it’s not horrible. It just wasn’t anything special or memorable.
May 30, 2023
Fashioning A Star is enemies to lovers story about Mystique and Monica who went to high school together. Monica was a popular cheerleader and Mystique was a goth girl who was bullied by Monica’s friends. The story flashes back from high school to the present day. The reader gets a glimpse of both Mystique and Monica and how they each dealt with high school and their respective problems. This in turned shaped their perspectives in the present day. Monica, a newscaster was in search of a stylist. But what she didn’t realized that the stylist hired was Mystique, who now went by Jade. The story continues on until both women come to realize they like each other. With this new found revelation, each of the women struggled with accepting who they were and had to break down many layers to get to where they were comfortable enough to take that chance on one another. I highly recommend this book, as well as Abby Taylor’s backlog.
May 4, 2023
Thank you Abby for giving me the honour of reading your latest book before its release! 🙏
As always, this book was fantastic, it's wonderfully written. The book is about a Journey of self-discovery, an enemies-to-lovers romance, when Jade ends up the stylist for Monica her old high school crush, what could go wrong? Or right? 😏 It's funny, and the dynamics between the two MC's are brilliant, it's hot in all the best ways. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommended reading it, release date is May 25th 🗓
If you haven't already checked out Abby's other books, I highly recommend them all, but her 'Friends and Lovers Series' is fantastic! Go and read 'No One Compares to Her' on KU now!
I can't wait for more from Abby, such a great writer and I inspire to be half the writer she is. Thanks again for the ARC 💙
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
As always, this book was fantastic, it's wonderfully written. The book is about a Journey of self-discovery, an enemies-to-lovers romance, when Jade ends up the stylist for Monica her old high school crush, what could go wrong? Or right? 😏 It's funny, and the dynamics between the two MC's are brilliant, it's hot in all the best ways. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommended reading it, release date is May 25th 🗓
If you haven't already checked out Abby's other books, I highly recommend them all, but her 'Friends and Lovers Series' is fantastic! Go and read 'No One Compares to Her' on KU now!
I can't wait for more from Abby, such a great writer and I inspire to be half the writer she is. Thanks again for the ARC 💙
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
May 1, 2023
Both Characters are very likeble in their own way. I like the dual timeline where the past of both is been described. It is a fast and relax read.
May 31, 2023
I had so much fun reading this book! Mystique/Jade and Monica’s story is so engaging. From flashbacks to their time in high school, where we see Jade’s infatuation with Monica at its beginning and Monica’s difficulty with saying what she really wants, to the present day where both women have a second chance (and maybe a few more, after some blunders) to express their true feelings, I could barely put it down. Thanks to the author’s introspective style, we’re able to get a real sense for what Jade and Monica are both thinking as the story, and they, develop. Plus, THE DRESSING ROOM SCENE. SO many great moments with palpable tension. If you’re looking for a fun, satisfying weekend read that’s full of heart and steam, this book is it!
June 6, 2023
A little flat
So this was a good story don't get me wrong, but it kind of feels like there's some loose ends. For one we don't know what happened with Monica's family. Another is how the book built up their time in high school and mentioned the reunion multiple times, even starting off the book with it but they didn't go back and face their past even though that's the kind of thing they talked about.
So this was a good story don't get me wrong, but it kind of feels like there's some loose ends. For one we don't know what happened with Monica's family. Another is how the book built up their time in high school and mentioned the reunion multiple times, even starting off the book with it but they didn't go back and face their past even though that's the kind of thing they talked about.
May 31, 2023
I loved that the author gave us a couple chapters of the past with Monica and Jade in high school. Poor Jade dealt with some horrible bullying which I hated because I absolutely despise bullying but the story flowed nicely and it helped understand the characters. Jade definitely came out of all that as a bad bitch though! My favorite parts of the book was every time she put Monica in her place! I was glad to see Monica had lots of character development because during the beginning of the book she such a bitter and mean person. Jade snapped her out of that lol overall I loved the story! 5 stars!
July 9, 2023
I know it is a romance book and I know insta-love is a common trope but everything went from 0 to 1000 in a turn of a page in a way that just left me confused. While I don't necessarily regret my time reading this book per se, I will say I wish I had spent my time more wisely and chosen a different book.
