What do you think?
Rate this book
My Lucky Star
In Marlowe Banks, Redesigned, Jacqueline Firkins wonderfully captures the messiness of failure, forgiveness, and embracing a second chance on life and love.
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.
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.
398 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2022
84 people are currently reading
12237 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Firkins
6 books394 followersJacqueline's a writer, costume designer, and lover of beautiful things. She's on the full-time faculty in the Department of Theatre & Film at the University of British Columbia where she teaches character design, world building, script interpretation, and period costume construction courses. When not obsessing about where to put the buttons or the commas, she can be found running by the ocean, eating excessive amounts of gluten, listening to earnest love songs, and pretending her dog understands every word she says.
**A note about my reviews. As is probably obvious, I post reviews primarily to celebrate other authors and their books. I won't say I love a book if I don't, but I will focus on the things I like and/or the things I think readers might want to consider when choosing if a book might be right for them. If you're looking for more critical reviews, they're easy to find on here. We live in a world where tearing people down is often celebrated more strongly than lifting them up. Consider my universal 5-star ratings and my focus-on-the-positive book reviews a teeny-tiny rebellion against that attitude, and one that only works because I'm one voice among many. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to provide thoughtful reviews, no matter the stars. And happy reading.
**A note about my reviews. As is probably obvious, I post reviews primarily to celebrate other authors and their books. I won't say I love a book if I don't, but I will focus on the things I like and/or the things I think readers might want to consider when choosing if a book might be right for them. If you're looking for more critical reviews, they're easy to find on here. We live in a world where tearing people down is often celebrated more strongly than lifting them up. Consider my universal 5-star ratings and my focus-on-the-positive book reviews a teeny-tiny rebellion against that attitude, and one that only works because I'm one voice among many. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to provide thoughtful reviews, no matter the stars. And happy reading.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 764 reviews
May 14, 2022
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
okay, this book is my child now, I have adopted her, we will grow old and happy together on a diet that's 99% serrated strawberries.
Okay: Marlowe is at her lowest, working as a costume design assistant on the set of a super popular TV show, and to help out a friend and colleague (shout out to Cherry who I hope will get her own book) she agrees to be an extra on set for one (1) scene. Marlowe just has to pour coffee to the lead actor, Angus, HOWEVER. She and Angus had a bit of a meet ugly that very morning. Which means that the hostility/tension/chemistry between the two ends up being captured in the scene and when the show airs PEOPLE ONLINE START SHIPPING ANGUS' CHARACTER WITH THE WAITRESS (it's me. i'm people online) AND MARLOWE'S CHARACTER GETS WRITTEN INTO THE SHOW. AND SHE WILL PLAY ANGUS LOVE INTEREST.
(pretend there is an elmofire.gif here)
Okay, things I loved:
- the sex scenes. they are STEAMY. thank you, dr Firkins.
- the banter
- the way Angus is like an onion: he originally comes across as an entitled prick, but the layers get peeled away, and we (and Marlowe) realize that that what we've been assuming is not true at all
- the parts in which Marlowe and Angus have to do chemistry reads and/or kiss on camera and they clearly do not know how to deal
- the way Angus and Marlowe slowly become friends and help each other out
- the very honest look at social media and celebrity culture and how damaging it can be
- Tanareve
- Jeeves
- You know when you read something in a specific setting, and it just jumps out from every page how much the author knows about that setting/topic? It’s obvious that this author knows clothes, and costumes, and trends, and I just loooooove how that translated to Marlowe being incredibly competent and knowledgeable when it comes to her job.
- everything else
But: The thing I liked the most about the book, though, is the theme of failure and dealing with criticism. Marlowe was previously doing theater costumes in NYC, but stopped because she couldn't deal with bad reviews and critics tearing her work apart. But that's still her dream, and it's just beautiful to see her get over that through the help of Angus, and find a way to deal with harsh criticism and still put her art out there.
"Failure sucks. I don’t mean to diminish that, but it’s only an endpoint if we let it define us."
As someone fails often and widely, I really need to hear this ❤️
Disclosure: got an ARC from the publisher
okay, this book is my child now, I have adopted her, we will grow old and happy together on a diet that's 99% serrated strawberries.
Okay: Marlowe is at her lowest, working as a costume design assistant on the set of a super popular TV show, and to help out a friend and colleague (shout out to Cherry who I hope will get her own book) she agrees to be an extra on set for one (1) scene. Marlowe just has to pour coffee to the lead actor, Angus, HOWEVER. She and Angus had a bit of a meet ugly that very morning. Which means that the hostility/tension/chemistry between the two ends up being captured in the scene and when the show airs PEOPLE ONLINE START SHIPPING ANGUS' CHARACTER WITH THE WAITRESS (it's me. i'm people online) AND MARLOWE'S CHARACTER GETS WRITTEN INTO THE SHOW. AND SHE WILL PLAY ANGUS LOVE INTEREST.
(pretend there is an elmofire.gif here)
Okay, things I loved:
- the sex scenes. they are STEAMY. thank you, dr Firkins.
- the banter
- the way Angus is like an onion: he originally comes across as an entitled prick, but the layers get peeled away, and we (and Marlowe) realize that that what we've been assuming is not true at all
- the parts in which Marlowe and Angus have to do chemistry reads and/or kiss on camera and they clearly do not know how to deal
- the way Angus and Marlowe slowly become friends and help each other out
- the very honest look at social media and celebrity culture and how damaging it can be
- Tanareve
- Jeeves
- You know when you read something in a specific setting, and it just jumps out from every page how much the author knows about that setting/topic? It’s obvious that this author knows clothes, and costumes, and trends, and I just loooooove how that translated to Marlowe being incredibly competent and knowledgeable when it comes to her job.
- everything else
But: The thing I liked the most about the book, though, is the theme of failure and dealing with criticism. Marlowe was previously doing theater costumes in NYC, but stopped because she couldn't deal with bad reviews and critics tearing her work apart. But that's still her dream, and it's just beautiful to see her get over that through the help of Angus, and find a way to deal with harsh criticism and still put her art out there.
"Failure sucks. I don’t mean to diminish that, but it’s only an endpoint if we let it define us."
As someone fails often and widely, I really need to hear this ❤️
Disclosure: got an ARC from the publisher
October 27, 2022
Well, I can honestly I enjoyed the slow burn love story of Marlowe-like the detective from Raymond Chandler books and Angus- not the meat, charming Scottish guy!
Their story starts at TV series set: where Angus is one of rising stars of the show and Marlowe works as PA of most displeased, commending costume designer of the show, using her as dog-walker, delivery girl.
