Almost Infamous

by Sarah Ainslee

Jenny Han meets Olivia Rodrigo's SOUR in this humorous and heartfelt coming-of-age novel from the author of That Wasn't in the Script.

What do you do when your dad’s a legendary rockstar, but you’re the only one who knows it? For seventeen-year-old Emmy Harper, the answer’s pretend he doesn’t exist. After all, Nick Addison, frontman of the iconic rock band Mayfair, bailed before she was even born.

Emmy’s summer plans are set until her mom drops a Nick wants to meet her. The catch? She has to spend two weeks on tour with Mayfair—incognito. After two decades of fame, scandals, and tabloid drama, he suddenly wants to get involved? Hard pass. Turns out, Emmy doesn’t have a choice.

Now stuck on the road with a bunch of rockstars, Emmy’s world is flipped upside down. Alongside the charming drummer’s son, Sullivan, she uncovers truths about Nick’s supposed abandonment and how everything she’s been taught about her family might be the farthest thing from reality.

Between band drama, first love, and backstage passes to the wild world of rock & roll, Emmy’s summer is a whirlwind of unexpected twists. But is it a chance for redemption or a ticket to chaos?

Genres: Young Adult

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

Sarah Ainslee has worn several hats. Nanny, barista, social media manager, and occasional band wrangler (don’t ask.) Through it all, ‘writer’ is the only title that has ever stuck. Telling stories is what she always comes back to.

She’s a YA contemporary author with a penchant for awkward encounters and whimsical adventures—a dash of romance never hurts either. She writes stories for the teenager inside all of us who still doesn’t know what they want to be when they grow up.

Sarah currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reviews

[almas. · Rating 4 out of 5]

read on: (25.11.24.)

꒰📸꒱ almost infamous by sarah ainslee

↪ ★★★★☆ surprised stars

i. | the plot.
----> DAMN. this is such a good idea !! not completely original, of course, but the way it was executed is super cute. long story short: emmy (adorable name btw), a seventeen-year-old who loves photography, comes back home one day to find out that she's being sent to her chronically absent rockstar dad and his bandmates on tour for a few weeks. i kid you not, the moment i saw that this book is said to give olivia rodrigo's SOUR vibes, i was in. no ifs, no buts, i just smashed the request button and my gosh am i honoured to have gotten it !! the plot is really fun and heartwarming at the same time. i loved the spontaneous actions, and nick's bandmates (despite them being middle-aged and wrinkly), but what i loved the most were the emotional connections. moreover, the bonds that we witnessed being built between the characters are what truly made this book delightful for me to read.

💜💜💜

ii. | the connections + characters, wrapped.
----> 1. bel + emmy: this is the kind of friendship i strive for !! the bond that these two have is one i wish to have with at least one person standing on this earth. i love how they understand each other, fight and then forgive, and communicate wonderfully.

----> 2. emmy + laura: rory and lorelai gilmore fr !! they had such a deep and beautiful mother-daughter bond, and i'm glad to have one similar like theirs. seeing them becoming a little distant while emmy was with nick was a little painful, but it's all a stage of life - and they got through it, too!

----> 3. emmy + nick: sure, in the beginning, they didn't have any semblance of a bond, but as the book progressed, so did their father-daughter relationship. the end results of their character development and bond creation is really heartwarming, and it shows just how much your parents really love and appreciate you.

----> 4. emmy + sully: weird name couple, people !! just kidding, their names aren't even all that weird. emmy, short for emerson, and sully, short for sullivan, were such a cute pair! i love how we didn't focus on their romance but more on their budding friendship (and emmy and nick's bond) with a happy ending for these two at the end.

----> 5. the mayfair band: all the members of the band were so unique and fun!! personally, i loved eighty's (adam's) character the most out of the band members. but overall, the whole vibe of the band was literally the same feeling i get when i look at a band of teenagers lol.

💜💜💜

iii. | my overall thoughts.
----> overall, this was such a cute and fun book!! it doesn't seem like much in the beginning, but as the book goes on, you warm up to the characters and the general vibe. honestly, this TOTALLY gives off olivia's SOUR vibes. and omg how did i not mention this: emmy's photography hobby is such a lovely addition to the book! anyways, i would definitely recommend this!!

xx
almas the almighty

thank you to NetGalley and the author for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

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pre-review.
this just got better and better as it progressed !! rtc later today <3

pre-read.
this one looks underrated, and the cover - despite being childish - is kinda cute. the moment i saw a mention of olivia rodrigo in the synopsis, i just KNEW i had to request for the arc - and would you look at that: i got it !! looking forward to this one <3

[Sarah Ainslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because I brought this story into the world and I am nothing but a benefactor of reverse nepotism.