April 9, 2024
Initially, I anticipated a fun, quick read, but the plot and characters lacked any sense of depth. The interactions felt forced and unnatural, suggesting the author might be inexperienced. The writing was clunky and lazy, particularly towards the end.
May 28, 2023
sweet
Nice short kinda friends to enemies (maybe) to lovers.
I liked the back and forth in time with these characters. And that’s saying something as I normally don’t like it at all. I think it helped get a better understanding of each character.
I kinda wished it was longer, or included the reunion with them walking in together but…I guess you have to stop somewhere.
Nice short kinda friends to enemies (maybe) to lovers.
I liked the back and forth in time with these characters. And that’s saying something as I normally don’t like it at all. I think it helped get a better understanding of each character.
I kinda wished it was longer, or included the reunion with them walking in together but…I guess you have to stop somewhere.
May 27, 2023
Another perfect story
This book was fun and entertaining and it was the beautiful love story that can happen when high school “enemies” grow and change. Again, as with all Abigail Taylor’s characters, the emotional depth always makes it easy to relate on a personal level. I love all her books and definitely suggest giving her a read.
This book was fun and entertaining and it was the beautiful love story that can happen when high school “enemies” grow and change. Again, as with all Abigail Taylor’s characters, the emotional depth always makes it easy to relate on a personal level. I love all her books and definitely suggest giving her a read.
May 28, 2023
Lovely
Wow, Abigail does it again, as if any doubt. It is a great book from start to finish!
A rollercoaster with past and present, getting angry when she was bullied but knowing she was ok in the present. I love the HEA.
Wow, Abigail does it again, as if any doubt. It is a great book from start to finish!
A rollercoaster with past and present, getting angry when she was bullied but knowing she was ok in the present. I love the HEA.
June 2, 2023
Finding yourself
Monica is very popular in high school, and everybody wanted to date her. Mystique was very different, she was picked on, and not very popular. This book goes between the past and the present over 15 years. I found the plat, very engaging, and the fact that Monica thought she was happy until she realize she wasn’t . Mystique had changed her name to Jade so she could forget about all the high school years. Monica’s father is a judge and she is a broadcaster on a news station. I like the characters in the book even though they were very opposite of each other, Monica learned how to be real, and Jade learned how to reveal her self. I recommend this book for all who, like love and romance.
Monica is very popular in high school, and everybody wanted to date her. Mystique was very different, she was picked on, and not very popular. This book goes between the past and the present over 15 years. I found the plat, very engaging, and the fact that Monica thought she was happy until she realize she wasn’t . Mystique had changed her name to Jade so she could forget about all the high school years. Monica’s father is a judge and she is a broadcaster on a news station. I like the characters in the book even though they were very opposite of each other, Monica learned how to be real, and Jade learned how to reveal her self. I recommend this book for all who, like love and romance.
May 11, 2023
Omg I loved this book. The characters and storyline had me hooked from the first page. I devoured it and now it's over I miss the characters and storyline.
July 3, 2023
I enjoyed the plot and the dual timeline and POV. It was nicely told. I found Jade’s mind games, dishonesty and insecurities grossly unacceptable. She was so mature and kind in high school, so it’s sad that her character was so hardened and guarded 13 years later when her dream girl finally wants her back. Monica’s groveling didn’t match her character either, so I found the conflicts unbelievable and inconsistent with their characters’ personalities.
May 10, 2023
Wow! Abigail Taylor does it again! She never disappoint in her books. This book will make you laugh out loud. I loves the little bit of enemies to friend. You need to read this book. I wish I could give it more then 5 stars.
June 9, 2023
I was going to start this review of Abigail' book, with what a way she has with words. But it is not enough. She has such a way with people and thoughts and feelings. Her words just grab me each time and don't let go. She nails Monica to a tee. Beautiful, Head Cheerleader, dating the quarterback. Parents have money. But Monica is just playing a part, and she never stops. Mystique/Jade is the outcast. Picked on, bullied. She gets through high school with her drawings of her muse, Monica, as her support. In present day, Monica is a tv newscaster. Jade is a star in the making with her dress design business. Chance throws them together, and it just warms my heart. It was so feel good, it brought tears to my eyes. I don't do crying. But. I hope you give this wonderful book a try. Not just this book, but all of Abigail Taylor's book. You will not be disappointed.
July 12, 2023
This book got me with mixed feelings.