One bumping accident ends with splashing coffee and soaked t-shirt starts the flame of hate at first sight between Angus and Marlowe and when Marlowe tries to help her coworker Cherry to fix a wardrobe malfunction by playing waitress for one episode, the most intense LOOK she shares with Angus becomes the most trending topic at the Twitter! She finds herself to negotiate for playing Angus’ old flame for three episodes! Wow! See what fifteen minutes fame can do to you!
Marlowe still deals with her past: she ran from her old life where she was an aspiring costume designer but she failed so big and after being garnered with poor reviews from critics about the costumes she’s designed for Broadway show: she gave up from her dreams and dumbed her over criticizing fiancée. She wanted to have a fresh start by starting a new life in the city of Angels but running away from the city she lived doesn’t mean she can run away from who she is.
She is still messy, often frazzled, ordinary, deeply insecure, nail-chewing, hot sauce- spilling, no time for make up and lunch, working class girl! That girl is also deserved to be loved unconditionally. The very same girl has to confront with her past, showing herself some respect, fighting with her insecurities to evolve!
The enemies to lovers trope starts between Marlowe and Angus slowly turns into a beautiful friendship! Marlowe realizes he’s not the womanizer bad boy : that’s just a facade of introvert, bookish, caring man, coming from crowded, lovely family.
Could Marlowe fight against her fears to give their love story a chance as vultures and toxic internet trolls who are addicted to the clickbait are ready to tear them apart?
Overall: I loved the characterization and real aspect of how things work at tv series sets. I found Marlowe a little dramatic and her reasonings not to fall for Angus we’re a little repetitive. The book was a little too long with this repeating cycle. But I still enjoyed the slow burn chemistry between characters and the author’s thought provoking approach to social media and online bullying.
I’m giving my 4 wardrobe malfunction, sizzling chemistry, bad boy loved smart ordinary girl stars !
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Their story starts at TV series set: where Angus is one of rising stars of the show and Marlowe works as PA of most displeased, commending costume designer of the show, using her as dog-walker, delivery girl.
One bumping accident ends with splashing coffee and soaked t-shirt starts the flame of hate at first sight between Angus and Marlowe and when Marlowe tries to help her coworker Cherry to fix a wardrobe malfunction by playing waitress for one episode, the most intense LOOK she shares with Angus becomes the most trending topic at the Twitter! She finds herself to negotiate for playing Angus’ old flame for three episodes! Wow! See what fifteen minutes fame can do to you!
Marlowe still deals with her past: she ran from her old life where she was an aspiring costume designer but she failed so big and after being garnered with poor reviews from critics about the costumes she’s designed for Broadway show: she gave up from her dreams and dumbed her over criticizing fiancée. She wanted to have a fresh start by starting a new life in the city of Angels but running away from the city she lived doesn’t mean she can run away from who she is.
She is still messy, often frazzled, ordinary, deeply insecure, nail-chewing, hot sauce- spilling, no time for make up and lunch, working class girl! That girl is also deserved to be loved unconditionally. The very same girl has to confront with her past, showing herself some respect, fighting with her insecurities to evolve!
The enemies to lovers trope starts between Marlowe and Angus slowly turns into a beautiful friendship! Marlowe realizes he’s not the womanizer bad boy : that’s just a facade of introvert, bookish, caring man, coming from crowded, lovely family.
Could Marlowe fight against her fears to give their love story a chance as vultures and toxic internet trolls who are addicted to the clickbait are ready to tear them apart?
Overall: I loved the characterization and real aspect of how things work at tv series sets. I found Marlowe a little dramatic and her reasonings not to fall for Angus we’re a little repetitive. The book was a little too long with this repeating cycle. But I still enjoyed the slow burn chemistry between characters and the author’s thought provoking approach to social media and online bullying.
I’m giving my 4 wardrobe malfunction, sizzling chemistry, bad boy loved smart ordinary girl stars !
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
November 8, 2022
**Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jacqueline Firkins for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 10.25!**
I think there's a good reason that I relate more to Andy Sachs than Miranda Priestly when it comes to fashion and design. Sadly, Marlowe Banks Redesigned only reminded me of that fact, because try as I might, I just couldn't make it fit.
Marlowe Banks is a costume designer working in the NYC theater scene. She chooses to leave the city, her apartment, and all she knows on the East Coast behind after a broken engagement with her ex, Kelvin and some criticism from critics over her latest designs. She boldly moves to LA and takes a job as a Production Assistant on a very popular TV show. She plods through her day to day, running errands and returning clothing when needed, until a costume mix-up happens that leaves the TV crew asking Marlowe to step in FRONT of the camera. She hesitantly agrees and steps into the scene...where she has some 'accidental' chemistry with hunky leading man, Angus. Marlowe manages to spill coffee on him and incur his wrath, but as time passes and her involvement with the show deepens, can those opinions change? Is there more to Angus than his Instagram full of curated selfies and his lovely Hollywood starlet girlfriend Tanareve and MORE to his veiled flirting...or is Marlowe set to find disappointment and heartbreak on the WEST Coast too?
This is a hard review for me to write because I knew from pretty early on that I was not going to jive with this book.
My biggest issue from the off was the premise. Marlowe purports that she's going to L.A. to HIDE .
Now honestly. WHO goes to a place like L.A. to HIDE?!?
L.A. is probably one of the most visible places in the country. If I wanted to crawl in an emotional hole and start my career over, I probably wouldn't choose one of the most visible and glamorous cities in the world. I tried to put this aside and move forward with the plot, hoping that the characters would draw me in. Unfortunately, Marlowe's best friend in L.A., Cherry, (whose most prevalent character trait is her endless supply of 'statement' t-shirts) didn't help anchor the story or make it more interesting. And then of course, enter our male lead, Angus.
(Yes, his name is actually Angus. As in, Beef.) 🤦♀️
Angus is supposed to be gruff and awful, but other than Marlowe's first couple of interactions with him, it becomes pretty apparent to the reader that he isn't. This book is supposed to be 'enemies to lovers', but I don't think a couple of nasty barbs and then lots of making excuses to see Marlowe and flirting with her A LOT really solidifies Angus as her 'enemy'. Marlowe resists his charm because...I'm not really sure why. She also is shocked to end up in front of the camera, but for someone who is supposedly out to reinvent herself, I'm not sure why she's so resistant. This sort of 'forced resistance' was the big sticking point for me and it honestly kept happening over and over again. Marlowe kept focusing on problems that...weren't really problems.
I understand it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees, but ostensibly Marlowe is smart and has nothing to lose. She honestly finds any excuse to make a situation more complicated than it needs to be and I spent most of the book completely frustrated with her. I also found this book strangely devoid of emotion. Because I didn't really feel the conflict, there was no sense of relief when it was resolved. After everything else that took place, I also found the ending pretty implausible...even for a Hallmark-y type plot like this one.
Though this book wasn't for me, I have no doubt there are plenty of readers who will love to fantasize about the 'what-if' of meeting and getting to work with their favorite drop-dead gorgeous actor and finding out he's all you wanted and more. If this sounds like the dream you keep on having, Marlowe Banks Redesigned is the book for you!
As for me, I'll be in the corner...probably in some "lumpy blue sweater I fished out of a clearance bin."
😉
3 stars
I think there's a good reason that I relate more to Andy Sachs than Miranda Priestly when it comes to fashion and design. Sadly, Marlowe Banks Redesigned only reminded me of that fact, because try as I might, I just couldn't make it fit.
Marlowe Banks is a costume designer working in the NYC theater scene. She chooses to leave the city, her apartment, and all she knows on the East Coast behind after a broken engagement with her ex, Kelvin and some criticism from critics over her latest designs. She boldly moves to LA and takes a job as a Production Assistant on a very popular TV show. She plods through her day to day, running errands and returning clothing when needed, until a costume mix-up happens that leaves the TV crew asking Marlowe to step in FRONT of the camera. She hesitantly agrees and steps into the scene...where she has some 'accidental' chemistry with hunky leading man, Angus. Marlowe manages to spill coffee on him and incur his wrath, but as time passes and her involvement with the show deepens, can those opinions change? Is there more to Angus than his Instagram full of curated selfies and his lovely Hollywood starlet girlfriend Tanareve and MORE to his veiled flirting...or is Marlowe set to find disappointment and heartbreak on the WEST Coast too?
This is a hard review for me to write because I knew from pretty early on that I was not going to jive with this book.
My biggest issue from the off was the premise. Marlowe purports that she's going to L.A. to HIDE .
Now honestly. WHO goes to a place like L.A. to HIDE?!?
L.A. is probably one of the most visible places in the country. If I wanted to crawl in an emotional hole and start my career over, I probably wouldn't choose one of the most visible and glamorous cities in the world. I tried to put this aside and move forward with the plot, hoping that the characters would draw me in. Unfortunately, Marlowe's best friend in L.A., Cherry, (whose most prevalent character trait is her endless supply of 'statement' t-shirts) didn't help anchor the story or make it more interesting. And then of course, enter our male lead, Angus.
(Yes, his name is actually Angus. As in, Beef.) 🤦♀️
Angus is supposed to be gruff and awful, but other than Marlowe's first couple of interactions with him, it becomes pretty apparent to the reader that he isn't. This book is supposed to be 'enemies to lovers', but I don't think a couple of nasty barbs and then lots of making excuses to see Marlowe and flirting with her A LOT really solidifies Angus as her 'enemy'. Marlowe resists his charm because...I'm not really sure why. She also is shocked to end up in front of the camera, but for someone who is supposedly out to reinvent herself, I'm not sure why she's so resistant. This sort of 'forced resistance' was the big sticking point for me and it honestly kept happening over and over again. Marlowe kept focusing on problems that...weren't really problems.
I understand it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees, but ostensibly Marlowe is smart and has nothing to lose. She honestly finds any excuse to make a situation more complicated than it needs to be and I spent most of the book completely frustrated with her. I also found this book strangely devoid of emotion. Because I didn't really feel the conflict, there was no sense of relief when it was resolved. After everything else that took place, I also found the ending pretty implausible...even for a Hallmark-y type plot like this one.
Though this book wasn't for me, I have no doubt there are plenty of readers who will love to fantasize about the 'what-if' of meeting and getting to work with their favorite drop-dead gorgeous actor and finding out he's all you wanted and more. If this sounds like the dream you keep on having, Marlowe Banks Redesigned is the book for you!
As for me, I'll be in the corner...probably in some "lumpy blue sweater I fished out of a clearance bin."
😉
3 stars
October 18, 2022
Absolutely adorable!! He’s a 10 but…. Ummm but nothing!! 🤷♀️ Angus is a 10 inside and out!! Thank you @stmartinspress @smpromance for my gifted copy and introducing me to my newest book boyfriend!! ❤️ This book is absolutely adorable!!
Soo it’s the middle of spooky season and I am just over here reading a rom com! 🤫🤷♀️ I just couldn’t wait to start this one … guys… I absolutely loved it!! 😍
Marlowe decides her life is literally falling apart and it’s time to make a change… so off to Los Angeles she goes… leaving her problems and her ex behind… ✌️
She lands a job as a production assistant… and finds herself face to face with badboy Angus Gordon…. he’s 🔥🔥🔥 and he knows it!! 😎 Marlowe can’t stand to be around him… yet she can’t stand to be away… 😏… is there more to Angus than meets the eye? 😉
I LOVED both of these characters!! They are so well developed that I felt like I knew both!! I adored the banter and wit!! I really didn’t want it to end! ❤️ 5 cute as can be stars!! ⭐️ This is my first @jfkillsdarlings book and now I definitely need to read her other books!! 😍
❤️❤️ Is this on your list?? Do you love a good witty banter? Do you have a book boyfriend?? Do tell!!! Your secret is safe with me!! 🤫
Soo it’s the middle of spooky season and I am just over here reading a rom com! 🤫🤷♀️ I just couldn’t wait to start this one … guys… I absolutely loved it!! 😍
Marlowe decides her life is literally falling apart and it’s time to make a change… so off to Los Angeles she goes… leaving her problems and her ex behind… ✌️
She lands a job as a production assistant… and finds herself face to face with badboy Angus Gordon…. he’s 🔥🔥🔥 and he knows it!! 😎 Marlowe can’t stand to be around him… yet she can’t stand to be away… 😏… is there more to Angus than meets the eye? 😉
I LOVED both of these characters!! They are so well developed that I felt like I knew both!! I adored the banter and wit!! I really didn’t want it to end! ❤️ 5 cute as can be stars!! ⭐️ This is my first @jfkillsdarlings book and now I definitely need to read her other books!! 😍
❤️❤️ Is this on your list?? Do you love a good witty banter? Do you have a book boyfriend?? Do tell!!! Your secret is safe with me!! 🤫
November 8, 2022
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins
Contemporary room com.
After a harsh review of her design work and a relationship breakup, , Marlowe moves to Los Angeles to work as an assistant gofer. She’s always had a crush on actor Angus Gordon but being around him on set has her avoiding him because of rumors and his entourage. Marlowe is ordered to take Angus shopping and spending time with him alone reawakens her crush. Can he really be more than just a pretty face?
A cute romance with Marlowe learning a lot about movie shopping and secretly pining after her ideal version of Angus. Reality is quite different as the two clash until he admits to not doing his own social media. The angst smooths out and a relationship builds.
I liked how clearly his emotions are shown to Marlowe although I’m not sure I know anyone well enough to look into their eyes and read conflicting emotions.
Overall a satisfying and quirky romance.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary room com.
After a harsh review of her design work and a relationship breakup, , Marlowe moves to Los Angeles to work as an assistant gofer. She’s always had a crush on actor Angus Gordon but being around him on set has her avoiding him because of rumors and his entourage. Marlowe is ordered to take Angus shopping and spending time with him alone reawakens her crush. Can he really be more than just a pretty face?
A cute romance with Marlowe learning a lot about movie shopping and secretly pining after her ideal version of Angus. Reality is quite different as the two clash until he admits to not doing his own social media. The angst smooths out and a relationship builds.
I liked how clearly his emotions are shown to Marlowe although I’m not sure I know anyone well enough to look into their eyes and read conflicting emotions.
Overall a satisfying and quirky romance.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
October 7, 2022
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.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
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.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
October 23, 2022
This was so, so good. Marlowe Banks is a Costume Production Assistant on the television show Heart's Diner, where she often fills her days with monotoneous tasks such as unpacking orders of printed socks. It was so fun to see this side of TV production—how a wardrobe can be used as a tool of expression.
When a sizing mishap occurs with a costume, Marlowe agrees to temporarily fill the minor role of a waitress. No big deal, right? But when the on-screen chemistry between her and leading man Angus Gordon starts trending on social media, her preference for remaining behind the scenes goes kaput.
Beginning with Marlowe assuming the worst of the seemingly arrogant Angus, I very much enjoyed her quick retorts easing into an unexpected friendship (and eventual romance, of course) as the two continue to shine their chemistry on set. And it was really great chemistry, I must say!
Her fear of failure and criticism was so relatable and was certainly challenged with her now facing the public eye. You can imagine how such hesitations would create conflict with dating a celebrity. I loved the message of embracing those criticisms and chasing what you love despite them. A great reminder!
(heat level: open door, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When a sizing mishap occurs with a costume, Marlowe agrees to temporarily fill the minor role of a waitress. No big deal, right? But when the on-screen chemistry between her and leading man Angus Gordon starts trending on social media, her preference for remaining behind the scenes goes kaput.
Beginning with Marlowe assuming the worst of the seemingly arrogant Angus, I very much enjoyed her quick retorts easing into an unexpected friendship (and eventual romance, of course) as the two continue to shine their chemistry on set. And it was really great chemistry, I must say!
Her fear of failure and criticism was so relatable and was certainly challenged with her now facing the public eye. You can imagine how such hesitations would create conflict with dating a celebrity. I loved the message of embracing those criticisms and chasing what you love despite them. A great reminder!
(heat level: open door, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 7, 2022
Review coming soon.
July 12, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 25, 2022
Marlowe Banks is a costume designer- although not if you ask the critics from her last job, who tore her apart publically. After breaking up with her fiancée, and desperate to avoid the ever-present disappointment of her uber-successful parents, Marlowe decides to move to Los Angeles from New York, leaving everything she knew behind in order to start over. When she takes a menial job as a design assistant on a popular soap opera style TV series, Marlowe knows she can do better. After a coffee spilling fiasco thrusts Marlowe into the spotlight (literally), she finds herself acting opposite lead heartthrob Angus Gordon. Marlowe immediately judges Angus as being self-obsessed, arrogant and rude but as she gets to know him her feelings change, in more ways than one. But Marlowe does not enjoy the spotlight and Angus lives every day in the centre of it all- can two people who are so different make a go of it in one of the most tenuous and cutthroat professions in the world?
Jacqueline Firkins newest romance, “Marlowe Banks, Redesigned” is a charmingly adorable story about starting over and finding your voice (with a Hallmark movie style romance with two people from very different worlds who meet and fall in love at its centre).
Marlowe is a hot mess, escaping to Los Angeles after breaking off her engagement, trying to find refuge in the hardest city to disappear in, especially when she starts a relationship with big-time movie star, Angus. Angus, of course, has the “bad boy with a gentle soul” thing going for him, and with the Scottish roots and red hair, he gave off a Sam Heughan vibe (which is not at all a bad thing).
As is typical for this genre, the plot was predictable and the ending was pretty much set in stone from the beginning. There were no unexpected twists, and the characters ended exactly where you expect them too. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an enjoyable experience. I loved reading about the background players in the Los Angeles movie scene, and hearing all the dirty details that are normally hidden on the big screen.
“Marlowe Banks, Redesigned” is a perfect summer read! Light, uplifting and charming, Firkins brings two adorably broken characters together, and I couldn’t help but root for both of them!
Expected publication date: October 25, 2022
Marlowe Banks is a costume designer- although not if you ask the critics from her last job, who tore her apart publically. After breaking up with her fiancée, and desperate to avoid the ever-present disappointment of her uber-successful parents, Marlowe decides to move to Los Angeles from New York, leaving everything she knew behind in order to start over. When she takes a menial job as a design assistant on a popular soap opera style TV series, Marlowe knows she can do better. After a coffee spilling fiasco thrusts Marlowe into the spotlight (literally), she finds herself acting opposite lead heartthrob Angus Gordon. Marlowe immediately judges Angus as being self-obsessed, arrogant and rude but as she gets to know him her feelings change, in more ways than one. But Marlowe does not enjoy the spotlight and Angus lives every day in the centre of it all- can two people who are so different make a go of it in one of the most tenuous and cutthroat professions in the world?
Jacqueline Firkins newest romance, “Marlowe Banks, Redesigned” is a charmingly adorable story about starting over and finding your voice (with a Hallmark movie style romance with two people from very different worlds who meet and fall in love at its centre).
Marlowe is a hot mess, escaping to Los Angeles after breaking off her engagement, trying to find refuge in the hardest city to disappear in, especially when she starts a relationship with big-time movie star, Angus. Angus, of course, has the “bad boy with a gentle soul” thing going for him, and with the Scottish roots and red hair, he gave off a Sam Heughan vibe (which is not at all a bad thing).
As is typical for this genre, the plot was predictable and the ending was pretty much set in stone from the beginning. There were no unexpected twists, and the characters ended exactly where you expect them too. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an enjoyable experience. I loved reading about the background players in the Los Angeles movie scene, and hearing all the dirty details that are normally hidden on the big screen.
“Marlowe Banks, Redesigned” is a perfect summer read! Light, uplifting and charming, Firkins brings two adorably broken characters together, and I couldn’t help but root for both of them!
October 14, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins is a cute romantic comedy that I really enjoyed.
Story Recap:
Marlowe Banks’s life is a bit of a mess. She broke up with her fiance and her design business failed, and she has her student loans to pay off, So, she escapes to Los Angeles where she gets a job as a production assistant on a popular TV show. She’s given the most menial tasks, but she enjoys the invisibility of the job while she can figure out what to do next.
Angus Gordon is the show’s bad boy and he has a reputation. When there is a costume mix-up, Marlowe is thrust into a minor role as an extra, but when the camera catches Agnus giving Marlow a very smoldering look, social media blows up wondering if the characters have a past. And then the producers decide to give her a more involved role in the show. Working together, Marlowe and Angus learn more about each other and eventually develop a relationship. But, what happens when Marlowe’s life in New York calls her back?
My Thoughts:
This book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed learning about what happens behind the scenes of a television show and all the issues of costume design for the show. The harried pace and demands of the stars were interesting for me to read about.
But the characters are what really drew me into the story. Marlowe might be a bit of a mess at first, but she is hard-working and didn’t complain about all the menial tasks she was assigned. She really knew her costume design stuff and it was fun when she knew more than the lead costume designer. Marlowe was also very modest and she didn’t want to have a role in the show, but she knew it was the only way to help her friend who had caused the costume mix-up. Her loyalty to her friend was admirable.
I don’t usually like a famous actor as the main character in a story, but Angus Gordon was surprisingly very down-to-earth and relatable. Yes, he has a reputation for being a bad boy, but we find out that he cultivates the image in order to protect his heart. He is a very endearing character and I grew to love him too.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Marlowe Banks, Redesigned to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins is a cute romantic comedy that I really enjoyed.
Story Recap:
Marlowe Banks’s life is a bit of a mess. She broke up with her fiance and her design business failed, and she has her student loans to pay off, So, she escapes to Los Angeles where she gets a job as a production assistant on a popular TV show. She’s given the most menial tasks, but she enjoys the invisibility of the job while she can figure out what to do next.
Angus Gordon is the show’s bad boy and he has a reputation. When there is a costume mix-up, Marlowe is thrust into a minor role as an extra, but when the camera catches Agnus giving Marlow a very smoldering look, social media blows up wondering if the characters have a past. And then the producers decide to give her a more involved role in the show. Working together, Marlowe and Angus learn more about each other and eventually develop a relationship. But, what happens when Marlowe’s life in New York calls her back?
My Thoughts:
This book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed learning about what happens behind the scenes of a television show and all the issues of costume design for the show. The harried pace and demands of the stars were interesting for me to read about.
But the characters are what really drew me into the story. Marlowe might be a bit of a mess at first, but she is hard-working and didn’t complain about all the menial tasks she was assigned. She really knew her costume design stuff and it was fun when she knew more than the lead costume designer. Marlowe was also very modest and she didn’t want to have a role in the show, but she knew it was the only way to help her friend who had caused the costume mix-up. Her loyalty to her friend was admirable.
I don’t usually like a famous actor as the main character in a story, but Angus Gordon was surprisingly very down-to-earth and relatable. Yes, he has a reputation for being a bad boy, but we find out that he cultivates the image in order to protect his heart. He is a very endearing character and I grew to love him too.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Marlowe Banks, Redesigned to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 20, 2023
4.5 rounded up.
I've been hearing such great things about this book and it did NOT disappoint!! I really loved how relatable Marlowe was as a main character. Her life is a bit of a mess but she's not afraid to take chances and go with the flow. She ended her engagement when she knew he wasn't the one and escapes across the country to take a job as a costume design assistant on a tv show.
A mistake causes her to end up on camera playing the love interest for Angus, the star of the show and a seemingly Hollywood bad boy celebrity actor. First impressions are deceiving though and as Angus and Marlowe take the time to get to know one another they realize there might be something special.
This celebrity, coming of age romance felt a bit New Adulty at times but overall I thought the mental health rep (social anxiety) and ways Marlowe handled her gas-lighting ex were written so well!! These characters were incredibly well developed and three-dimensional. I found myself falling for Angus right with Marlowe and hoping they would get a HEA!
Great on audio narrated by Lauren Fortgang. It might have been nice to get a couple scenes from Angus's POV but really there wasn't much I didn't like about this book! Recommended for fans of authors like Elle Kennedy and Christina Lauren. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: a couple open door scenes (nothing too graphic)
I've been hearing such great things about this book and it did NOT disappoint!! I really loved how relatable Marlowe was as a main character. Her life is a bit of a mess but she's not afraid to take chances and go with the flow. She ended her engagement when she knew he wasn't the one and escapes across the country to take a job as a costume design assistant on a tv show.
A mistake causes her to end up on camera playing the love interest for Angus, the star of the show and a seemingly Hollywood bad boy celebrity actor. First impressions are deceiving though and as Angus and Marlowe take the time to get to know one another they realize there might be something special.
This celebrity, coming of age romance felt a bit New Adulty at times but overall I thought the mental health rep (social anxiety) and ways Marlowe handled her gas-lighting ex were written so well!! These characters were incredibly well developed and three-dimensional. I found myself falling for Angus right with Marlowe and hoping they would get a HEA!
Great on audio narrated by Lauren Fortgang. It might have been nice to get a couple scenes from Angus's POV but really there wasn't much I didn't like about this book! Recommended for fans of authors like Elle Kennedy and Christina Lauren. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: a couple open door scenes (nothing too graphic)
November 24, 2022
4.25 Stars
(completed 10/26/22)
Another celebrity/civilian romance novel on my 2022 completed shelf. Is it my reading choices or is it an extra popular trend this year? Whatever the case, I’ve so far enjoyed them all.
I’ve read a lot of great romances with this popular trope, so it had a lot to live up to. While missing that extra spark for a full 5-star read, it still had some nice writing. It was a sweet and fun read with loveable characters and a nice bit of sexy.
September 7, 2022
Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC.
I absolutely adored this book. After reading Firkins YA, I was so excited to get an ARC of her adult debut, and it was fabulous. This book had the perfect balance of clothing assistant for a show, LA life, and a mid-twenties woman trying to figure out what's going on with her life. I loved how Firkins added romance to this book, but it was just a part of Marlowe's story. Marlowe is a woman that had a wonderful character arc that was full of growth and learning and mistakes. I really enjoyed the glimpse into the fashion aspect of this book (and if you haven't checked out the authors IG account, go now!). It added a unique layer to this story - and it was so interesting to get an inside glimpse into how every single piece an actor wears is picked with intentionality. There is also a great glimpse into celebrity culture and how they're treated. It was a needed conversation, yet didn't feel forced when the characters brought it up. I am just in awe of how flawless Firkins made all of these different pieces come together in this seamless story focused on figuring out who you want to be.
I absolutely adored this book. After reading Firkins YA, I was so excited to get an ARC of her adult debut, and it was fabulous. This book had the perfect balance of clothing assistant for a show, LA life, and a mid-twenties woman trying to figure out what's going on with her life. I loved how Firkins added romance to this book, but it was just a part of Marlowe's story. Marlowe is a woman that had a wonderful character arc that was full of growth and learning and mistakes. I really enjoyed the glimpse into the fashion aspect of this book (and if you haven't checked out the authors IG account, go now!). It added a unique layer to this story - and it was so interesting to get an inside glimpse into how every single piece an actor wears is picked with intentionality. There is also a great glimpse into celebrity culture and how they're treated. It was a needed conversation, yet didn't feel forced when the characters brought it up. I am just in awe of how flawless Firkins made all of these different pieces come together in this seamless story focused on figuring out who you want to be.
May 9, 2022
Jaqueline Firkins is not only a talented author, but she is also an amazing seamstress. This isn’t vital information for you to know as you read and thoroughly enjoy her debut adult romance, Marlowe Banks, Redesigned, but it struck me over and over as I read the book. Like her cloth creations, this book is a series of well-constructed layers. On the surface, you have a delightful romance that carefully develops two very appealing main characters set against the backdrop of a Hollywood television set. The heroine, Marlowe Banks, has left her career as a New York City costume designer behind to work as a lowly wardrobe assistant on a CW type television show starring a self-absorbed teen heartthrob.
The skill in Firkins’ construction becomes apparent as we watch Marlowe spend time with the heartthrob, Angus, through a series of mishaps and costume-related choices only to discover that, as with garment construction– and as with life –there is a lot going on beneath a pretty surface. Firkins doesn’t just expose the layers in her character’s personalities, she deftly weaves in an examination of how young people– especially young women –see themselves portrayed in the media, especially social media, and the impact of that portrayal. In addition, as Marlowe embarks on a relationship with Angus, she casts an eye back to her previous relationship and thoughtfully judges how much of her ex-partner’s behavior was toxic (a lot) and how much of their breakup was due to her own insecurities in a refreshingly honest manner.
This book is satisfying on a lot of levels. The romance is engaging, Firkin’s observations on media and how it treats women are astute rather than pedantic, and the writing overall is really enjoyable. I highly recommend Marlowe Banks, Redesigned. It’s a smart and truly charming romance with a lot going on and all of it works –seamlessly.
The skill in Firkins’ construction becomes apparent as we watch Marlowe spend time with the heartthrob, Angus, through a series of mishaps and costume-related choices only to discover that, as with garment construction– and as with life –there is a lot going on beneath a pretty surface. Firkins doesn’t just expose the layers in her character’s personalities, she deftly weaves in an examination of how young people– especially young women –see themselves portrayed in the media, especially social media, and the impact of that portrayal. In addition, as Marlowe embarks on a relationship with Angus, she casts an eye back to her previous relationship and thoughtfully judges how much of her ex-partner’s behavior was toxic (a lot) and how much of their breakup was due to her own insecurities in a refreshingly honest manner.
This book is satisfying on a lot of levels. The romance is engaging, Firkin’s observations on media and how it treats women are astute rather than pedantic, and the writing overall is really enjoyable. I highly recommend Marlowe Banks, Redesigned. It’s a smart and truly charming romance with a lot going on and all of it works –seamlessly.
June 26, 2023
I loved the slow burn romance between Marlowe and Angus! The character of Marlowe sucked me in from the very beginning - I cant wait to read more from Jacqueline Firkins!
Read
September 30, 2022There are times when pure wish fulfillment is just the ticket--at least it is if you're me.
I read this the night my brother was cremated, and the memories would not stop, keeping me from sleep. Time for a romance, preferable with lots of banter, a handsome hero, a woman who might be coming out of a trash fire situation (either romantic or professional, or both) to reinvent herself and find happiness.
And that's exactly what Firkins delivers, the setting a television show in LA, where Marlowe Banks turns up as a production assistant (lowest of the low) after a disastrous show on the east coast. Angus, the child star hero, has a big chip on his shoulder for reasons, of course. There are even dogs!
Just a lovely, fun read, at exactly the right time. This author goes on my "check out further!" list.
I read this the night my brother was cremated, and the memories would not stop, keeping me from sleep. Time for a romance, preferable with lots of banter, a handsome hero, a woman who might be coming out of a trash fire situation (either romantic or professional, or both) to reinvent herself and find happiness.
And that's exactly what Firkins delivers, the setting a television show in LA, where Marlowe Banks turns up as a production assistant (lowest of the low) after a disastrous show on the east coast. Angus, the child star hero, has a big chip on his shoulder for reasons, of course. There are even dogs!
Just a lovely, fun read, at exactly the right time. This author goes on my "check out further!" list.
April 29, 2022
This book was just sweet and fun! I appreciated that the romance between Marlowe and Angus took over a long period of time and allowed room for friendship first. If you're looking for a fun, quick read, then this book is for you!
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
po
A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
po
November 6, 2022
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 10/26/22
Author: Jacqueline Firkins
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 352
GR: 4.15
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: I absolutely adored this book. Marlowe and Angus were perfect together under a classic trope of enemies to lovers, one of my favorite tropes. Then the relationship blooms into an endearing friendship. I adored Marlowe from the beginning and throughout the book, even if she was timid, shy, and insecure, however, she grew so much throughout the story. However, Angus, I did not like, his character was rough and abrupt, but as the layers begin to peel away, he really is a sweet, kind soul. The way the author played on the celebrity/social media mix was raw, accurate, and a glance at how damaging it can be a person’s persona. I loved the message of this story, how to deal with criticism through failure and reprieved, and how to be vulnerable. The characters were developed very well with depth, witty banter, oh the banter was wonderful, chemistry, and were creatively portrayed. The author’s writing style was complex, multifaceted, intriguing, and just beautiful. I would love to see a spin off with the other supporting characters from this story. This book is already released and I would highly recommend picking up today!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 10/26/22
Author: Jacqueline Firkins
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 352
GR: 4.15
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: I absolutely adored this book. Marlowe and Angus were perfect together under a classic trope of enemies to lovers, one of my favorite tropes. Then the relationship blooms into an endearing friendship. I adored Marlowe from the beginning and throughout the book, even if she was timid, shy, and insecure, however, she grew so much throughout the story. However, Angus, I did not like, his character was rough and abrupt, but as the layers begin to peel away, he really is a sweet, kind soul. The way the author played on the celebrity/social media mix was raw, accurate, and a glance at how damaging it can be a person’s persona. I loved the message of this story, how to deal with criticism through failure and reprieved, and how to be vulnerable. The characters were developed very well with depth, witty banter, oh the banter was wonderful, chemistry, and were creatively portrayed. The author’s writing style was complex, multifaceted, intriguing, and just beautiful. I would love to see a spin off with the other supporting characters from this story. This book is already released and I would highly recommend picking up today!
December 2, 2022
i do not know how to put this lightly so i won’t
October 27, 2022
Romance
I love it when a romance novel makes the story more about the growth of the character than the romance. Firkins does a great job with that aspect of the story.
Marlowe banks left NYC after she received a negative review on the costuming of one of her shows. She also broke up with her fiance and needed a change. She takes a 6 month position working as a PA on a TV series. The job is the lowest paying, errand running, barely costume adjacent job she could have and is doing nothing for her self esteem.
She and the lead actor have some initial interactions that set them up as unfriendly coworkers. Sparks fly, but those are just from anger, right? Well . . . no. Marlowe gets thrown in as a stand-in on the show because she fits the costume and her and Jake's chemistry shows up on screen, causing the producers to create a small role for Marlowe. This forces her and Jake to have to work together and actually get to know one another.
Meanwhile, her ex keeps texting her, her friends from NYC are trying to get her to move back and take a chance on another show, her coworker in LA is trying to get her to sign onto another gig with her, but Marlowe is still afraid to try.
Here is where my issues with this novel occur - Marlowe really doesn't get her confidence back until Jake encourages her. Can she go outside her comfort zone to go after what she wants? Does that include a relationship with Jake even though he is famous and it draws a lot of unwanted attention to her? The answer, of course, is yes. She grows as a character, but Jake's character remains a little flat.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel.
I love it when a romance novel makes the story more about the growth of the character than the romance. Firkins does a great job with that aspect of the story.
Marlowe banks left NYC after she received a negative review on the costuming of one of her shows. She also broke up with her fiance and needed a change. She takes a 6 month position working as a PA on a TV series. The job is the lowest paying, errand running, barely costume adjacent job she could have and is doing nothing for her self esteem.
She and the lead actor have some initial interactions that set them up as unfriendly coworkers. Sparks fly, but those are just from anger, right? Well . . . no. Marlowe gets thrown in as a stand-in on the show because she fits the costume and her and Jake's chemistry shows up on screen, causing the producers to create a small role for Marlowe. This forces her and Jake to have to work together and actually get to know one another.
Meanwhile, her ex keeps texting her, her friends from NYC are trying to get her to move back and take a chance on another show, her coworker in LA is trying to get her to sign onto another gig with her, but Marlowe is still afraid to try.
Here is where my issues with this novel occur - Marlowe really doesn't get her confidence back until Jake encourages her. Can she go outside her comfort zone to go after what she wants? Does that include a relationship with Jake even though he is famous and it draws a lot of unwanted attention to her? The answer, of course, is yes. She grows as a character, but Jake's character remains a little flat.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel.
December 26, 2022
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned
by Jacqueline Firkins
I enjoyed this wonderful slow burn romance about Marlowe Banks a NY Costume designer who flees to Los Angeles to work as a PA for a show called Heart’s Diner, where she bumps into the show’s star Angus Gordon. The story is sweet and deals with social media, how to deal with criticism, and of course love. I truly enjoyed this for the fashion and costumes, the beautiful themes, and for the relatable and lovable characters.
by Jacqueline Firkins
I enjoyed this wonderful slow burn romance about Marlowe Banks a NY Costume designer who flees to Los Angeles to work as a PA for a show called Heart’s Diner, where she bumps into the show’s star Angus Gordon. The story is sweet and deals with social media, how to deal with criticism, and of course love. I truly enjoyed this for the fashion and costumes, the beautiful themes, and for the relatable and lovable characters.
January 16, 2023
I won this in a goodreads giveaway so here is my honest review:
I adored this book!! And I adored Marlowe and Angus! The slow burn romance was perfect and I thought the pacing of it was good. The character development in the book was also great and I’m glad Marlowe was able to stick up for herself because it seemed like the industry she was in was a tough one. And Angus was soooo cute!!
Give me a book 2 so I can read more about Cherry!!
I adored this book!! And I adored Marlowe and Angus! The slow burn romance was perfect and I thought the pacing of it was good. The character development in the book was also great and I’m glad Marlowe was able to stick up for herself because it seemed like the industry she was in was a tough one. And Angus was soooo cute!!
Give me a book 2 so I can read more about Cherry!!
December 16, 2022
2.5 stars
I seem to be in the minority, but I just found the story too formulaic. I rounded up to three stars because I loved the main character's first name.
"This isn't a debate tournament. It's a dialogue."
I seem to be in the minority, but I just found the story too formulaic. I rounded up to three stars because I loved the main character's first name.
"This isn't a debate tournament. It's a dialogue."
March 18, 2024
3,5⭐️
Es war cute. Manchmal ein paar Füller, aber im Großen und Ganzen cute.
Es war cute. Manchmal ein paar Füller, aber im Großen und Ganzen cute.
October 29, 2022
Marlowe Banks is an extremely talented Broadway costume designer who flees New York for California after devastating reviews of a play point the blame at her poor designs. At the same time, Marlowe broke her engagement to fiancé Kelvin although he continues pursuing her. Now, her designer skills are under utilized as she’s working as a lowly production assistant for an arrogant costume designer on a hit television show. The star of the show is a social media sensation and too full of himself to attract Marlowe. However, after she spills coffee down the front of his shirt, events take an interesting turn.
It quickly becomes obvious to readers that Marlowe is seriously underemployed. It's clear she's hiding - trying to avoid drawing attention to herself as she blends into the background of her mundane life. However, when Angus Gordon plows into her world, things begin to change as they slowly get to know each other - not the projected images, but the core of what's inside. I feel the author does a fantastic job of portraying each character's weaknesses and allowing readers to follow their transition and growing confidence. While the romance is sweet, for me it's the personal growth and the way these two characters prove vital to each other in deeper ways that makes this an important read.
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a sweet, intelligent contemporary romance that goes beyond the expected. I enjoyed the journey of personal growth the author puts these characters through and also liked the slow burn romance. Firkins writing style makes for easy reading, and her characterizations are spot-on. Highly recommended to fans of contemporary romance with a greater than normal depth of plot line.
Special thanks to St. Martins Griffin for an arc of this book. Review published at Cross My Heart Book Reviews
It quickly becomes obvious to readers that Marlowe is seriously underemployed. It's clear she's hiding - trying to avoid drawing attention to herself as she blends into the background of her mundane life. However, when Angus Gordon plows into her world, things begin to change as they slowly get to know each other - not the projected images, but the core of what's inside. I feel the author does a fantastic job of portraying each character's weaknesses and allowing readers to follow their transition and growing confidence. While the romance is sweet, for me it's the personal growth and the way these two characters prove vital to each other in deeper ways that makes this an important read.
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a sweet, intelligent contemporary romance that goes beyond the expected. I enjoyed the journey of personal growth the author puts these characters through and also liked the slow burn romance. Firkins writing style makes for easy reading, and her characterizations are spot-on. Highly recommended to fans of contemporary romance with a greater than normal depth of plot line.
Special thanks to St. Martins Griffin for an arc of this book. Review published at Cross My Heart Book Reviews
December 1, 2022
I liked the premise of this book. Marlowe is a mid-late 20-something costume designer fresh off professional and romantic disappointments in NYC who switches to LA TV production for a fresh start at something different that isn't exactly stretching her creatively. By accident, she gets pulled into a non-speaking role on set as a stand-in. The sparks fly with the hot and broody male lead. "The Look" she gives in him her brief onscreen experiences goes viral and changes her life. Thanks to this read, I learned what "eye sex" is., LOL. Hmmm, maybe what I always thought were awkward moments of eye contact were really... ah never mind, back to the review.
Anywho, Marlow gets pulled into a celebrity world she neither wanted nor prepared for and flounders around a bit with her actions and feelings. She does the same with her relationships and her career, too. With the help of her bi-coastal friends and Hollywood hunk, she figures out what she wants out of life and what she is willing to do to make it work.
Overall, I liked Marlowe as the MC as well as her supporting cast. But, I didn't quite connect personally or emotionally with the story. For someone with two degrees and a MFA from Yale, I would have expected her to be more together. She just seemed a bit young and immature for her age and educational experience, but I can only compare her to my own situation at that age. Maybe people would have called me an old soul back then.?
3.5 Stars for this easy read rom-com.
Thank you #NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Anywho, Marlow gets pulled into a celebrity world she neither wanted nor prepared for and flounders around a bit with her actions and feelings. She does the same with her relationships and her career, too. With the help of her bi-coastal friends and Hollywood hunk, she figures out what she wants out of life and what she is willing to do to make it work.
Overall, I liked Marlowe as the MC as well as her supporting cast. But, I didn't quite connect personally or emotionally with the story. For someone with two degrees and a MFA from Yale, I would have expected her to be more together. She just seemed a bit young and immature for her age and educational experience, but I can only compare her to my own situation at that age. Maybe people would have called me an old soul back then.?
3.5 Stars for this easy read rom-com.
Thank you #NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
October 23, 2022
4 and a half well-deserved stars for a fun romp of a rom com that sneakily contains some important themes. Marlowe Banks fled to LA after her costume design for a NYC theater production was met with cruel, negative reviews. Now she's working as overworked and underpaid design assistant on a hit tv show. Drafted as an extra, her scene with the hot bad boy star drew a Twitter storm of comments and leads to more interactions.
What stood out for me in this book was a real examination of social media and the false images they inculcate, the shaping of personas based on those images and the culture of trolls and haters. The descriptions of Marlowe's work life and how design/ costume choices impact more that a character's look. The author obviously has some firsthand experience that she drew upon. Being able to learn from and not be destroyed by failure is another theme put forth by the book.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
What stood out for me in this book was a real examination of social media and the false images they inculcate, the shaping of personas based on those images and the culture of trolls and haters. The descriptions of Marlowe's work life and how design/ costume choices impact more that a character's look. The author obviously has some firsthand experience that she drew upon. Being able to learn from and not be destroyed by failure is another theme put forth by the book.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2022
Marlowe Banks is in need of a makeover. Recently leaving her hometown of NYC and narrowly dodging committing to the wrong man, she heads to California- Los Angeles to be exact. There she hopes to reinvent herself, which she sort of does, but not in the ways she hoped. See while Marlowe is technically working in costume design, she’s a production assistant on a well known TV show- fetching dinner, garments, and even dogs, if the shoe fits.
Desperate to hide behind her bad choices, Marlowe is appalled when she’s enlisted to fill in on camera one day. There the lense captures chemistry between Marlowe and one of the show’s stars, playboy Angus Gordon. As the old adage goes, the camera doesn’t lie. Before long the show is requesting Marlowe return and give the audience of the aging show more of the what they never knew they always wanted. But as Marlowe tries to walk the line between her day job as a PA and moonlighting as an actress, soon it’s not only the wardrobe that’s hanging by a thread.
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a romance with stylization that thinks outside the box. I loved the idea of Marlowe being thrust into a world she never intended to enter, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was expecting (or hoping) the story would focus on Marlowe becoming Hollywood’s latest darling. For a bit it looked like the author had designs in this general direction, but instead the redesign became more of a rebirth for Marlowe herself, one that led her down a path of independence, confidence, and fulfillment.
Desperate to hide behind her bad choices, Marlowe is appalled when she’s enlisted to fill in on camera one day. There the lense captures chemistry between Marlowe and one of the show’s stars, playboy Angus Gordon. As the old adage goes, the camera doesn’t lie. Before long the show is requesting Marlowe return and give the audience of the aging show more of the what they never knew they always wanted. But as Marlowe tries to walk the line between her day job as a PA and moonlighting as an actress, soon it’s not only the wardrobe that’s hanging by a thread.
Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a romance with stylization that thinks outside the box. I loved the idea of Marlowe being thrust into a world she never intended to enter, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was expecting (or hoping) the story would focus on Marlowe becoming Hollywood’s latest darling. For a bit it looked like the author had designs in this general direction, but instead the redesign became more of a rebirth for Marlowe herself, one that led her down a path of independence, confidence, and fulfillment.
November 9, 2022
I'd seen so many good reviews for this that I was excited to read it. I did not disappoint. I enjoyed Marlowe and Angus' slow burn romance.
Marlowe Banks is a costume designer who fled New York and now works as a Costume Production Assistant in Los Angeles for a show called Heart's Diner. She doesn't have much contact with the show's stars, except for a literal run-in with the show's main star, Angus Gordon, which leaves her to think he is a jerk. When a costume mishap leads her to fill in on the show, she gets to know Angus better and she learns that he is the opposite of a jerk.
I really enjoyed this romance and both main characters. Marlowe had insecurities about herself and social media and it made her feel very relatable. Angus was wonderful. He showed Marlowe that there was more to him than just a pretty face and a nice body. I would definitely read more by this author.
Marlowe Banks is a costume designer who fled New York and now works as a Costume Production Assistant in Los Angeles for a show called Heart's Diner. She doesn't have much contact with the show's stars, except for a literal run-in with the show's main star, Angus Gordon, which leaves her to think he is a jerk. When a costume mishap leads her to fill in on the show, she gets to know Angus better and she learns that he is the opposite of a jerk.
I really enjoyed this romance and both main characters. Marlowe had insecurities about herself and social media and it made her feel very relatable. Angus was wonderful. He showed Marlowe that there was more to him than just a pretty face and a nice body. I would definitely read more by this author.
October 6, 2022
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 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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 764 reviews