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If I Can Make It Here
Is it too late for coffee or too early for wine? That’s a question Madeline Burke has come to ask herself all too often. She needs a change, and a big one at that.
Coming into her late 20s, she finally finds the courage to pull herself out of a boring 9-to-5 life in Texas and launch the exciting new career she’s always dreamed about. Thanks to a little chutzpah and some quick thinking, she has landed an internship working in film publicity in New York City. It’s her favorite city in the world, concrete jungle where dreams are made…or crushed. The prospect is both exciting and intimidating for a woman with an ambitious work ethic and a pesky anxiety problem. What could possibly go wrong?
As Madeline goes behind the velvet ropes of movie premieres and celebrity press tours, she finds out what really happens after the cameras flash. Navigating her way through splashy scandals, inflated egos, romantic entanglements, and impossible office demands has her catching her breath behind one too many bathroom stall doors.
The hectic and fast-paced reality that is her new life has her questioning whether or not she has what it takes to stick it out. She decides it is up to her and her alone to make it in New York City.
As the saying goes, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere…right?
Coming into her late 20s, she finally finds the courage to pull herself out of a boring 9-to-5 life in Texas and launch the exciting new career she’s always dreamed about. Thanks to a little chutzpah and some quick thinking, she has landed an internship working in film publicity in New York City. It’s her favorite city in the world, concrete jungle where dreams are made…or crushed. The prospect is both exciting and intimidating for a woman with an ambitious work ethic and a pesky anxiety problem. What could possibly go wrong?
As Madeline goes behind the velvet ropes of movie premieres and celebrity press tours, she finds out what really happens after the cameras flash. Navigating her way through splashy scandals, inflated egos, romantic entanglements, and impossible office demands has her catching her breath behind one too many bathroom stall doors.
The hectic and fast-paced reality that is her new life has her questioning whether or not she has what it takes to stick it out. She decides it is up to her and her alone to make it in New York City.
As the saying goes, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere…right?
- GenresChick Lit
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 12, 2019
I was immediately drawn to this book for two reasons: 1) The cover is absolutely gorgeous. The pastels reminded me of warmer weather. 2) The opening line from the blurb: Is it too late for coffee or too early for wine? As a grad student who is stressed out all time, I can’t even tell you the amount of times that I have asked this very question.
The story opens with Madeline Burke on a plane headed to finally start a career in the film industry in New York City while leaving a not so thrilling career in business development at software company behind in Houston, Texas. Madeline realized she needed to leave her mundane life in Texas after asking herself on a daily basis if she could start drinking at 2 pm. Unfortunately, Madeline suffers from both anxiety and panic attacks, which while mid-air, is not the best of situations. She ultimately pops some Xanax and allows herself to be lulled into a semi-peaceful bliss.
“Okay, so money doesn’t solve all problems…especially mental health issues…but you officially become not relatable when your excessive worries pop up while you’re at the Oscars and mine hit me while in the driver’s seat of a 93’ Honda Accord named Pearl. Sorry, Sasha Fierce” – Madeline
When Madeline starts her new position, it is nowhere near as glamorous as she envisioned. Her boss clearly has a grudge against female interns, which means Madeline is mostly filling the coffee orders. Madelyn finally gets the opportunity to attend a premiere packed with celebrities, but once photos of one her celebrity clients in a compromised situation appear splashed across the front page of the tabloids of a certain celebrity, her boss accuses of her selling photographs. Thankfully, at least Madeline can count on her colleagues Adi and Carolyn.
Madeline’s life begins to change when she meets Adi’s cousin Drake who’s a police officer who works security part-time at the film premiere events and happens to be GORGEOUS. The only caveat? Drake’s not looking to pursue a relationship. He’s been on a dating hiatus since his previous engagement went south, which was over two years ago. However, as Madeline and Drake start spending more time together, it is evident that sparks have flown between them and sexual tension begins to build.
This book has everything that I typically look for when it comes to a good contemporary romance. The plot was fast paced. The book is incredibly witty not only when it comes to Madeline’s interaction with the other characters, but even the thoughts that she has. Madeline’s character is relatable. She moved across the country to escape a mundane life to pursue a once in a lifetime opportunity, which is not all that it’s cracked up to be at first. (This definitely reminded me of when I started graduate school after leaving a comfortable life in industry) I also enjoyed that the romance in this book is not the over the top love at first sight type of romance. There’s hesitation and trust must be built between Madeline and Drake. Lastly, there’s a plot twist, which was a pleasant surprise.
Overall, this is a fantastic debut novel and one that you don’t want to miss! Once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop.
Thank you to the author for providing an eARC of this book. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
The story opens with Madeline Burke on a plane headed to finally start a career in the film industry in New York City while leaving a not so thrilling career in business development at software company behind in Houston, Texas. Madeline realized she needed to leave her mundane life in Texas after asking herself on a daily basis if she could start drinking at 2 pm. Unfortunately, Madeline suffers from both anxiety and panic attacks, which while mid-air, is not the best of situations. She ultimately pops some Xanax and allows herself to be lulled into a semi-peaceful bliss.
“Okay, so money doesn’t solve all problems…especially mental health issues…but you officially become not relatable when your excessive worries pop up while you’re at the Oscars and mine hit me while in the driver’s seat of a 93’ Honda Accord named Pearl. Sorry, Sasha Fierce” – Madeline
When Madeline starts her new position, it is nowhere near as glamorous as she envisioned. Her boss clearly has a grudge against female interns, which means Madeline is mostly filling the coffee orders. Madelyn finally gets the opportunity to attend a premiere packed with celebrities, but once photos of one her celebrity clients in a compromised situation appear splashed across the front page of the tabloids of a certain celebrity, her boss accuses of her selling photographs. Thankfully, at least Madeline can count on her colleagues Adi and Carolyn.
Madeline’s life begins to change when she meets Adi’s cousin Drake who’s a police officer who works security part-time at the film premiere events and happens to be GORGEOUS. The only caveat? Drake’s not looking to pursue a relationship. He’s been on a dating hiatus since his previous engagement went south, which was over two years ago. However, as Madeline and Drake start spending more time together, it is evident that sparks have flown between them and sexual tension begins to build.
This book has everything that I typically look for when it comes to a good contemporary romance. The plot was fast paced. The book is incredibly witty not only when it comes to Madeline’s interaction with the other characters, but even the thoughts that she has. Madeline’s character is relatable. She moved across the country to escape a mundane life to pursue a once in a lifetime opportunity, which is not all that it’s cracked up to be at first. (This definitely reminded me of when I started graduate school after leaving a comfortable life in industry) I also enjoyed that the romance in this book is not the over the top love at first sight type of romance. There’s hesitation and trust must be built between Madeline and Drake. Lastly, there’s a plot twist, which was a pleasant surprise.
Overall, this is a fantastic debut novel and one that you don’t want to miss! Once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop.
Thank you to the author for providing an eARC of this book. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2019
If I Can Make It Here is all about Madeline, who quits her job and moves to New York, a city that she loves, for an internship. She doesn't know how everything is going to play out, but she knows that she has to take a chance. Madeline loves the city and is so excited to be living there, and even though not everyone in her new office is supportive of her, she really wants to make it in her new life.
Madeline really annoyed me at the beginning of the book. I didn't love her personality or why she did some of the things that she did. Even though I didn't like her much at first, I appreciated the fact that she was a flawed character. I feel that all too often in contemporary books we get these characters who are perfect in almost every way that it's completely unrealistic. But Madeline felt realistic (and maybe that's why she annoyed me because I saw some things that I don't love about myself in her.)
Madeline grows A LOT in this book. She was annoying to me in the beginning, but by the end, I really liked who she had become. It wasn't a huge change either, it was subtle, realistic, and fun to read about. I really liked Madeline as the main character and I also really liked the love interest, how he pushed her and protected her.
There were parts of the book that were a little slow. I haven't ever read a book about someone who works in the film industry/marketing industry for film and the events that Madeline is a part of were fun to read about. I also loved the Halloween party.
Madeline also has anxiety. And while I didn't *love* how she thought about her anxiety or dealt with it, I'm glad that it was talked about. Anxiety and other mental illnesses are real and I really do want to see them more in books. I didn't love that she drank to essentially numb her anxiety. I don't drink, but I use other things to numb my anxiety at times, but it isn't a solution that works. And anxiety doesn't just go away when you are in a relationship, just like any other illness it takes work to learn coping skills and live with a mental illness. So, some of how her anxiety was handled, by her and others, I didn't really connect with or like but as the book went on, this also got a bit better
I really enjoyed If I Can Make It Here and if you're looking for a good contemporary with romance and characters who grow, I definitely recommend it! I gave it 3.5/5 stars.
Madeline really annoyed me at the beginning of the book. I didn't love her personality or why she did some of the things that she did. Even though I didn't like her much at first, I appreciated the fact that she was a flawed character. I feel that all too often in contemporary books we get these characters who are perfect in almost every way that it's completely unrealistic. But Madeline felt realistic (and maybe that's why she annoyed me because I saw some things that I don't love about myself in her.)
Madeline grows A LOT in this book. She was annoying to me in the beginning, but by the end, I really liked who she had become. It wasn't a huge change either, it was subtle, realistic, and fun to read about. I really liked Madeline as the main character and I also really liked the love interest, how he pushed her and protected her.
There were parts of the book that were a little slow. I haven't ever read a book about someone who works in the film industry/marketing industry for film and the events that Madeline is a part of were fun to read about. I also loved the Halloween party.
Madeline also has anxiety. And while I didn't *love* how she thought about her anxiety or dealt with it, I'm glad that it was talked about. Anxiety and other mental illnesses are real and I really do want to see them more in books. I didn't love that she drank to essentially numb her anxiety. I don't drink, but I use other things to numb my anxiety at times, but it isn't a solution that works. And anxiety doesn't just go away when you are in a relationship, just like any other illness it takes work to learn coping skills and live with a mental illness. So, some of how her anxiety was handled, by her and others, I didn't really connect with or like but as the book went on, this also got a bit better
I really enjoyed If I Can Make It Here and if you're looking for a good contemporary with romance and characters who grow, I definitely recommend it! I gave it 3.5/5 stars.
May 4, 2019
If I Can Make it Here by Jamie Rose was such an enjoyable read! It was funny, witty, relatable, and I caught myself laughing and smiling throughout the entire thing!
Madeline, our main character is absolutely hilarious. She's anxious, sort of hot mess and has a understandable love affair with wine. She makes her way to New York from Texas and you get to go along for the complicated ride that is film publicity, work drama, movies, celebrities and romance. This book had a bit of everything and even had a little plot twist that caught me by surprise.
If you're looking for a quick, light hearted read this is definitely the book for you!
{ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review!}
Madeline, our main character is absolutely hilarious. She's anxious, sort of hot mess and has a understandable love affair with wine. She makes her way to New York from Texas and you get to go along for the complicated ride that is film publicity, work drama, movies, celebrities and romance. This book had a bit of everything and even had a little plot twist that caught me by surprise.
If you're looking for a quick, light hearted read this is definitely the book for you!
{ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review!}
April 27, 2019
“There is no place in the world like NYC. It was a beautiful backdrop for anyone with an ounce of hope, wonder, or optimism in their heart. The streets were paved with hard work and ideas, built by those who had arrived in search of the American dream. It was the perfect canvas for talented and tenacious people eager to start their lives.”
.
If I Can Make It Here is a story about following your dreams wherever they take you, standing up for yourself no matter who tries to take your integrity and building a community to support you through it all. Madeline moves from Texas to NYC to follow her dream of working in film, in her favorite city. With her new PR job, comes two fellow coworkers that soon become best friends. But that same new job also comes with circumstances she never imagined she would be in and problems she never dreamed she would have to solve. Throw in a little anxiety, a new city, a cute NYPD officer and a jerk neighbor and Madeline isn’t sure if the city will embrace her or swallow her up whole. NYC doesn’t accept just anyone calling it home, that right must be earned and for Madeline she believed “... if could make it here, I could make it anywhere.”
.
One lazy Saturday. That is all it took for me to start and finish reading this book. I won this book from the author about a month ago, during an Instagram giveaway and I am so glad I started to read it today! Jamie, you had me from the first TV reference in chapter one {FRIENDS, Final Destination, Britney circa 2007, and who could forget Jessie Spano} all the way till the last chapter {Pollyanna} and the epilogue at the end. I feel like I know you a little as a person from reading this book and we could be friends. I cannot wait to see what you next novel will be!
.
If I Can Make It Here is a story about following your dreams wherever they take you, standing up for yourself no matter who tries to take your integrity and building a community to support you through it all. Madeline moves from Texas to NYC to follow her dream of working in film, in her favorite city. With her new PR job, comes two fellow coworkers that soon become best friends. But that same new job also comes with circumstances she never imagined she would be in and problems she never dreamed she would have to solve. Throw in a little anxiety, a new city, a cute NYPD officer and a jerk neighbor and Madeline isn’t sure if the city will embrace her or swallow her up whole. NYC doesn’t accept just anyone calling it home, that right must be earned and for Madeline she believed “... if could make it here, I could make it anywhere.”
.
One lazy Saturday. That is all it took for me to start and finish reading this book. I won this book from the author about a month ago, during an Instagram giveaway and I am so glad I started to read it today! Jamie, you had me from the first TV reference in chapter one {FRIENDS, Final Destination, Britney circa 2007, and who could forget Jessie Spano} all the way till the last chapter {Pollyanna} and the epilogue at the end. I feel like I know you a little as a person from reading this book and we could be friends. I cannot wait to see what you next novel will be!
May 30, 2019
I listened to the audio version of this book without knowing any of the plot. Overall, it was an enjoyable listen. I'm not a huge romance book reader, so at times, this was a little too romantically cheesy for me and felt like a soap opera. That being said, I enjoyed the New York City references and there was a tiny part to figure out who was the leak at the company, so a little bit of intrigue.
April 13, 2019
This book was just what I needed!! Easy, fun, lovely little read by author Jamie Rose. This I believe is her debut novel!!
The characters were so very likeable. Great match up!! Drake was just the sweetest and would be great to clone him just for me!! Ha!!
Really loves this book and refreshed my reading brain!!
The characters were so very likeable. Great match up!! Drake was just the sweetest and would be great to clone him just for me!! Ha!!
Really loves this book and refreshed my reading brain!!
April 12, 2019
YES! I have hit a bit of rough patch with my reading choices lately, and If I Can Make It Here came along at the perfect time to get me back on track. The cover immediately called to me, but the synopsis had me hooked. New York, working with celebrities … I was all to jump into this chick lit story and had such a fun time reading it. Madeline is a sweet lead, moving from Texas to New York and working in film publicity, knowing no one in the big city. Drama ensues with her internship, not with the celebrities but those who work with her, and I was constantly rooting for her to get the respect I thought she deserved on the job. We of course have a romance angle in here and I loved it! There are so many moments that made me smile, laugh, cringe, seethe, and also plenty of scenes that I found relatable, even though I live in Iowa and do not work on the daily with celebrity clients. If you are a chick lit fan, I highly recommend!
I received a review copy
I received a review copy
May 8, 2019
If I Can Make It Here by Jamie Rose
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Another good book -- I'm on a roll with four and five star books lately!
This is the story of Madeline proving to herself that she's strong and capable enough to make it in a high stakes city doing a high stakes job. After working in a cubicle for years, Madeline packs up her Texas life and sets off to NYC to intern in the film industry. She learns quickly that if she wants to make it in NYC, she's going to have to be tough.
I loved that so much of this book wasn't about a love story fairy tale (although there was just enough of that to make it fun!) but was about Madeline finding herself and her inner strength and proving she has what it takes to live out her dream. I enjoyed seeing Madeline's character and her friendships develop.
I would definitely recommend picking up this book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Another good book -- I'm on a roll with four and five star books lately!
This is the story of Madeline proving to herself that she's strong and capable enough to make it in a high stakes city doing a high stakes job. After working in a cubicle for years, Madeline packs up her Texas life and sets off to NYC to intern in the film industry. She learns quickly that if she wants to make it in NYC, she's going to have to be tough.
I loved that so much of this book wasn't about a love story fairy tale (although there was just enough of that to make it fun!) but was about Madeline finding herself and her inner strength and proving she has what it takes to live out her dream. I enjoyed seeing Madeline's character and her friendships develop.
I would definitely recommend picking up this book!
September 1, 2020
Recommended by a Youtuber I follow. A very light reading that I probably could have finished if I was on a long haul fligh. Fresh grad from Texas came to New York (concrete jungle where dreams are made of) to pursue her dream of being in the PR / Entertainment industry. It was alright, nothing to analyse or dig deeper in the story line. I read it just to get myself back into the reading headspace. If you’re up for a “Budget Devil Wears Prada” story line and are a light reader, go pick this up.
This review along with my personal anecdotes about being an asian millennial, eternal introvert in an extrovert’s job can be found here: http://www.halfreformed.wordpress.com
This review along with my personal anecdotes about being an asian millennial, eternal introvert in an extrovert’s job can be found here: http://www.halfreformed.wordpress.com
January 19, 2020
My daughter in law bought me this book that was written by a girl who goes to her church. It was a fun read about a girl from Houston who goes to NYC, gets a job as a movie publicist and finds romance. Enjoyable read by a first time author.