I was glad they got together, but to me this was the kind of coupling that no matter what you cannot see how the couple works up. I mean, the teenager version of one of them WAS crushing on the idea of the other (her beauty), then the grown up was all worked up by the idea of the teenager, I tell this because there's no way in hell Jade would like a monumental arse like Monica. She didn't show a sleeve of good personality for over half the book.
Yes, we get to understand where she comes from and it explains (not justify) why she is how she is (or rather was), but that wouldn't explain how Jade was all over her, because we don't go that deep into understanding what makes the characters ticks. And Jade was mad at Monica a lot of the time. There was lots of "I'm sorry, I'm trying to change" and it almost got old. Then that thing with the yearbook happened and things got sort of levelled, but honestly? It was not fair to Jade.
Like I said I liked it but if they didn't get together I'd be equally happy.
I was glad they got together, but to me this was the kind of coupling that no matter what you cannot see how the couple works up. I mean, the teenager version of one of them WAS crushing on the idea of the other (her beauty), then the grown up was all worked up by the idea of the teenager, I tell this because there's no way in hell Jade would like a monumental arse like Monica. She didn't show a sleeve of good personality for over half the book.
Yes, we get to understand where she comes from and it explains (not justify) why she is how she is (or rather was), but that wouldn't explain how Jade was all over her, because we don't go that deep into understanding what makes the characters ticks. And Jade was mad at Monica a lot of the time. There was lots of "I'm sorry, I'm trying to change" and it almost got old. Then that thing with the yearbook happened and things got sort of levelled, but honestly? It was not fair to Jade.
Like I said I liked it but if they didn't get together I'd be equally happy.
September 18, 2023
Overall, it's a nice read. However, I feel the story is missing some major connections. (Spoiler) A lot of the part from past and present does not make sense. For example, when monica meets jade again, she feels an intense connection however there was nothing like that in school. Given the strong connection portrayed, I would have expected something in the past. So, not the best read to be honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2023
Abigail Taylor
Fashioning A Star
Arc
New Release
High school was a nightmare for Jade, with the same group of girls always on her case. The book's shift from past to present provides insight into the complicated relationship between Jade and Monica. Monica, the "Ice Queen," was a successful and powerful woman. Jade, on the other hand, was a gifted artist who struggled to find her place in high school. Despite the challenges she faced, Jade refused to let anyone hold her back from achieving her dreams.
Years later, when Jade and Monica cross paths again, Jade stands up for herself and demands respect from the former popular girl. Monica is intrigued by Jade's newfound strength and can't help but be drawn to her. Through this story of self-discovery and love, Jade and Monica are forced to confront their past and the feelings they have for each other.
I would like to express my gratitude to the author for providing an advance copy of the book, which is now available for preorder on Amazon.
Fashioning A Star
Arc
New Release
High school was a nightmare for Jade, with the same group of girls always on her case. The book's shift from past to present provides insight into the complicated relationship between Jade and Monica. Monica, the "Ice Queen," was a successful and powerful woman. Jade, on the other hand, was a gifted artist who struggled to find her place in high school. Despite the challenges she faced, Jade refused to let anyone hold her back from achieving her dreams.
Years later, when Jade and Monica cross paths again, Jade stands up for herself and demands respect from the former popular girl. Monica is intrigued by Jade's newfound strength and can't help but be drawn to her. Through this story of self-discovery and love, Jade and Monica are forced to confront their past and the feelings they have for each other.
I would like to express my gratitude to the author for providing an advance copy of the book, which is now available for preorder on Amazon.
May 26, 2023
There are certain authors that you will buy their book knowing it will be a winner. With Ms. Taylor she does it for me every time. I fall in love with her books more and more each time.
Her books are relatable, full of feelings and very passionate.
Fashioning a Star has it all.
Relatable: having that high school crush but didn't act upon it.
Feelings: after 15 years putting your feelings on the line and hoping.
Passionate: showing how love is passionate, exciting and sexy.
Put all that together you have a wonderful story between Jade & Monica where you could feel their feelings and find yourself rooting for them. Put in a couple of "OH" moments and a couple of "Ahhhh" moments and you have an absolutely wonderful book.
This is a wonderful summer read! I truly could not put it down.
Her books are relatable, full of feelings and very passionate.
Fashioning a Star has it all.
Relatable: having that high school crush but didn't act upon it.