You're more than whatever brokenness you inherited. 🫶🏼

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! The plot kept me hooked and I just needed to know what was going to happen next.

Almost Infamous is a Contemporary YA book that is quirky and fun. (And might ruin gushers for you).

Here is what you need to know:

Emmy (Emerson) is the daughter of a famous rockstar, but she has never met her dad. (And to be honest didn’t know who he was for a big chunk on her 17 years). She is convinced (see forced) to ditch her NYC trip with her bestie to travel for two weeks on tour with her old man by her mom. And when she shows up, she finds out that she is not being introduced to the band as the lead singers daughter, but the photography intern. What could go wrong? 😅

My thoughts:
The way Sarah writes to me feels familiar and fun. It just satisfies the goofy itch in my brain. The way she described Travis through Emmy’s POV had me picturing the thumb things from spy kids. Also as someone who has traveled on a remodeled tour bus I knew exactly how those bunks felt. This was a fun coming of age story and I adored Emmy and Sully. And Nick also! How Sarah wrote the interactions between Emmy and everyone was fantastic. If you like Contemporary YA, check this one out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eArc of this book.

[Teagan Swanepoel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Sarah Ainslee for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Almost Infamous by Sarah Ainslee was such a fun and emotional ride! The rockstar vibes mixed with family drama kept me turning the pages. Emmy’s journey felt so raw and real.

The writing style was fantastic. it made the characters feel so alive and easy to connect with. Both Emmy and Nick’s growth throughout the story was so well done. Watching them both work through their issues and connect after years of separation was deeply satisfying.

It took me a little time to get fully into the book, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading. Between the family secrets, personal growth, and the rock band setting, this book had everything I could ask for. If you love stories about music, family, forgiveness, and finding yourself, you’ll love this one!

[Caitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Infamous
Sarah Ainslee

Rating: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Sarah Ainslee for gifting me a copy of Almost Infamous in exchange for an honest review.

Book Summary (No Spoilers):

Emmy Harper has her summer before freshman year of college all figured out; tour her dream college, visit New York City with her best friend, and pretend her famous rockstar dad, Nick Addison from the band Mayfair, didn’t abandon her before she was even born. That is - until her mom tells her Nick wants to meet her, leading to two unforgettable and eye-opening weeks on tour with Mayfair.

While being stuck on the road with a bunch of rockstars (who don’t know she is the daughter of their lead singer) she learns about the truth behind Nick’s past, comes across unexpected twists in her family’s history, and has the opportunity to redeem her relationship with her father.

My Thoughts and Review (Spoiler Warning):

This was such a fun read! I have been in a reading slump and my life has been super crazy, however, this novel really swept me away into a different world in the best way possible.

Starting with the characters! I enjoyed how real Emmy was - having been a teen not too long ago, it was refreshing to have one written that is relatable. She was brave and willing to open up and be accepting during a difficult situation. Sully was wonderful as well. I loved the two’s friendship and love how that turned into more at the end of the book. Nick was an interesting character to read, and honestly, I would’ve liked to see him even more. His medical condition at the end of the book was unexpected and heartbreaking, however, I would also say random. In terms of the other bandmates in Mayfair - I didn’t really bond or care for any of them. Maybe there wasn’t enough character development with them, or perhaps I just cared so much about Nick, Sully, and Emmy that I didn’t think of them enough. Emmy’s mom was well written as well and I appreciated seeing a mom and daughter fallout, which sounds crazy but I feel as if it’s not written often. There were two characters I didn’t really love; Bel and Tripp. Emmy’s past relationship with Tripp felt random and unnecessary for the plot of the book. The age gap relationship wasn’t frowned upon enough also… she was a minor and he was in college and the only reason Bel get’s mad at her is because she doesn’t like that family (not cause he was dating a minor??). I feel like that whole plot line could’ve been erased, but I guess there needed to be a reason for the friends to fight. In terms of Bel, I feel as if we didn’t get to know her enough for me to like her since she’s in NYC and all the communication is through text/phone call throughout the book (for the most part). Overall, I took off one star because of the characters and the Tripp situation.

In terms of the story line, I really enjoyed it! I loved the traveling (dying) band and really enjoyed having that insider feel. I also like that she was introduced as in intern for the plot twist at the beginning. The writing was very good in that it felt super realistic - at least to someone who has no knowledge of how being in the music industry is. I enjoyed the ending and Emmy making up with Nick. I liked how she didn’t immediately forgive her mother as well - something that is hardly written into novels. Overall, really loved the concept and thought it was well done!

Thank you again to NetGalley and the author for this gifted book in exchange for an honest review. Make sure to purchase your copy of Almost Infamous on May 20, 2025!
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Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

Young Adult

#netgalley #AlmostInfamous

[Mary Nikkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like snark with heart, strikingly complex relationships amid the absurdity of human nature, and all the twists of a rock song that hits its bridge— Almost Infamous is for you.

This is a “what if I went backstage” story that takes and elevates fangirl tropes into something vulnerable, hilarious, and ridiculously readable. I’ve been working in the music industry for well over a decade, and this is probably the most realistic take on touring life I’ve ever seen in the media (no one has EVER described the stale smell of a tour bus so well). But beyond that, it’s one of the best takes on family I’ve read in ages: family lost, found, and lasting through the best and worst things we do to each other.

I could barely put this one down. I felt like I KNEW all of the characters within the first few chapters, with all their infuriating, endearing believability. I was alternately cheering for them and wanting to knock their heads together. The end was poignant and perfect and so satisfying.

I would say this is worth picking up even if you’re not a big YA reader. It’s got so much heart, and I think so many other readers will see themselves in the pages.

[Rachel M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this ARC by Sarah Ainslee in exchange for an honest review. WOW I loved this book. On the surface it’s a fun read with some romance, comedy,
aging musos (who used to be a big deal), and some family drama. On a deeper level, the themes were really interesting. Exploring the lifestyle of bands touring on the road, females navigating sexual harassment, illness, and the age old question of whether career and power is more important then healthy relationships- this book gives a glimpse at the realities of the music industry. I enjoyed having an assertive female protagonist as the narrator and that the author didn’t shy away from acknowledging the ‘awkward’ periods of time that often happen when relationships rupture and there is uncertainty if they can be repaired.

I can’t wait to see what Sarah Ainslee writes next. I’m officially a fan!

[Sadie Dunham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the fantastic opportunity to beta read this book and I can honestly say I think about this book still to this day and it has been a year!!! This book is so touching, sweet, filled with music, and overall…amazing. Reading this makes you go through a range of emotions, to the point where I am smiling and laughing to myself at some points and to the point of crying at others. Gosh, such a good book! Highly recommend if you have read ‘Along for the Ride’ by Rachel Meinke. I loved the ‘on tour’ vibe and seeing all of the relationships grow.

[alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩ It’s my first time reading Sarah Ainslee’s work and I was so pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed reading this story! I loved the writing style and how distinct the MC’s POV felt while reading. It was almost as if you were there with her the entire time and experiencing all the wacky hijinks and chaotic moments with her. The lighthearted and sarcastic but not too cynical humour balanced perfectly with the MCs and the other characters’ struggles and dilemmas throughout the novel ⛅

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩ It was a big understatement to say that Emerson “Emmy” Harper didn’t handle the fact that her estranged rockstar father, Nick Addison, wanted to meet her after seventeen years very well. I mean, I probably would’ve handled it just the same as her. Her whole life’s flipped upside down and being a teenager already has its own challenges. So I totally understood the angst and anger she had towards both her mother and father for keeping so much of her life a secret from her and leaving her to grapple with her confusing feelings about her unconventional situation. I really enjoyed getting to see her journey in meeting her dad and stepping out of her comfort zone touring with her dad’s band, Mayfair. She makes some questionable decisions under the pressure of all the blindsiding realities being thrown at her, but almost all teenagers do when they don’t know how to cope with something which I thought was realistic. I liked how her character progressed throughout the story and how open-minded she became to letting people in and learning that her past doesn’t define the course of her future. She ultimately learns that things can change for the better and while it’s scary, it’s bearable with the right people by her side 💞

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩ Emmy and her mother, Laura, undergo a rocky relationship over the course of the novel. I sympathized with Laura over the fact that she didn’t know if she could rely on Nick to be fully present in Emmy’s life due to his struggles with addiction in order to protect her. But I agreed more with Emmy that it wasn’t okay for Laura to make the decision to shut Nick out from actively participating in his daughter’s life. There’s a lot of trust that becomes weakened between the two of them, which is always tragic to see. But I think it was important to show that not every relationship between a parent and a child, or in this case a mother and daughter, will always be perfect. Sometimes secrets kept for so long and being unearthed unexpectedly won’t ever mend the relationship like how it used to be, but that it’s okay as long as both are willing to move past it and embrace their new relationship one step at a time. I thought this was done well and showed no matter how much they disagreed, they would always find their way back to each other 💓

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩ Another aspect of the story that I thought was very well done was Emmy’s tumultuous relationship with Tripp. It was the furthert thing from a healthy relationship, especially for a teenager. She was a minor dating an older boy who was in college already and who only used her for physical intimacy. It was important to show teens what an unhealthy and toxic relationship looks like where your partner doesn’t have your best interests in mind and will try to gaslight you fr the relationship not working out because you don’t attend to every single one of their physical needs. I think it was approached well and although Emmy struggles with it for a good portion of the story, she does learn that that wasn’t real love and that the right person would never try to hide her due to being ashamed of being seen with her or try to pressure her into doing something she didn’t feel comfortable with. So, so important in teaching teens what consent is and to know when to walk away from a relationship 🌧

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩ Romance is a subplot in this book, but I have a few mixed feelings about how it went. On one hand, I liked that Emmy had Sullivan “Sully” Torres to vent to and relate to as a child with an absent rockstar father, and learning to deal with their own heartbreak. I think that’s what made them compatible and helped them understand each other better. That said, I was not a big fan of how their argument with each other after Emmy and her father’s crisis with the media. Sully was so insensitive and indifferent to Emmy’s struggles in having her whole family life exposed. He was not understanding at all and maybe he was cynical too because of how he grew up without his father, but it did not give him the right to be so rude and uncaring towards her feelings. We see Emmy ruminate over the things she said to him but when they finally reconcile, we don’t see any kind of explanation of all the hurtful things that happened between the two of them. He took everything she was insecure about in her life and her struggles with both her mother and best friend, and then he threw it back in her face which I felt was not okay and was not accounted for by him. I feel like it was glossed over at the end so quickly that I honestly would’ve been more satisfied with the ending had they decided to focus more on their friendship instead 😬

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩ Emmy and Nick were hands down my favourite part of this story. My heart strings tugged every single time I read them interacting and my heart honestly hurt in the best way possible watching them reconnect. I think Nick is a great dad to Emmy despite not being in active contact with her. He supported her on the sidelines and tried to respect Emmy’s mom’s wishes. When he’s met with Emmy’s hostility, he never stopped trying to reach out and connect with her. It honestly broke my heart when I realized that Nick knew Emmy’s anger towards him wasn’t anything personal because he knew her mom kept his answer to his email shut away from her and didn’t tell Emmy the whole truth. And when Emmy finally calls Nick her dad, it was so precious. Nick and Emmy deserved so much more with each other, and I wish we got to see more scenes of them bonding. Their entire relationship made me think constantly about my own dad and how lucky I am to have him in my life. The ending with his diagnosis and her heartfelt conversation with both Nick and Laura really made me tear up and it was so bittersweet but beautiful that they finally had their moment together as a family. It left so much hope for them knowing that they had missed so much time and years over decisions they wish they could take back, but now they were willing to savour the time they still had with each other by their sides. I thought it was such a beautiful depiction of a family, unconventional but a family nonetheless 💜

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩ The humour in this book was top tier and I liked the sarcastic but lightheartedness of Emmy’s POV. Nick’s bandmates and crew were so lovable in their own ways, especially Lionel and Eighty. I loved the themes of family, toxic relationships, and trust that this book explored and will definitely check out more of this author’s books! Definitely recommend this one! 📘

Thank you to Sarah Ainslee and NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Tropes:
- YA coming-of-age
- Found family
- Fame and Hollywood, band life 🎶📷
- Parent-child relationships 💛
- Romance as sub-plot
- First-person POV
- Pop culture references

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and Sarah Ainslee for this arc!

This book started off slow at first, but picked up towards the middle and was amazing from then on. Throughout reading this book you grow to love each character and appreciate the depth each of them have individually. This book is very witty and there were times while reading that I was giggling to myself because of how hilarious the banter is. I am so glad this book was my first ever arc!

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Sarah Ainslee for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Sarah Ainslee’s “Almost Infamous” is a heartfelt, layered story that takes you on a journey of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the complexities of love. Told from the perspective of Emmy, a 17-year-old thrust into the chaotic world of touring with her estranged father’s rock band, the book offers a unique blend of humor, emotion, and introspection that will resonate most with younger YA audiences. While I would recommend this book for younger YA readers, be aware that there is an age-gap romance involving Emmy’s ex-boyfriend who she dated when she was 16 and he was 21. While the book does note this romance was toxic between the two of them, it still may be a sensitive topic to some readers, especially when Emmy mentions she was mature for her age, which is part of why she was interested in someone who was in college.

The plot centers on Emmy’s attempts to connect with her father, Nick, a rock star who suddenly reenters her life after years of absence. To keep her existence a secret from the media, Emmy joins the band as their photographer, and through her lens—and her passion for photography—she begins to piece together her identity and her father’s role in it. Nick’s character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel, transforming from an initially unlikeable figure into someone worthy of Emmy’s forgiveness and respect. Their growing father-daughter bond, while slow and sometimes strained, feels authentic and deeply moving.

Ainslee captures the highs and lows of life on the road with vivid detail, giving the story a distinctive "on-tour" vibe. The band itself becomes a kind of found family for Emmy, with younger members like the hilariously charismatic Eighty bringing lightness to the story. These relationships add a sense of camaraderie and belonging that contrasts with Emmy’s internal struggles, making her emotional growth even more poignant.

Romance takes a backseat in this story but is still present in a sweet, slow-burn relationship between Emmy and Sully, one of the crew members. The book also addresses Emmy’s problematic past relationship with an older ex-boyfriend, illustrating her immaturity at the time and the unhealthy nature of their dynamic. As mentioned earlier, this relationship is handled with care and serves as a stepping stone in Emmy’s journey toward understanding self-worth and consent.

The pacing lags slightly in the middle, and there are moments where the plot feels meandering, but Ainslee makes up for it with her sharp wit and emotionally rich storytelling. The themes of fame and addiction add depth and weight to what might otherwise seem like a standard coming-of-age tale. Emmy’s revelations about her parents’ past and her father’s struggles bring a bittersweet complexity to the story, especially as Nick’s health becomes a central focus toward the end.

Ultimately, “Almost Infamous” is more than a story about music and fame. It’s about growth—both personal and relational—and the courage to navigate life’s messiness with honesty and vulnerability. With relatable characters, touching relationships, and moments that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect, this book offers an emotional experience that lingers long after the final page. Fans of layered YA contemporaries with strong family themes and quirky settings won’t want to miss this one. “Almost Infamous” is a beautiful, bittersweet story that captures the complexities of growing up and finding where you belong.

[Jazzy Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am incredibly grateful to both NetGalley and Sarah Ainslee for the opportunity to read and review Almost Infamous. Being selected to explore this captivating story before its official release has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to the team at NetGalley and Sarah Ainslee for their generosity and for making this advanced reading experience possible.

What do you do when your dad is a legendary rockstar but you're the only one who knows it? For Emmy Harper the answer is simple, pretend he doesn't exist. After all, Nick Addison bailed before she was even born.

Emmy's summer plans are set until her mum drops a bomb, Nick wants to meet her. The catch? She has to spend two weeks on tour with his band, Mayfair, completely incognito. After two decades of fame, scandals and tabloid drama he suddenly wants to get involved? Hard pass. It turns out though that Emmy doesn't have a choice.

Now stuck on the road with a bunch of rockstars, Emmy's world is flipped upside down. Alongside the charming drummer's son, Sullivan, she uncovers truths about Nick's supposed abandonment and how everything she's been taught about her family might be the farthest thing from reality.

This book rocked me to my core. It is quite literally the first book in Y-E-A-R-S that made me cry. It was just such a beautiful book. I loved each and every page.

It was never short on things happening and it had me wondering what was going to happen next with each turn of the page.

If you are a fan of the Jessie Jefferson series by Paige Toon you will absolutely love this book.

I know that Sarah Ainslee has one other book so that is now automatically a must read for me for 2025. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.

Almost Infamous is a wonderfully written book that covers a broad umbrella of subjects and Sarah Ainslee did a stellar job.

It almost felt criminal picking up another book this morning because I just wanted to stay immersed in Emmy Harper's world a little longer.

And for the record, Lionel was my favourite character. I don't know what it was about him but I felt glad for Emmy that he was there. He was just everything he needed to be.

[Cat Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I have been in such a reading slump lately and Almost Infamous has absolutely pulled me out of it!

Almost Infamous has us meeting Emmy, a 17-year-old girl, who is all set to go on a dream trip to NYC with her best friend Bel, but her mom gives her some very unexpected news. Not only will she no longer be going on this long awaited trip, but she’ll be spending time with her absent father, Nick. If that wasn’t hard enough to handle - Emmy finds out that she will be spending time with Nick while he’s on tour with his band, Mayfair.

The catch to spending time with Nick? She has to adopt a fake identity as a photographer for the band because no one knows that she’s related to the famous rockstar.

At first, everything starts off tragic. Emmy is miserable, she doesn’t want to be with the band, but as time goes on, she starts to warm up to everyone. She starts to create connections with other members of the band, including Nick’s best friend and bandmate’s son, Sully, who is also on the road with the band helping out with merch.

Throughout the book, Nick drops little pieces of information that Emmy never knew about. It has her question everything that she’s ever known until everything starts to come to a head and the truth all comes out.

This book is funny, heartbreaking, and absolutely touching. I cried both from laughing so hard and from feeling incredibly invested in the lives of these characters. This wonderful coming of age book touches on some hard topics while also showing incredible character growth as Emmy starts to find herself. The family dynamics are complex and believable and shows the power in giving second chances.

Solid 10/10 book for me, fully recommend it to absolutely everyone, and I cannot wait until it releases so I can share it with everyone! Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had my complete attention at times but at other times I was reading but couldn't READ the words if you know what I mean. The pacing felt slightly off in my opinion, but the crazy scenes thrown in kept me going. The book is filled with colorful characters who have interesting interactions. The story follows Emmy who is sent off to spend her holidays with her dad who she's never met. Her dad is a hugely famous rockstar and on tour with his bandmates, making for a strained dynamic between everyone.

I felt that the conflict was too drawn out at times which is very realistic, but I grew impatient. I don't listen to/follow any bands so I can't fully understand the level of love that fans have for them, but this book gives what appears to be an authentic view on what the workings of a band could be like. I have read a few novels/series that are band centric which in comparison to Almost Infamous feel over dramatized or romanticized. Her about you page lists "occasional band wrangler" so I believe her insights are real.

Adding this as a disclaimer, I may have been in a slight book slump and wasn't in the best mental state when I picked this book up, so a lot of my criticism could have been purely my perspective at that time. I don't usually say this and this time I don't think my review should be taken too seriously with my complaints. I'm planning to reread this in a few months when my life will look different and hopefully I have a different opinion then.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
Emmy is the secret daughter to famous rock star Nick Addison of the band Mayfair, and nobody knows. When, all but guilt tripped by her mom into meeting him, she wants nothing to do with the man who's abandonded her for the last 17 years. But as she spends more time with Nick, and the band in general (especially with one of the bandmates son, Sully) Emmy starts to reconsider her initial approach of keeping her father at arms length.

This story had drama, crazy plot twists, some romance, and a cool unexpected rush of adrenaline stage dive. The pacing felt a little weird to me, with some parts feeling very long and hard to get through, and then something happening to suck you right back in. The tense family dynamic between Emmy, her mom, and her dad, got a little werid to read at times but everything did eventually work out in the end. I really enjoyed reading this and it was refreshing to read a YA book and start getting back into a genre I really like. Emmy was a great character to follow, going through college tours, decision making, and realizing you're going to be an adult soon. She's very relatable in that way which makes it easy to connect with her, and her romance with Sully was SO FREAKING CUTE! This is a must read for anyone who likes a whole lot of drama, some forced found family bonding, and a bunch of cute bonding scenes, new fathers and romances alike.

[Jessica Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read an advance copy of “Almost Infamous” and after enjoying Sarah’s debut “That Wasn’t In The Script” I was very excited to dive into the world of Emmy, Nick and Bel. I was not disappointed. “Almost Infamous” carries the same wit, introspection and timeless cultural/location references as her earlier, unrelated novel - all the things that mark her as a significant voice in emerging YA lit. But it’s her capacity to merge real life experiences and emotion with extraordinary scenarios that elevates her storytelling. “Almost Infamous” is fun and quirky - Sarah’s recounting of tour life and the culture in music is spot on. But what really caught me was her commitment to telling more than a surface level romance. This book is filled with layers, and the exploration of family relationships, addiction, fame, consent and chronic illness make it more than an escape for the reader. It offers us the chance to be emotionally healthy, grow and own our stuff too. Of course, all that’s hidden deep within the whimsical references, self deprecating narrative and sparks of romance on the road. The story is more-ish and the characterisation is bitingly hilarious and spot on. Don’t miss this one.

[Lupita_333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmy has lived with her mom her whole life without knowing who her father is until one day out of the blue when she’s 17 he decides to be apart of her life again so she is forced to travel with her dads band on tour. The catch is that she must disguise herself as their photographer since no one knows her famous father has a kid. They slowly start to bond by Nick talking about his past and how much he’s changed for the better.

I’ve been in a reading slump for the past week and I’m so happy that i finally found this book that took me out of it! Almost famous by Sarah Ainsley is a beautiful story told in the first person point of view by Emmy. I really loved reading this and seeing the father daughter relationship growth throughout the story. The slow burn relationship between Emmy and Sully was so cute! That plot twist towards the end was shocking and sad.

My favorite characters
-Emmy : She had a really great character growth and I loved her passion for photography.
-Eighty : He’s hilarious.
-Nick : I initially didn’t like him but I was really proud of who he turned out to be. His character growth was the strongest.

My least favorite character:
-Kayla

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

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, Sarah writes with her whole heart! The thing I love most about her writing is how real and authentic it is! The sly cultural references are 😘 chef’s kiss 😘

This book follows Emmy’s journey of meeting her dad—who just so happens to be a rock star—and living the tour life on the bus with the band. She’s under cover as an intern photographer who is building up her portfolio, but in reality she’s getting to know the father she’s never had, until now. She meets the band, deals with paparazzi, and makes some life long friendships.

This book made me laugh, made me tear up, and was something I could relate to #daddyissues 😅 One of the things this book does well is tackling tough topics. Family estrangement, secrets and lies, peer pressure, etc. to name a few. It’s not sugar coated, but at the same time it’s not brutal. It’s real—and there’s a lot to be said for writing the hard things authentically. As a reader, I like the gritty more than the sugar coated happy facade many of these stories can take.

Read this book if you enjoy:

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found family
🎸 Stories about bands
🍿Pop culture references
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Coming of age stories

Thank you to the author and netgalley for this advanced copy to read in exchange for an honest review! 💕

[Alyssa Kawata Honious · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

What do you do when your estranged, rockstar dad invites you on the tour & then tells the whole tour that you’re the photographer and social media intern?
Enter Emmy in this Liv/ Steven Tyler inspired coming of age story.

The found family, light romcom, and omg I can’t believe that just happened moments were my favorite. And as someone who once spent a week on tour and worked in the music industry to start my career, I can confirm the tour life experiences were accurate.

This young adult contemporary fiction, good for everyone, read was a delightful story on coming to terms with parents who didn’t always make the right decisions, white lies that turned into bigger ones, and vulnerable moments of the complex emotions of a girl on the edge of adulthood. Almost Infamous had all the pop culture references, banter, clumsy, angsty, awkwardness of being 17 and watching the world around you change and finding your place in it that I could have hoped for. I laughed, I cried a little, and I rooted for Emmy as we watched her go through a summer worth of growing pains.

🎸 dad is a rockstar
📸 photographer on tour
🏃 road romance with a runner
🏠 found family

How I read:
📱 100% on kindle

Thanks to NetGalley and Sarah Ainslee for the ARC!

[Alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

When seventeen-year-old Emmy finds out that her rockstar father, who abandoned her before she was even born, wants to reconnect, she’s forced to join him and his band on tour for a couple of weeks. Along the way, Emmy uncovers secrets that could change her life as she knows it.

I had an enjoyable time reading this book, but it didn’t evoke any strong emotions in me. Most of the characters didn’t go through much development, aside from Nick, which left me wanting more depth and growth. While I liked the author’s writing style, some of the word choices felt overly complicated, and I often had to look them up, which pulled me out of the story.

Emmy herself came across as a bit bland at times, though her occasional sarcasm was refreshing—I just wish we’d seen more of it. Oddly enough, I found the side characters more engaging and fun to read about. As for the romance, it was fine, but it could have been fleshed out more to make it impactful.

The ending was bittersweet, though it leaned more on the bitter side for me. Overall, while this wasn’t a standout read, it had its moments.

[Lily-May · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do you do when your dad’s a legendary rockstar, but you’re the only one who knows it? For seventeen-year-old Emmy Harper, the answer’s pretend he doesn’t exist. After all, Nick Addison, frontman of the iconic rock band Mayfair, bailed before she was even born.

Emmy’s summer plans are set until her mom drops a Nick wants to meet her. The catch? She has to spend two weeks on tour with Mayfair—incognito. After two decades of fame, scandals, and tabloid drama, he suddenly wants to get involved? Hard pass. Turns out, Emmy doesn’t have a choice.

Now stuck on the road with a bunch of rockstars, Emmy’s world is flipped upside down. Alongside the charming drummer’s son, Sullivan, she uncovers truths about Nick’s supposed abandonment and how everything she’s been taught about her family might be the farthest thing from reality.

Between band drama, first love, and backstage passes to the wild world of rock & roll, Emmy’s summer is a whirlwind of unexpected twists. But is it a chance for redemption or a ticket to chaos?

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen-year-old Emmy is the daughter of Nick Addison, the lead singer in an iconic rock band, not that many people know that because Nick left her mother before she was born and there has been no contact since. Out of the blue, Emmy’s summer plans have to change when her mother sends her to spend two weeks on tour with the band and a father she has never met.
How can Emmy survive two weeks with a group of total strangers including her father and uncle? Will she be able to forgive her father and build some kind of relationship with him? Although the story includes themes of addiction and unhealthy relationships, they are handled well making this book suitable for Younger YA readers who will love this mix of on tour chaos, slow simmering romance, and found family.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Jeffrey S. Kuehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Infamous by Sarah Ainslee
Received as an ARC from author.
Em’s dream trip to New York City with her friend comes to a crashing halt when her mother tells her she has to visit her father. Her non existent father Nick of the rock band Mayfair had recently been in a near death accident and now finally wants to spend time with his daughter. Catch is she has to be on tour with the band.
Em isn’t happy her true identity being hidden as an intern doing photography for the band and their socials.
She befriends Sully a son of another band member who is here for divorced father custody time.
They have a bond that becomes stronger.
Em finds out more from her dad Nick that her mother hid.
When the whole world finds out who she is it comes crashing in on her to finally deal with

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the opportunity to read this book twice now and I can say it just gets better each time. Sarah Ainslee is a master of twisting lighthearted comedy and knife wrenching reality into her tales in a way that will live with you long after you close the book. You will fall in love with Emmy and her supporting cast (Eighty❤️❤️❤️) and the story will grip your heart. I definitely recommend this one!

[Jess Svajgert · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: May 20, 2025

This YA coming of age novel surprised me in the best way. Light and fun but with a surprising amount of depth. Emmy ends up on tour with her estranged father as a photographer/social media intern and works through a number of complicated relationships along the way. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at times, this stays perfectly in its YA lane.

[MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid, charming YA novel that reminded me of The Princess Diaries (in a good way). I liked the characters and found their actions realistic. The relationships, especially the platonic and familial ones, were a highlight. I wouldn't say the plot was particularly exciting, but the book as a whole was fun and refreshing.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

[Eris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. The main character is Emmy. She is a junior in high school. She lives with her mother and grandparents. Her father is in a famous band, but she has never seen him. He invites her to come out and tour with his band. Her mother wants her to go and know her father. She goes but nobody with the band knows who her father is. She has come out to be a photographer for the band. She gets to know her father and make peace with him.

[๑ seungchaccomin ๑]

pre-review:

olivia rodrigo's ‘sour’ album mentioned, so i have to request this one (aaaaand i got approved!) 💞

thank you to netgalley and of course, to sarah ainslee, for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Tory Lindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am dying for a book about Emmy and Sullivan in their college era and her navigating her growing relationship with her dad. I’ll advocate for a second book with every breath I have!!! 4.25 stars. A great YA read.

[Clare Elman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic easy read. I really rooted for all the main characters and the ending was PERFECT