May 8, 2019
Absolutely amazing, witty, and heartwarming! Loved every chapter and page!
May 14, 2019
AMAZING! Review to follow shortly!
June 14, 2019
Cute book!
Loved the book & read it in 2 days! My love for NYC made it even better. Wish it were part of a series!
Loved the book & read it in 2 days! My love for NYC made it even better. Wish it were part of a series!
April 26, 2021
Wanted to rate 4.5 stars but the ending was a little too cheesy. Nonetheless, a great rom-com - always awesome to find a great book from a Prime First Reads pick!
June 18, 2019
🎧 3.5 🌟
Madeline was persistent and didn't give up with all the shit she dealt with and it made me proud 😊 It was also a good reminder to not let people walk all over you. I enjoyed listening to this one! Stephanie Kay did an excellent job narrating 👌
Madeline was persistent and didn't give up with all the shit she dealt with and it made me proud 😊 It was also a good reminder to not let people walk all over you. I enjoyed listening to this one! Stephanie Kay did an excellent job narrating 👌
July 20, 2019
Equal parts romance, mystery, and drama, If I Can Make It Here details out the experiences Madeline has when she finds herself out of her element in the film publicity world. One of the most appreciative aspects to Madeline’s personality, is the realistic approach shown when she’s dealing with those uncomfortable and awkward situations, given the anxiety that appears at the most inopportune times. I could literally feel the struggle while she’s working through it all, not entirely sure on how I would handle those same situations if I were in her shoes. From having a Miranda Priestly-type supervisor, to moments of subtle sabotage and romantic intrigue, it’s enough for anyone to feel as though they’re on some severely high emotional roller coaster, riding the highs and lows while clinging on for dear life.
The scenarios that featured Madeline with her evil supervisor were some of my favorite moments. With two steps forward and multiple steps back, I never knew for sure where Madeline stood, or what she could do to ultimately get through and get by. As much as I wanted to hate the supervisor, I couldn’t help but love to hate her, and want more scenes with the two of them, to see what would happen next. It was also the perfect opportunity for Madeline to stand up for herself and push past her anxieties and fears, allowing for large advancements towards character growth. That was also showcased in her new friendship with Drake, a police officer who moonlights as a security guard for the company she works for. We’re given a look into the inner workings of her mind while she’s trying to deal with her anxious feelings, at times seemingly over the top, but honest.
Madeline is learning how to make it on her own, and I appreciated how nothing came easy or was handed to her. She had to earn her position, even with all the drama and chaos around her. While I felt the beginning of this story dragged a bit, in terms of a lot of scenery and inner dialogue and not much outer dialogue with other characters or action to get things propelling forward at a good pace, everything picked up nicely after the first chapter or two. There were even a few mystery angles thrown in for good measure, a type of whodunit that had me thinking it was for sure one person, yet it ended up not being the person I thought had been causing trouble all along. A fun and, in several moments and scenes, a very inspiring read!
The scenarios that featured Madeline with her evil supervisor were some of my favorite moments. With two steps forward and multiple steps back, I never knew for sure where Madeline stood, or what she could do to ultimately get through and get by. As much as I wanted to hate the supervisor, I couldn’t help but love to hate her, and want more scenes with the two of them, to see what would happen next. It was also the perfect opportunity for Madeline to stand up for herself and push past her anxieties and fears, allowing for large advancements towards character growth. That was also showcased in her new friendship with Drake, a police officer who moonlights as a security guard for the company she works for. We’re given a look into the inner workings of her mind while she’s trying to deal with her anxious feelings, at times seemingly over the top, but honest.
Madeline is learning how to make it on her own, and I appreciated how nothing came easy or was handed to her. She had to earn her position, even with all the drama and chaos around her. While I felt the beginning of this story dragged a bit, in terms of a lot of scenery and inner dialogue and not much outer dialogue with other characters or action to get things propelling forward at a good pace, everything picked up nicely after the first chapter or two. There were even a few mystery angles thrown in for good measure, a type of whodunit that had me thinking it was for sure one person, yet it ended up not being the person I thought had been causing trouble all along. A fun and, in several moments and scenes, a very inspiring read!
January 4, 2022
Loved this book! The characters were relatable and I was not ready for the story to end.
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