Feelings: after 15 years putting your feelings on the line and hoping.
Passionate: showing how love is passionate, exciting and sexy.
Put all that together you have a wonderful story between Jade & Monica where you could feel their feelings and find yourself rooting for them. Put in a couple of "OH" moments and a couple of "Ahhhh" moments and you have an absolutely wonderful book.
This is a wonderful summer read! I truly could not put it down.
May 25, 2023
I would give this book a 3.5-star rating. While the initial storyline was promising, I found that it was rushed and could have been developed more thoroughly. Around 28% into the book, I found myself rolling my eyes and losing interest. Additionally, I felt that some of the secondary characters, such as Scott, were unnecessary and their presence felt forced. Furthermore, I was disappointed that the majority of the characters in the story were portrayed as bad people. Overall, while the book had potential, it fell short due to these issues. However, it is worth noting that there were some enjoyable aspects of the book, and the writing itself was decent. With some improvements in character development and plot pacing, this could have been a really good read.
January 9, 2024
An Outcast takes all.
Where to begin, I like the flashbacks of the awkward teenage years, I think this was pivotal in understanding Mystique/Jade’s growth. I find Monica’s character as an ice queen to be accurate, but you really start to feel for her when her story progresses. As for the relationship between the characters, there’s a good amount of banter that I found myself laughing out loud to. There were firsts for both characters in this story. The writer’s style was charming, witty, and steamy. If you like femme/femme, an outcast, and an ice queen I would recommend this book to you.
Where to begin, I like the flashbacks of the awkward teenage years, I think this was pivotal in understanding Mystique/Jade’s growth. I find Monica’s character as an ice queen to be accurate, but you really start to feel for her when her story progresses. As for the relationship between the characters, there’s a good amount of banter that I found myself laughing out loud to. There were firsts for both characters in this story. The writer’s style was charming, witty, and steamy. If you like femme/femme, an outcast, and an ice queen I would recommend this book to you.
August 22, 2024
So, I adore Abby Taylor.
Not a fan of the narrator. She makes the characters all sound the same in each book and very whiny. Angsty at all times and I can’t separate Jade and Monica from my last Abby book.
But I admire Abby.
So it is a 4.5. I rounded it up but I am basing that on thinking reading the book (my eyes won’t let me) would have been much better.
I do prefer longer books. But low current angst and medium-low spice.
I have heard Abby’s voice and could listen to it all day. I wish she would narrate her own books because I struggle so much with this narrator and Abby has a smooth perfect voice.
But if you like short and sweet and done in a day … enjoy!!!!
Not a fan of the narrator. She makes the characters all sound the same in each book and very whiny. Angsty at all times and I can’t separate Jade and Monica from my last Abby book.
But I admire Abby.
So it is a 4.5. I rounded it up but I am basing that on thinking reading the book (my eyes won’t let me) would have been much better.
I do prefer longer books. But low current angst and medium-low spice.
I have heard Abby’s voice and could listen to it all day. I wish she would narrate her own books because I struggle so much with this narrator and Abby has a smooth perfect voice.
But if you like short and sweet and done in a day … enjoy!!!!
June 30, 2023
Yes, yes, and more yes!
This book was too good. I couldn't put it down (well except for work... Stupid work😤) with the exception of that interruption, I read it all in one read. This book was an absolute fantastic experience, featuring two out of my three favourite tropes. Enemies to lovers, and coming out. A must read for anyone that desires warm melty feelings, and an appropriate amount of spice.
This book was too good. I couldn't put it down (well except for work... Stupid work😤) with the exception of that interruption, I read it all in one read. This book was an absolute fantastic experience, featuring two out of my three favourite tropes. Enemies to lovers, and coming out. A must read for anyone that desires warm melty feelings, and an appropriate amount of spice.
July 20, 2023
A lovely read!
Being yourself, all of us long for this, and Jade and Monica are no different. in this lovely book we find these two women on a journey toward this beautiful place. The journey beginning in high school to now, and as they find each other in the now that journey continues toward genuineness and more…..a heart touching, hot, fun read!
Being yourself, all of us long for this, and Jade and Monica are no different. in this lovely book we find these two women on a journey toward this beautiful place. The journey beginning in high school to now, and as they find each other in the now that journey continues toward genuineness and more…..a heart touching, hot, fun read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews