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Most Wanted #3
Kind of Famous
Layla Beckett has a secret. For the past ten years, she’s run the most trafficked fan site on the Internet for her favorite band—under an alias, naturally. When she lands a job at the prestigious New York City music magazine The Rock Paper, she’s suddenly thrust into the world she’s only observed from the cheap seats. Now that she’s brushing elbows with sexy guitarists and hot frontmen, she wants to play it cool and keep her superfan status on the down low. Although she’s dying to gush on her forum, posting her insider adventures online could expose her real-life identity and blow her cover.
And that’s all before one of those sexy musicians becomes a fan of her.
From the minute he meets Layla, Shane Morgan’s heart beats a heavy metal rhythm, but his head is full of doubt. Since only the most hardcore fans could pick the drummer out of a lineup, he’s resigned to groupies using him to get closer to the more famous guitarists. But he doesn’t want to be Layla’s passthrough.
As Layla gets to know the real people behind the music, she’s drawn to the less-than-flashy drummer’s sweet charms, fascinating mind, and banging hot body, but she worries about his insecurities. She needs to convince Shane she’s moved beyond fandom before he discovers her online history and loses all faith in her intentions.
But the Internet is forever, and secrets have a way of getting out.
And that’s all before one of those sexy musicians becomes a fan of her.
From the minute he meets Layla, Shane Morgan’s heart beats a heavy metal rhythm, but his head is full of doubt. Since only the most hardcore fans could pick the drummer out of a lineup, he’s resigned to groupies using him to get closer to the more famous guitarists. But he doesn’t want to be Layla’s passthrough.
As Layla gets to know the real people behind the music, she’s drawn to the less-than-flashy drummer’s sweet charms, fascinating mind, and banging hot body, but she worries about his insecurities. She needs to convince Shane she’s moved beyond fandom before he discovers her online history and loses all faith in her intentions.
But the Internet is forever, and secrets have a way of getting out.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2020
32 people are currently reading
2195 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ann Marlowe
14 books373 followersMary Ann Marlowe is a romance junkie with wanderlust. She’s lived in twelve states and three countries, but she’s called the Charlottesville, Virginia area home for nearly twenty years. She’s held dozens of jobs from university-level French teacher to Wall Street computer programmer, got her black belt in karate, and beat Zelda Breath of the Wild. She loves to pull from her experiences when creating her fictional worlds. When she isn’t writing, she day jobs as a developer, hangs with her two amazing kids, and dreams of travel. She also writes under the name Lorelei Parker.
No AI used in the writing, audio, or cover art of any of my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 11, 2020
I had read the other books in this series and loved them. I was beyond excited to get to this one, sadly I’m a bit disappointed.
I liked Layla and Shane? Yes, that’s a question. They’re both well meaning people and there’s a lot of potential, but I didn’t feel like we actually got to know them. Layla was A Fan and Shane was A Drummer and those are the only attributes that seemed to matter. Of course I loved seeing the couples from the previous books.
Plot wise it didn’t go anywhere. The two of them fell into bed and that was where the majority of their interactions took place. Yes, there’s a bit of conversation, but not much. Even a mention of them talking or texting while Shane was on tour could have turned it around. The conflict was swift, the resolution was the same, and the epilogue had me shaking my head instead of being excited.
Overall, it was a great set up, but it didn’t have the same spark and warmth the other stories did. If Noah gets a book, I’ll definitely be reading.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Layla and Shane? Yes, that’s a question. They’re both well meaning people and there’s a lot of potential, but I didn’t feel like we actually got to know them. Layla was A Fan and Shane was A Drummer and those are the only attributes that seemed to matter. Of course I loved seeing the couples from the previous books.
Plot wise it didn’t go anywhere. The two of them fell into bed and that was where the majority of their interactions took place. Yes, there’s a bit of conversation, but not much. Even a mention of them talking or texting while Shane was on tour could have turned it around. The conflict was swift, the resolution was the same, and the epilogue had me shaking my head instead of being excited.
Overall, it was a great set up, but it didn’t have the same spark and warmth the other stories did. If Noah gets a book, I’ll definitely be reading.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
March 5, 2020
4.5 stars!
In a very short period of time, I've found and read all the books Mary Ann Marlowe has published to date. I've come to enjoy her story telling and writing style. Her characters are people you'd like to be friends with. They're not perfect, but their flaws make them approachable and likable. Kind of Famous features Layla Beckett, whom I met previously in another of Mary Ann's books.
I loved Layla. She's a fangirl at heart, but is able to separate fantasy from reality. She's got a good head on her shoulders. I loved her chemistry with Shane. Shane Morgan is the drummer in a band. He's not the most famous, as the lead singer Micah and another member Noah have all the groupies. However Layla sees through the flash and glamour and sees him for the gem he is. I love Shane for being a gentleman and so considerate of Layla. His insecurities are what made him easy to like, even though they caused lots of trouble down the line.
The story flows well and I enjoyed seeing how Shane and Layla handled being in a relationship that progressed quickly. I also loved seeing Jo and Micah from A Crazy Kind of Love and Eden and Adam from Some Kind of Magic. While Some Kind of Magic is the first book, any of these books can be read without spoiling the others, although for continuity's sake you'll want to start there. I'm hoping Mary Ann will write more set in this world. Noah might be surly, but he's not irredeemable! And even if she doesn't, I look forward to reading whatever she writes next!
In a very short period of time, I've found and read all the books Mary Ann Marlowe has published to date. I've come to enjoy her story telling and writing style. Her characters are people you'd like to be friends with. They're not perfect, but their flaws make them approachable and likable. Kind of Famous features Layla Beckett, whom I met previously in another of Mary Ann's books.
I loved Layla. She's a fangirl at heart, but is able to separate fantasy from reality. She's got a good head on her shoulders. I loved her chemistry with Shane. Shane Morgan is the drummer in a band. He's not the most famous, as the lead singer Micah and another member Noah have all the groupies. However Layla sees through the flash and glamour and sees him for the gem he is. I love Shane for being a gentleman and so considerate of Layla. His insecurities are what made him easy to like, even though they caused lots of trouble down the line.
The story flows well and I enjoyed seeing how Shane and Layla handled being in a relationship that progressed quickly. I also loved seeing Jo and Micah from A Crazy Kind of Love and Eden and Adam from Some Kind of Magic. While Some Kind of Magic is the first book, any of these books can be read without spoiling the others, although for continuity's sake you'll want to start there. I'm hoping Mary Ann will write more set in this world. Noah might be surly, but he's not irredeemable! And even if she doesn't, I look forward to reading whatever she writes next!
June 25, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Kind of Famous was a seesaw type of read - never quite landing on either side of love or hate. At best I leaned towards the prior when I reached the end.
Kind of Famous was a seesaw type of read - never quite landing on either side of love or hate. At best I leaned towards the prior when I reached the end.
March 11, 2020
"Kind of Famous" was all kinds of wonderful!
I have a guilty secret, I just love the celebrity trope, and this was the most wonderful addition to my "collection".
While it is the third in a series, there is no problem whatsoever in reading it as a standalone.
I seldom give five stars to a book, but this one made me a fan. It has some adorable characters, especially Layla who has this wonderful little nerdiness. I found it very entertaining, the dialogue was cute and witty, and I was engaged from the first page.
The storyline itself was interesting with not too much angst, which is something I loathe. Finally, the grand gesture end the end was to die for.
☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.
I have a guilty secret, I just love the celebrity trope, and this was the most wonderful addition to my "collection".
While it is the third in a series, there is no problem whatsoever in reading it as a standalone.
I seldom give five stars to a book, but this one made me a fan. It has some adorable characters, especially Layla who has this wonderful little nerdiness. I found it very entertaining, the dialogue was cute and witty, and I was engaged from the first page.
The storyline itself was interesting with not too much angst, which is something I loathe. Finally, the grand gesture end the end was to die for.
☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.
August 26, 2024
So fun!
I love the idea of someone who runs a fan-site meeting the people their fan-site is about! It was well done and I really enjoyed it.
I liked the tension between her needs and his insecurities. It felt very realistic and it kept me guessing. I wasn’t sure how things would play out. This book had a fantastic cast of side characters that really added to the story.
I loved so many characters and interactions throughout this book. I was sad to leave these characters behind.
Definitely recommend!
I love the idea of someone who runs a fan-site meeting the people their fan-site is about! It was well done and I really enjoyed it.
I liked the tension between her needs and his insecurities. It felt very realistic and it kept me guessing. I wasn’t sure how things would play out. This book had a fantastic cast of side characters that really added to the story.
I loved so many characters and interactions throughout this book. I was sad to leave these characters behind.
Definitely recommend!
March 16, 2020
I was in a mini reading slump and this book pulled me out of it! I've read one of Ms. Marlowe's books before and I wasn't impressed by it but I was determined to give her books another chance and, oh boy, am I glad I did.
The story was interesting and kept me reading well into the night. I liked the heroine, Layla, but what really made this book a 5 star read for me was the hero, Shane. I really, really loved him. He's a breath of fresh air in the flood of aplha jerks authors try to convince us are romance heroes these days. He wasn't perfect and he definitely didn't have if figured out, but this flawed hero just did it for me. I fell IN LOVE with him. Layla was a great character too. I loved Layla and Shane as a couple. They were so similar in some aspect but at the same time so different. They were perfect for eachother. The chemistry between them was blatant. The building of the romance wasn't paced as good as it could be but that doesn't take much out of the story. Oh, and the grand gesture HEA ending was just what I wanted and needed.
Can I say it again? This book was really, really good! I loved reading it and I can't remember when was the last time I stayed up all night reading but I did for this book.
***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The story was interesting and kept me reading well into the night. I liked the heroine, Layla, but what really made this book a 5 star read for me was the hero, Shane. I really, really loved him. He's a breath of fresh air in the flood of aplha jerks authors try to convince us are romance heroes these days. He wasn't perfect and he definitely didn't have if figured out, but this flawed hero just did it for me. I fell IN LOVE with him. Layla was a great character too. I loved Layla and Shane as a couple. They were so similar in some aspect but at the same time so different. They were perfect for eachother. The chemistry between them was blatant. The building of the romance wasn't paced as good as it could be but that doesn't take much out of the story. Oh, and the grand gesture HEA ending was just what I wanted and needed.
Can I say it again? This book was really, really good! I loved reading it and I can't remember when was the last time I stayed up all night reading but I did for this book.
***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 31, 2020
Since I can't get to a public library while in lockdown, I've been hoarding this book for a long holiday weekend, and finally let myself read it, and I was delighted. If you've ever been a member of a fan site
(And if you haven't, whyevernot? Don't you want to find like-minded people to geek out with? GO FIND YOUR RACE-THAT-KNOWS-JOSEPH NOW!)
you'll immediately recognize the solidity of the site Layla runs. And if you've ever been even marginally involved with the running of such a site--and it's a site worth being involved with--you'll recognize Layla. And you'll recognize this book as being at least as much a love letter to fandom of all sorts (and a realistic understanding of the limits of fandom) as it is a love story. That's the aspect that caught most of my attention, and for it I love this book to pieces.
(And if you haven't, whyevernot? Don't you want to find like-minded people to geek out with? GO FIND YOUR RACE-THAT-KNOWS-JOSEPH NOW!)
you'll immediately recognize the solidity of the site Layla runs. And if you've ever been even marginally involved with the running of such a site--and it's a site worth being involved with--you'll recognize Layla. And you'll recognize this book as being at least as much a love letter to fandom of all sorts (and a realistic understanding of the limits of fandom) as it is a love story. That's the aspect that caught most of my attention, and for it I love this book to pieces.
January 30, 2020
What would you do if you had the opportunity to meet the rock stars of your dream but for very good reasons decided they could never know you ran a huge online fansite for them? That's the dilemma met by midwesterner Layla Beckett when she moves to New York City to work for the industry darling Rock Paper. Starting on day one she comes face to face with fame, and must decide how to deal with it.
Layla's journey is both exhilarating and one she has to think about every step of the way, especially after she meets--and falls for--drummer Shane. He's not with the band for which she's a superfan, but he's close enough, sexy enough, witty enough, and kind-hearted enough. The two fall for each other hard, and things move a little too quickly for Layla's comfort. When Shane's jealousy and lack of faith in himself kick in, the fragile web they've started to build fractures.
Deeper than it seems on the surface, Kind of Famous explores the treacherous natures of fandom, friendship, and love--and the explosives that can result when those three things collide. Author Mary Ann Marlowe's book is a sweet coda of a love song to the rocker universe she created in Some Kind of Magic and developed further in A Crazy Kind of Love. If you loved those books, you'll cherish this one as well.
Layla's journey is both exhilarating and one she has to think about every step of the way, especially after she meets--and falls for--drummer Shane. He's not with the band for which she's a superfan, but he's close enough, sexy enough, witty enough, and kind-hearted enough. The two fall for each other hard, and things move a little too quickly for Layla's comfort. When Shane's jealousy and lack of faith in himself kick in, the fragile web they've started to build fractures.
Deeper than it seems on the surface, Kind of Famous explores the treacherous natures of fandom, friendship, and love--and the explosives that can result when those three things collide. Author Mary Ann Marlowe's book is a sweet coda of a love song to the rocker universe she created in Some Kind of Magic and developed further in A Crazy Kind of Love. If you loved those books, you'll cherish this one as well.
April 2, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis of this book really reeled me in! It’s been a while since I’ve read a rock star romance novel and so I was excited to start this one.
For the most part, I really liked Layla and her attitude towards life. She wasn’t a perfect character by any means. She made a lot of mistakes, but she always knew when she was in the wrong and I loved that. Layla knew herself really well and what it was she expected from herself, relationships, and the people she interacted with.
“My mom had passed on a bit of wisdom to me. She said, “Layla, if you can’t talk to a boy about sex, about your body, then you’re not ready for sex with him.”
Next off, Shane, a.k.a drummer boy/ Layla’s love interest. Compared to Layla, I thought Shane was just a-okay. He’s different from most of the cocky alpha males that are usually in this genre, and so I found that to be exciting. However, his silly, shy, and dorky behaviors were overshadowed by his immaturity.
When Shane first appeared in the book I immediately thought he was around 25 years old. Midway through when he revealed his age to be 31, I seriously dropped my phone and had to look at the screen again to see if what I was reading was correct or not. The man acted like a 19-year-old but in a 31-year-olds body. He would lash out like a kid at times and overreacted, big time, to a lot of what Layla did and so that didn’t make me the biggest fan of him.
Romance-wise I thought it was cute although a bit too quick for my liking. I would have wanted their story to be prolonged a bit more, but I guess for Shane and Layla it was just an instant feeling.
Having said that, it still was an entertaining story with intriguing side characters—my favorite of them all being Jo—that kept me from sleeping. I liked it and I’ll definitely be reading more of Mary Ann Marlowe’s works soon!
I think if you like rock star themed romance and interesting characters, then you'd definitely love this book!
RATING: 3.5 STARS
For more bookish content you can follow me here on Goodreads or on:
Blog: https://rosewaterreadings.wixsite.com/home/blog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosewater_ay
The synopsis of this book really reeled me in! It’s been a while since I’ve read a rock star romance novel and so I was excited to start this one.
For the most part, I really liked Layla and her attitude towards life. She wasn’t a perfect character by any means. She made a lot of mistakes, but she always knew when she was in the wrong and I loved that. Layla knew herself really well and what it was she expected from herself, relationships, and the people she interacted with.
“My mom had passed on a bit of wisdom to me. She said, “Layla, if you can’t talk to a boy about sex, about your body, then you’re not ready for sex with him.”
Next off, Shane, a.k.a drummer boy/ Layla’s love interest. Compared to Layla, I thought Shane was just a-okay. He’s different from most of the cocky alpha males that are usually in this genre, and so I found that to be exciting. However, his silly, shy, and dorky behaviors were overshadowed by his immaturity.
When Shane first appeared in the book I immediately thought he was around 25 years old. Midway through when he revealed his age to be 31, I seriously dropped my phone and had to look at the screen again to see if what I was reading was correct or not. The man acted like a 19-year-old but in a 31-year-olds body. He would lash out like a kid at times and overreacted, big time, to a lot of what Layla did and so that didn’t make me the biggest fan of him.
Romance-wise I thought it was cute although a bit too quick for my liking. I would have wanted their story to be prolonged a bit more, but I guess for Shane and Layla it was just an instant feeling.
Having said that, it still was an entertaining story with intriguing side characters—my favorite of them all being Jo—that kept me from sleeping. I liked it and I’ll definitely be reading more of Mary Ann Marlowe’s works soon!
I think if you like rock star themed romance and interesting characters, then you'd definitely love this book!
RATING: 3.5 STARS
For more bookish content you can follow me here on Goodreads or on:
Blog: https://rosewaterreadings.wixsite.com/home/blog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosewater_ay
April 7, 2020
I’ve read both of the other novels in this series and was really looking forward to this new installment. This is a rock star series, and yes, there’s plenty of eye candy and sizzling action between our heroes and heroines, but what I like the most is that each story has an underlining plot that brings a more serious tone to what would normally be a light hearted subject. In Kind of Famous, Layla’s secret is part of the main story and it definitely added a huge conflict, even if most of it was inner conflict for the majority of the book. As the book developed I realized there was an additional conflict in their relationship and that was Shane’s insecurity. How can a hot drummer in a rock band be insecure? Good question, and Kind of Famous does a great job of delivering the answer.
When Layla and Shane meet there’s this instant connection and energy. He’s surrounded by these god-like characters in his band but he stand out because of his adorkableness (yes, this is now a word!). He’s cute, has a rockin’ bod, but he’s totally shy. Layla, too, is kind of awkward. She has this online life that allows her to be bold, but in person she’s quiet and let’s face it, pretty stunned to be standing in the same space as people she’s idolized. Her awestruck scenes were totally believable and also added some conflict to she and Shane’s developing romance. I really liked them together and loved the obstacles I could clearly see ahead of them.
When you read a series it’s always great fun to see where the characters in previous books lives are now. Eden, Adam,Micah, and Jo are all integral characters in Layla and Shane’s story and I like how they were true to my memories of them and liked even more that I was given a glimpse into their futures. Next up in this series has to be Noah as he was given a rather sinister light and there is definitely more to his story than we’ve been told so far. Kind of Famous did a good job of moving all of their characters forward in my mind, as well as letting me fall in love with Layla and Shane all on their own. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️
I wish this author wrote a little faster and hopefully (?) we may have another Flirting with Fame story by the end of the year. From these words to Mary Ann Marlowe’s ears… keep those fingers typing!
I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review and it was honest!
When Layla and Shane meet there’s this instant connection and energy. He’s surrounded by these god-like characters in his band but he stand out because of his adorkableness (yes, this is now a word!). He’s cute, has a rockin’ bod, but he’s totally shy. Layla, too, is kind of awkward. She has this online life that allows her to be bold, but in person she’s quiet and let’s face it, pretty stunned to be standing in the same space as people she’s idolized. Her awestruck scenes were totally believable and also added some conflict to she and Shane’s developing romance. I really liked them together and loved the obstacles I could clearly see ahead of them.
When you read a series it’s always great fun to see where the characters in previous books lives are now. Eden, Adam,Micah, and Jo are all integral characters in Layla and Shane’s story and I like how they were true to my memories of them and liked even more that I was given a glimpse into their futures. Next up in this series has to be Noah as he was given a rather sinister light and there is definitely more to his story than we’ve been told so far. Kind of Famous did a good job of moving all of their characters forward in my mind, as well as letting me fall in love with Layla and Shane all on their own. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️
I wish this author wrote a little faster and hopefully (?) we may have another Flirting with Fame story by the end of the year. From these words to Mary Ann Marlowe’s ears… keep those fingers typing!
I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review and it was honest!
April 2, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the type of book I needed to read right now. It's light, it's fun, it's the type of book you wish you could BE the main character. It's full of fun things like moving from the Midwest to NYC, meeting your favorite musicians, getting an awesome new job, and an insta-love story.
I really liked the main character, Layla. I'm all about seeing a woman in a romance novel that has a STEM career. Also, she stands up for herself and takes no shit. And other than the color of her hair and her clothes, there isn't much physical description of her, which I liked. I felt that with most of the characters, you were left to use your own imagination on what they looked like.
Shane was a solid MC, too. He's a famous musician, but struggles with his own insecurities he has to overcome. He's also a redhead, which makes for a cute coupling with Layla. I love a man who is unafraid to express his feelings. And his grand gesture more or less turned me into the heart eyes emoji. Love, love, love.
The supporting characters were great, too. I love a solid friend group! This is my first book by Mary Ann Marlowe, and so I just now saw that Eden and Jo already have their own stories that I can't wait to read! I would definitely recommend this to my friends!
This is the type of book I needed to read right now. It's light, it's fun, it's the type of book you wish you could BE the main character. It's full of fun things like moving from the Midwest to NYC, meeting your favorite musicians, getting an awesome new job, and an insta-love story.
I really liked the main character, Layla. I'm all about seeing a woman in a romance novel that has a STEM career. Also, she stands up for herself and takes no shit. And other than the color of her hair and her clothes, there isn't much physical description of her, which I liked. I felt that with most of the characters, you were left to use your own imagination on what they looked like.
Shane was a solid MC, too. He's a famous musician, but struggles with his own insecurities he has to overcome. He's also a redhead, which makes for a cute coupling with Layla. I love a man who is unafraid to express his feelings. And his grand gesture more or less turned me into the heart eyes emoji. Love, love, love.
The supporting characters were great, too. I love a solid friend group! This is my first book by Mary Ann Marlowe, and so I just now saw that Eden and Jo already have their own stories that I can't wait to read! I would definitely recommend this to my friends!
April 17, 2020
This book was cute, but definitely won't be memorable. Layla and Shane were fine and all, but there was never any real getting to know them. It was like they were thrown together and we were instantly supposed to get it and root for them.
I mean, I kind of did? And they had a realistic big break-up moment, and how they got back together was sweet and showed growth on both their parts, but the whole relationship just didn't sit right. The book seemed rushed, and too focused on Layla's role as a fan forum creator and admin, than on developing real relationships.
It was cute, I read it quickly and it held my interest, but I was left a bit disappointed. Shane and Layla could have been great if we'd gotten more from them and got to know them. Ah, well. Better luck next time.
I mean, I kind of did? And they had a realistic big break-up moment, and how they got back together was sweet and showed growth on both their parts, but the whole relationship just didn't sit right. The book seemed rushed, and too focused on Layla's role as a fan forum creator and admin, than on developing real relationships.
It was cute, I read it quickly and it held my interest, but I was left a bit disappointed. Shane and Layla could have been great if we'd gotten more from them and got to know them. Ah, well. Better luck next time.
April 7, 2020
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars. This book was sweet, steamy, adorkable and all-around a great read. I loved Layla’s characters, and I connected with her love of music and fangirl status although I wouldn’t say I’m anywhere close to her level of fangirl. I found the writing style to be super easy to get caught up in, and the story progressed at a really good pace (even if it only took place over a couple of weeks to start with – it never really seemed forced to me instead it felt natural). I thought the relationships (friendship and romantic) were well-written. The chemistry between Layla and Shane was super cute and steamy, and I was fully invested in their relationship. Overall, I adored this story, and I will definitely be picking up some of the author’s other works.
4.5/5 stars. This book was sweet, steamy, adorkable and all-around a great read. I loved Layla’s characters, and I connected with her love of music and fangirl status although I wouldn’t say I’m anywhere close to her level of fangirl. I found the writing style to be super easy to get caught up in, and the story progressed at a really good pace (even if it only took place over a couple of weeks to start with – it never really seemed forced to me instead it felt natural). I thought the relationships (friendship and romantic) were well-written. The chemistry between Layla and Shane was super cute and steamy, and I was fully invested in their relationship. Overall, I adored this story, and I will definitely be picking up some of the author’s other works.
April 2, 2020
I have read from the 1 siri of this rockstar romance and I really love it. I like the way the characters blend in with the plots a d I love how each conflicts being resolved beautifully with love.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of my honest review.
May 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I feel like the downside is that it follows the same pattern as most books like it. So I was just waiting for the shoe to drop. Overall, it was a great story and I enjoyed the plot and characters.
May 27, 2020
I really enjoyed reading the book. The characters and chemistry was really awesome. I loved the romance between the H and heroine. I devoured the book and enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend this book.
January 13, 2020
What a delightful story. This is my first book by this author and definitely not my last. Couldn’t put it down. Don’t miss out.
April 9, 2020
Layla got a job at music magazine company but she can't even priorities her job and focus more on her love life and her fansite lol She sounded immature for her age. Her friendship with Jo seems unrealistic because how can you trust someone that you only met for a few hours and invite her to eat then stay at your house asdfghjkl I don't think I can trust anyone like that.It's not only that lol she even found herself an insta-love with a famous drummer 😂
Btw I liked Jo and it seems like everyone like her too. I like her more than immature Layla hahaaa
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Kind of Famous ARC! I enjoyed reading this story
Btw I liked Jo and it seems like everyone like her too. I like her more than immature Layla hahaaa
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Kind of Famous ARC! I enjoyed reading this story
May 5, 2020
I'm a sucker for a shy hero with a good heart. If he's also a musician with a messy head of auburn hair, I'm toast. Shane is my type of man, and I loved navigating the world of fandom through Layla's eyes, especially when their chemistry lit the pages on fire. Kind of Famous is a great rock and roll romance from a different perspective that was a blast to read!
December 17, 2019
Kind of Famous, Mary Ann Marlowe
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
Well, after finishing this I have to go back and read the first two again, I really enjoyed catching up with Adam and Eden, Jo and Micah. And I have to say what a name, Theatre of the Absurd. Its wonderful, wonderful ;-) Though the abbreviation TotA somehow always reminds me more of the British T and A abbreviation.......
I understood much of the web stuff, I too have a blog ( two actually, art and books) but mine are way, way into the minor league compared to Layla's. No forum either, though in the pre-FB days I did have an active arts forum.
What kind of went over me was the fan stuff, I guess its me, I just cannot understand people who are obsessed by who they think a person is, and like Layla, I'm shocked at how people treat the objects of their obsession. Sometimes its as if they forget they are people, and we see that here so clearly, the thin line between a fan and a stalker, how the celeb has to balance between not upsetting fans, and letting them maul him/her...
I did feel for Layla when she first meets Adam, I guess having said all this stuff, if Brandon Flowers was to be in my view I'd have dropped jaw too!
I so felt for Shane though when she continued to get star struck, but she really couldn't help it. For some folk its almost a Pavlovian reaction, and only continued proximity lets them see their obsession is just a real person like anyone else. I do think she could have tried a little harder as time went on.
Layla has a great opportunity with her new job, and the events that followed, the way she came to meet with the band felt very natural. Its a tough thing I think, to get your characters where you want them to be but making it feel genuine, not forced, and Mary Ann does that so well.
I like the mix of folk at the office, the way her job, new friends and internet presence all linked up. I kept thinking “what would I do?” and wondering why she didn't just give up the fan site to someone else – but of course that's me. Layla has needed that friendship that came from her internet friends in the past, and maybe she's just not quite ready to leave them.
I'm socially a bit awkward too, find making friends difficult so I sympathised. Its easier to spill your thoughts out online. We differ though in that I'm me online, I don't have a pseudonym, a user name hiding who I am. It means perhaps that I'm more cautious about what I write. As Layla knows to her cost, words on the net stay, even when deleted they'll still be around somewhere, and what you may have felt five, ten years ago can be very different to now, and yet folk will pull it up regardless.
Shane, oh what an intense guy. I could feel that attraction between him and Layla right from the start. I so felt for his “no-one sees the drummer” and how so called fans would use one member of a band to get to another. That's awful, but sadly happens all too often. Must be a big ego suck, and Shane didn't seem to have a huge stack of self confidence anyway, it was almost as if he was waiting for something to go wrong between him and Layla. Being in a relationship with someone who has jealousy issues is hard, and that part, the tension it caused was perfect. Real people, real problems.
It brought in some devastating drama and for me I'm all about drama and angst....loved it. I did like Gabriel in the office, I love characters like his, adds some terrific “nasty” into a read ;-) and he was perfectly positioned for maximum effect.
If I have a criticism its that everything takes place over such a short time, a few weeks and Shane and Layla move at warp speed into a relationship, when she's just started new job, needs to find new accommodation, and yet she just threw herself into it. The short time span made it a little harder to feel the depth of the drama, and didn't really give time for all of those issues that caused problems to get permanently resolved, though I did like the decision Layla took, and how hard she found it. Understandable.
Stars: Four and a half, I would have liked events to have run over a longer time span. That's a tiny crit though, very minor.
Arc via author
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
Well, after finishing this I have to go back and read the first two again, I really enjoyed catching up with Adam and Eden, Jo and Micah. And I have to say what a name, Theatre of the Absurd. Its wonderful, wonderful ;-) Though the abbreviation TotA somehow always reminds me more of the British T and A abbreviation.......
I understood much of the web stuff, I too have a blog ( two actually, art and books) but mine are way, way into the minor league compared to Layla's. No forum either, though in the pre-FB days I did have an active arts forum.
What kind of went over me was the fan stuff, I guess its me, I just cannot understand people who are obsessed by who they think a person is, and like Layla, I'm shocked at how people treat the objects of their obsession. Sometimes its as if they forget they are people, and we see that here so clearly, the thin line between a fan and a stalker, how the celeb has to balance between not upsetting fans, and letting them maul him/her...
I did feel for Layla when she first meets Adam, I guess having said all this stuff, if Brandon Flowers was to be in my view I'd have dropped jaw too!
I so felt for Shane though when she continued to get star struck, but she really couldn't help it. For some folk its almost a Pavlovian reaction, and only continued proximity lets them see their obsession is just a real person like anyone else. I do think she could have tried a little harder as time went on.
Layla has a great opportunity with her new job, and the events that followed, the way she came to meet with the band felt very natural. Its a tough thing I think, to get your characters where you want them to be but making it feel genuine, not forced, and Mary Ann does that so well.
I like the mix of folk at the office, the way her job, new friends and internet presence all linked up. I kept thinking “what would I do?” and wondering why she didn't just give up the fan site to someone else – but of course that's me. Layla has needed that friendship that came from her internet friends in the past, and maybe she's just not quite ready to leave them.
I'm socially a bit awkward too, find making friends difficult so I sympathised. Its easier to spill your thoughts out online. We differ though in that I'm me online, I don't have a pseudonym, a user name hiding who I am. It means perhaps that I'm more cautious about what I write. As Layla knows to her cost, words on the net stay, even when deleted they'll still be around somewhere, and what you may have felt five, ten years ago can be very different to now, and yet folk will pull it up regardless.
Shane, oh what an intense guy. I could feel that attraction between him and Layla right from the start. I so felt for his “no-one sees the drummer” and how so called fans would use one member of a band to get to another. That's awful, but sadly happens all too often. Must be a big ego suck, and Shane didn't seem to have a huge stack of self confidence anyway, it was almost as if he was waiting for something to go wrong between him and Layla. Being in a relationship with someone who has jealousy issues is hard, and that part, the tension it caused was perfect. Real people, real problems.
It brought in some devastating drama and for me I'm all about drama and angst....loved it. I did like Gabriel in the office, I love characters like his, adds some terrific “nasty” into a read ;-) and he was perfectly positioned for maximum effect.
If I have a criticism its that everything takes place over such a short time, a few weeks and Shane and Layla move at warp speed into a relationship, when she's just started new job, needs to find new accommodation, and yet she just threw herself into it. The short time span made it a little harder to feel the depth of the drama, and didn't really give time for all of those issues that caused problems to get permanently resolved, though I did like the decision Layla took, and how hard she found it. Understandable.
Stars: Four and a half, I would have liked events to have run over a longer time span. That's a tiny crit though, very minor.
Arc via author
March 18, 2020
***Thank you to NetGalley and Mary Ann Marlowe. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own.***
I loved the premise of Kind of Famous, but unfortunately the story fell flat for me. Layla gets her dream job at a music magazine and tries to keep the band fan site she runs hidden. She struggles to find balance between the famous people she’s meeting and her secret pastime, especially with the drummer she’s falling for.
I’m a huge music fan and there was so much about Layla for me to relate to. Only strangely, I didn’t. Layla and Shane seem really immature for 28 and 31 respectively. Layla made bad choice after bad choice checking the board at work or while she was with Shane. Her priorities were so messed up. I really didn’t understand why her friend at the board, Ash, who was helping her run things couldn’t do the simplest thing like asking people to be respectful or locking a post to prevent further comments. She had to contact Layla every time. For that matter, why the heck did Layla always have her volume up on her phone, especially if she was trying to keep her online activities hidden? It was incredibly unprofessional to me, as was the taking time off so quickly into a new job and arriving late for the morning meetings. She wasn’t much better in her personal life. I get being a little starstruck when she meets famous bands, but there’s a difference between starstruck and ogling. And she did it in front of Shane numerous times.
Shane was no picnic either. His intensity came across as a bit much to me. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, but also a bit of a smotherer. I thought his insecurities were well explained, but it was hard to overlook his enormous overreaction to finding out about Layla’s website. Maybe that was part of the problem for me. Everyone’s reactions seemed exaggerated, from Noah’s stormy behaviour and inappropriate, often mean comments, to Ash’s behaviour with regard to taking advantage of her connection to Layla, to Gabe’s ever-present come-ons, assumptions and insults, not to mention the depths he resorted to trying to get his way. It was all too much and made the story feel immature and slightly disjointed.
I really liked Jo. I liked how quickly she adopted Layla as part of her family and supported her unconditionally. I think she was my favourite character. I thought the ending was completely adorable, and loved that Shane and Layla came to terms with the situation independently, both doing what they could to make things better.
I loved the premise of Kind of Famous, but unfortunately the story fell flat for me. Layla gets her dream job at a music magazine and tries to keep the band fan site she runs hidden. She struggles to find balance between the famous people she’s meeting and her secret pastime, especially with the drummer she’s falling for.
I’m a huge music fan and there was so much about Layla for me to relate to. Only strangely, I didn’t. Layla and Shane seem really immature for 28 and 31 respectively. Layla made bad choice after bad choice checking the board at work or while she was with Shane. Her priorities were so messed up. I really didn’t understand why her friend at the board, Ash, who was helping her run things couldn’t do the simplest thing like asking people to be respectful or locking a post to prevent further comments. She had to contact Layla every time. For that matter, why the heck did Layla always have her volume up on her phone, especially if she was trying to keep her online activities hidden? It was incredibly unprofessional to me, as was the taking time off so quickly into a new job and arriving late for the morning meetings. She wasn’t much better in her personal life. I get being a little starstruck when she meets famous bands, but there’s a difference between starstruck and ogling. And she did it in front of Shane numerous times.
Shane was no picnic either. His intensity came across as a bit much to me. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, but also a bit of a smotherer. I thought his insecurities were well explained, but it was hard to overlook his enormous overreaction to finding out about Layla’s website. Maybe that was part of the problem for me. Everyone’s reactions seemed exaggerated, from Noah’s stormy behaviour and inappropriate, often mean comments, to Ash’s behaviour with regard to taking advantage of her connection to Layla, to Gabe’s ever-present come-ons, assumptions and insults, not to mention the depths he resorted to trying to get his way. It was all too much and made the story feel immature and slightly disjointed.
I really liked Jo. I liked how quickly she adopted Layla as part of her family and supported her unconditionally. I think she was my favourite character. I thought the ending was completely adorable, and loved that Shane and Layla came to terms with the situation independently, both doing what they could to make things better.
June 7, 2020
If you're looking for an escape from everyday life, Kind of Famous is the book for you. Hot musicians? Check. Steamy love story? Check. Escape from reality? Double check.
Layla Beckett is a music super fan - so much so that she runs an extremely popular forum for her favorite band. When she lands a great new job that has her actually rubbing elbows with the members of that band, she thinks she's died and gone to heaven. Then she meets Shane, the drummer to another band, and they hit it off right away. Layla is hesitant to reveal her super fan status to Shane, as he's been burned in the past by fame-seeking groupies. But as their relationship heats up, she begins to question the wisdom in hiding that aspect of her life. Once the truth inevitably comes out, it threatens to ruin everything.
Marlowe does an excellent job building heat between Layla and Shane, and you'll definitely be rooting for them. It was fun revisiting characters from previous novels as well - the whole series is superb.
Layla Beckett is a music super fan - so much so that she runs an extremely popular forum for her favorite band. When she lands a great new job that has her actually rubbing elbows with the members of that band, she thinks she's died and gone to heaven. Then she meets Shane, the drummer to another band, and they hit it off right away. Layla is hesitant to reveal her super fan status to Shane, as he's been burned in the past by fame-seeking groupies. But as their relationship heats up, she begins to question the wisdom in hiding that aspect of her life. Once the truth inevitably comes out, it threatens to ruin everything.
Marlowe does an excellent job building heat between Layla and Shane, and you'll definitely be rooting for them. It was fun revisiting characters from previous novels as well - the whole series is superb.
August 6, 2021
.~* 4 Stars *~.
This book has officially ROCKED my world!
I have read multiple books revolved around our beloved Rock Stars but I have never read anything quite like "Kind of Famous"!
This book is full of hot sizzling moments and coy attraction.
Let me repeat that for the ladies in the back!
Mary Ann Marlowe captivates an audience with her amazing writing and continues to do so effortlessly.
*Huge thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book has officially ROCKED my world!
I have read multiple books revolved around our beloved Rock Stars but I have never read anything quite like "Kind of Famous"!
This book is full of hot sizzling moments and coy attraction.
Let me repeat that for the ladies in the back!
Mary Ann Marlowe captivates an audience with her amazing writing and continues to do so effortlessly.
*Huge thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 27, 2020
Promising title, fun synopsis. I was excited to read it. Disappointing story. Didn’t flow, use of elevated language words that I appreciated drowned in a mush of “Fucks”, “Cocks”, which didn’t help with the flow of the story.
Pitiful lust-filled thoughts from Layla about a guy whose name she didn’t even know prior to hooking up... (Sex, sex, sex and then “Fan of music”, Shane and fan forum. Bleh...) When she’s not gushing about Adam and his band. The story is supposed to be about Layla (Who has very weird reactions to people humming the song when they get introduced... Like, we get it, it’s annoying but to get pissed like that? No.) It started out promising and had me rolling my eyes very quickly. The wit
in some passages is quickly annihilated by something else, usually Layla feeling guilty when she stands up for herself... Wtf. She runs a fan forum, and somehow it becomes a tool instead of a weapon in her career, prompting her to blog for the magazine and hanging out with her favorite bands. The story was more about her fullfilling her fantasies of being in on the band’s circle than anything else. (“She doesn’t care about the Industry part of Music Business Industry”), which is a dumb thing to say for someone who wants to think she’s kind of a big deal working at a somewhat important magazine and “Knows” everything about her favorite bands.
I even thought some passage resembled word for word a certain Twilight when describing the “Electric charge” between them...
Love a good Rockstar trope but this book failed to hit the mark. And if pushy and rude and downright controlling behavior is supposed to be romantic, then I don’t know what to say.
Also, Ash is conveniently mentioned all throughout the book and then when she makes an appearance, she is not to be heard of again, when she’s all but left to her own devices with the very people she’s a fan of... The few lines she has, she seems all cool and collected, while being judged by Layla when she’s not better herself. I didn’t like that she’s the one to run off to Shane either, when she’s the one who’s justified in their argument. It ruined the little momentum that the story had gained when she stood her ground. The guys all showed up but not him? So that “It’s always her choice from now on”. BS. The epilogue was anything but cute.
All in all, the book missed the mark when it had so much potential to explore and begin with.
Pitiful lust-filled thoughts from Layla about a guy whose name she didn’t even know prior to hooking up... (Sex, sex, sex and then “Fan of music”, Shane and fan forum. Bleh...) When she’s not gushing about Adam and his band. The story is supposed to be about Layla (Who has very weird reactions to people humming the song when they get introduced... Like, we get it, it’s annoying but to get pissed like that? No.) It started out promising and had me rolling my eyes very quickly. The wit
in some passages is quickly annihilated by something else, usually Layla feeling guilty when she stands up for herself... Wtf. She runs a fan forum, and somehow it becomes a tool instead of a weapon in her career, prompting her to blog for the magazine and hanging out with her favorite bands. The story was more about her fullfilling her fantasies of being in on the band’s circle than anything else. (“She doesn’t care about the Industry part of Music Business Industry”), which is a dumb thing to say for someone who wants to think she’s kind of a big deal working at a somewhat important magazine and “Knows” everything about her favorite bands.
I even thought some passage resembled word for word a certain Twilight when describing the “Electric charge” between them...
Love a good Rockstar trope but this book failed to hit the mark. And if pushy and rude and downright controlling behavior is supposed to be romantic, then I don’t know what to say.
Also, Ash is conveniently mentioned all throughout the book and then when she makes an appearance, she is not to be heard of again, when she’s all but left to her own devices with the very people she’s a fan of... The few lines she has, she seems all cool and collected, while being judged by Layla when she’s not better herself. I didn’t like that she’s the one to run off to Shane either, when she’s the one who’s justified in their argument. It ruined the little momentum that the story had gained when she stood her ground. The guys all showed up but not him? So that “It’s always her choice from now on”. BS. The epilogue was anything but cute.
All in all, the book missed the mark when it had so much potential to explore and begin with.
March 27, 2024
3.5
If you're looking for steam factor look no further cuz this one was 🔥🔥🔥! (To be clear, explicitly so lol)
Kind of Famous is about Layla Beckett, your normal, run of the mill, blog host of her favorite band's most well known fan site (under a different name of course). She starts a new job at a rock magazine and suddenly finds herself becoming friends with the very same people she blogs about. Well mostly friends, except for the hot drummer who's expressed interest... Between managing her new job, new famous friends, new love interest, AND keeping her blog life a secret while still blogging, Layla definitely has her hands full. She begins to understand the other side of celebrity scrutiny, but by the time she realizes that drummer boy's trust issues are somewhat valid is it too late?
What I appreciated most about this novel (no I'm not discussing the hot hot scenes! Although I will say that the chemistry was 👌🏻, definitely did not disappoint) was how real the author made the relationships. The challenges that came up were very valid and realistic and weren't easily solved. It was easy to overlook the ease with which Layla was ushered into this new world because I just enjoyed the story and was happy to go along with it. It exuded a bit of a YA vibe at first- probably because the entire time we're inside Layla's head, which was stuck in the blogging world even though she outgrew it. (I mean the sex scenes beg to differ, so definitely not YA!) I had no idea that this was the third book of a series! Needless to say it can definitely be read as a stand alone. The previous books, Some Kind of Magic and A Crazy Kind of Love are each about a different band member's love story. I think I may go back and read those... Thank you @xpressotours for introducing me to this great new author. This was the perfect light read with some steam and substance mixed in= exactly what I needed right now!
If you're looking for steam factor look no further cuz this one was 🔥🔥🔥! (To be clear, explicitly so lol)
Kind of Famous is about Layla Beckett, your normal, run of the mill, blog host of her favorite band's most well known fan site (under a different name of course). She starts a new job at a rock magazine and suddenly finds herself becoming friends with the very same people she blogs about. Well mostly friends, except for the hot drummer who's expressed interest... Between managing her new job, new famous friends, new love interest, AND keeping her blog life a secret while still blogging, Layla definitely has her hands full. She begins to understand the other side of celebrity scrutiny, but by the time she realizes that drummer boy's trust issues are somewhat valid is it too late?
What I appreciated most about this novel (no I'm not discussing the hot hot scenes! Although I will say that the chemistry was 👌🏻, definitely did not disappoint) was how real the author made the relationships. The challenges that came up were very valid and realistic and weren't easily solved. It was easy to overlook the ease with which Layla was ushered into this new world because I just enjoyed the story and was happy to go along with it. It exuded a bit of a YA vibe at first- probably because the entire time we're inside Layla's head, which was stuck in the blogging world even though she outgrew it. (I mean the sex scenes beg to differ, so definitely not YA!) I had no idea that this was the third book of a series! Needless to say it can definitely be read as a stand alone. The previous books, Some Kind of Magic and A Crazy Kind of Love are each about a different band member's love story. I think I may go back and read those... Thank you @xpressotours for introducing me to this great new author. This was the perfect light read with some steam and substance mixed in= exactly what I needed right now!
March 28, 2020
This hits the spot for rockstar romance! This is the first book I’ve read of Marlowe’s and even though it’s not part of a series, I need to read about Adam and Eden’s story as well as Jo and Micah’s!
Kind of Famous reminds me of my teenage years. When I used to feel overwhelmingly infatuated with boy bands. Come on, who didn’t dream of marrying one of the Backstreet Boys? I could totally relate to you Layla!
Layla runs a popular fan site for a band name “Walking Disaster”, has a kickass job and after moving to NYC made some famous connections. I like Layla, she had a firm belief in what she deserved in a relationship and wouldn’t settle for anything less.
Shane is the slightly insecure drummer for the band “Theater of the Absurd.” A band Layla knows and follows. Layla and Shane instantly have a connection! (One that, back in the day, I totally would have killed to have with Aaron Carter 😉).
I must say though, some things I found a bit unrealistic or lacking:
#1 Layla did not bring up her website once she started seeing Shane. If she didn’t want this to bite her in the butt later, it should have been one of the first things discussed or at least agonized over.
#2 They fell into the relationship too quickly. I get insta love but I didn’t even get that vibe from them. It just didn’t feel as organic as I would have liked. Their love lacked depth.
#3 It was focused on the main characters so much, the friendships formed seemed, again, lacking of any depth and not plausible for how quickly they formed.
Overall a great, light romance read I would highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC!
Kind of Famous reminds me of my teenage years. When I used to feel overwhelmingly infatuated with boy bands. Come on, who didn’t dream of marrying one of the Backstreet Boys? I could totally relate to you Layla!
Layla runs a popular fan site for a band name “Walking Disaster”, has a kickass job and after moving to NYC made some famous connections. I like Layla, she had a firm belief in what she deserved in a relationship and wouldn’t settle for anything less.
Shane is the slightly insecure drummer for the band “Theater of the Absurd.” A band Layla knows and follows. Layla and Shane instantly have a connection! (One that, back in the day, I totally would have killed to have with Aaron Carter 😉).
I must say though, some things I found a bit unrealistic or lacking:
#1 Layla did not bring up her website once she started seeing Shane. If she didn’t want this to bite her in the butt later, it should have been one of the first things discussed or at least agonized over.
#2 They fell into the relationship too quickly. I get insta love but I didn’t even get that vibe from them. It just didn’t feel as organic as I would have liked. Their love lacked depth.
#3 It was focused on the main characters so much, the friendships formed seemed, again, lacking of any depth and not plausible for how quickly they formed.
Overall a great, light romance read I would highly recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC!
April 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book
Layla Beckett is from a small town outside of Indianapolis. For years she has been an admin on a fan site for her favourite music band. Never in her wildest dreams did she never think she would land such an amazing job in New York working for a music magazine "The Rock Paper". Not only does she get to write about what she loves, she also gets to work and become friends with people she has loved and idolized her entire life. Problem is will her secret life on her fan site get in the way, or will her new friends think she is using them to get ahead in her career. Things get even more difficult when she meets Shane, the sexy drummer.
I loved the storyline of self discovery. Layla is not the same character we meet at the start of the book, her self discovery and self worth is developed massively throughout the book. When Layla first arrives in New York she has no friends and nowhere to live. Low and behold, Jo, a famous photographer literally adopts her and takes her into her home and ultimately into her famous life. At the start I though, that's not very believable however Mary Ann Marlowe has a way of dragging you into her world and all the characters seem to be like your old friends. I have only read one other book by Mary Ann "dating by the book" so I didn't know the backgrounds of the main characters within this book, however I don't think that hindered my reading experience.
Shane is amazing, he is sweet and absolutely the best. His relationship with Layla is quiet intense and is very fast paced, so leave a few hours to yourself when reading this book as you will not want to put it down.
Overall I recommend this book!!
Layla Beckett is from a small town outside of Indianapolis. For years she has been an admin on a fan site for her favourite music band. Never in her wildest dreams did she never think she would land such an amazing job in New York working for a music magazine "The Rock Paper". Not only does she get to write about what she loves, she also gets to work and become friends with people she has loved and idolized her entire life. Problem is will her secret life on her fan site get in the way, or will her new friends think she is using them to get ahead in her career. Things get even more difficult when she meets Shane, the sexy drummer.
I loved the storyline of self discovery. Layla is not the same character we meet at the start of the book, her self discovery and self worth is developed massively throughout the book. When Layla first arrives in New York she has no friends and nowhere to live. Low and behold, Jo, a famous photographer literally adopts her and takes her into her home and ultimately into her famous life. At the start I though, that's not very believable however Mary Ann Marlowe has a way of dragging you into her world and all the characters seem to be like your old friends. I have only read one other book by Mary Ann "dating by the book" so I didn't know the backgrounds of the main characters within this book, however I don't think that hindered my reading experience.
Shane is amazing, he is sweet and absolutely the best. His relationship with Layla is quiet intense and is very fast paced, so leave a few hours to yourself when reading this book as you will not want to put it down.
Overall I recommend this book!!
July 18, 2024
Layla was just a typical super fan and really didn't care what happened behind the scenes in the music industry at all. She was too worried about people finding out she ran a fan forum. She should have deleted it before starting her new job, so that aspect would be eliminated completely since she was so concerned. Instead of doing work the first few days she would go and check her fan site immediately, that doesnt fly in the real world especially when you first start a job get off your phone and do your job. Gabe was a complete HR violation and should of been reported after being all creepy and constantly asking Layla out, and he had no right to send links of her fan site to Shane knowing it would break up the relationship, although I'm sure Shane could of messed up the relationship all on his own without getting emailed by Gabe. Shane was a walking red flag, and I was so mad at how Layla kept going back and forth in her mind about him and thinking herself as the problem. Any man who tries to control you and gets that jealous all the time like Shane did is not going to change over a week of being on tour. They needed to stay broken up, and Layla needed to move on with her life she would have found a better man in the future. She needed to focus on her brand new career first. Shane will get jealous again, and they will be right back to having the same arguments for the rest of time or until Layla finally sees how much of an a-hole he really is and leaves for good. Any relationship built on sex won't last anyways and that seems to be the only reason they went back to each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
👩💻
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*
I decided to review this book on topics so let’s go:
• Fanfic-This book is fanfic, the whole plot of it I have read several times in fanfics, this is not a bad thing because then knowing that I believe it made me take the book less seriously and I liked it for what it is.
• Writing-Because it is a fanfic kind of book, the writing was not always wonderful and some moments seemed just bad fanfic and other times that writing seemed like a good romance book.
• InstaLove-This is a book with istalove that I already expected so it didn't bother me much.
• Plot-The plot as already said is completely from fanfic, is about a fan who has a relationship with a member of a band, and the member of the set band gets mad when it discovered that the girl is a fan.
•Too Fast-Everything in this book happens too fast, friendships, romances, everything, too fast.
•Not real-There is a lot in this book that is very hard to believe would happen in real life (so again it relates to fanfic), many of the events made me roll my eyes.
•Characters-I even liked all the characters in the book, our main character grows a lot during the story which made me very happy, and our main guy has some pretty stupid attitudes but in the end, he redeems himself so I ended up not hating anyone.
•The end-The end of the book like the whole book happens too fast but I liked it.
I highly recommend this book if you like fanfic esk stories or quick books with and about bands!
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*
I decided to review this book on topics so let’s go:
• Fanfic-This book is fanfic, the whole plot of it I have read several times in fanfics, this is not a bad thing because then knowing that I believe it made me take the book less seriously and I liked it for what it is.
• Writing-Because it is a fanfic kind of book, the writing was not always wonderful and some moments seemed just bad fanfic and other times that writing seemed like a good romance book.
• InstaLove-This is a book with istalove that I already expected so it didn't bother me much.
• Plot-The plot as already said is completely from fanfic, is about a fan who has a relationship with a member of a band, and the member of the set band gets mad when it discovered that the girl is a fan.
•Too Fast-Everything in this book happens too fast, friendships, romances, everything, too fast.
•Not real-There is a lot in this book that is very hard to believe would happen in real life (so again it relates to fanfic), many of the events made me roll my eyes.
•Characters-I even liked all the characters in the book, our main character grows a lot during the story which made me very happy, and our main guy has some pretty stupid attitudes but in the end, he redeems himself so I ended up not hating anyone.
•The end-The end of the book like the whole book happens too fast but I liked it.
I highly recommend this book if you like fanfic esk stories or quick books with and about bands!
April 7, 2020
☆☆Book Review☆☆ Kind of Famous by Mary Ann Marlowe
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Description:
Layla Beckett has a secret. For the past ten years, she’s run the most trafficked fan site on the Internet for her favorite band—under an alias, naturally. When she lands a job at the prestigious New York City music magazine The Rock Paper, she’s suddenly thrust into the world she’s only observed from the cheap seats. Now that she’s brushing elbows with sexy guitarists and hot frontmen, she wants to play it cool and keep her superfan status on the down low. Although she’s dying to gush on her forum, posting her insider adventures online could expose her real-life identity and blow her cover.
And that’s all before one of those sexy musicians becomes a fan of her.
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I enjoyed the memories the concert and rehearsal scenes brought back for me. Layla was someone I could see being friends with despite some of her misguided choices. Shane was a little insecure for me, but ended up growing enough to provide a powerfully romantic ending to their story. Just a heads up there was a lot of steam in this one! I loved the support from the secondary characters. They were well-developed and I realized after I finished it that this was the third book in a series, so I want to go back and read their stories too. ...
If you'd like a glimpse of rock star life and what it means to date someone in a band this series just might be the perfect series for you. It's kind of fabulous.
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Available tomorrow 4/7/2020!
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Thank you to Mary Ann Marlowe and Net Galley for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
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Description:
Layla Beckett has a secret. For the past ten years, she’s run the most trafficked fan site on the Internet for her favorite band—under an alias, naturally. When she lands a job at the prestigious New York City music magazine The Rock Paper, she’s suddenly thrust into the world she’s only observed from the cheap seats. Now that she’s brushing elbows with sexy guitarists and hot frontmen, she wants to play it cool and keep her superfan status on the down low. Although she’s dying to gush on her forum, posting her insider adventures online could expose her real-life identity and blow her cover.
And that’s all before one of those sexy musicians becomes a fan of her.
...
I enjoyed the memories the concert and rehearsal scenes brought back for me. Layla was someone I could see being friends with despite some of her misguided choices. Shane was a little insecure for me, but ended up growing enough to provide a powerfully romantic ending to their story. Just a heads up there was a lot of steam in this one! I loved the support from the secondary characters. They were well-developed and I realized after I finished it that this was the third book in a series, so I want to go back and read their stories too. ...
If you'd like a glimpse of rock star life and what it means to date someone in a band this series just might be the perfect series for you. It's kind of fabulous.
...
Available tomorrow 4/7/2020!
...
Thank you to Mary Ann Marlowe and Net Galley for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
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