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Famous by Default
Jax
Buried,
By my family's fame.
Dying to escape the limelight,
And finally, I do.
Being raised as a Jayne, I'm under constant scrutiny. The rock band my brothers formed makes it impossible to stay under the radar. Paparazzi, tabloids, rabid fans--you name it and I've got it. It all makes me sick. But getting shipped off to crazy Aunt Betty's house in my senior year of high school isn't any better. After all, there isn't a stray kid or pet in the world that my aunt wouldn't take in.
Then I meet her. She's cautious, suspicious, and not interested in me at all. But that's fine by me. Sivan Holt may be beautiful and intelligent, but she's nothing I'm looking for.
Sivan
Drowning,
In my past.
Struggling to feel settled.
And finally, I do.
Growing up in the foster care system, I longed for a sense of belonging. All I wanted was a place to call home.
At the age of seventeen, I'm finally starting to feel it here. Home.
When he comes along, it unsettles me. I don't want him to ruin everything we've built--everything that matters. Jax Jayne is arrogant, privileged, and I want nothing to do with him. But those green eyes of his keep drawing me in. If I let down my walls, will it be my final undoing?
Buried,
By my family's fame.
Dying to escape the limelight,
And finally, I do.
Being raised as a Jayne, I'm under constant scrutiny. The rock band my brothers formed makes it impossible to stay under the radar. Paparazzi, tabloids, rabid fans--you name it and I've got it. It all makes me sick. But getting shipped off to crazy Aunt Betty's house in my senior year of high school isn't any better. After all, there isn't a stray kid or pet in the world that my aunt wouldn't take in.
Then I meet her. She's cautious, suspicious, and not interested in me at all. But that's fine by me. Sivan Holt may be beautiful and intelligent, but she's nothing I'm looking for.
Sivan
Drowning,
In my past.
Struggling to feel settled.
And finally, I do.
Growing up in the foster care system, I longed for a sense of belonging. All I wanted was a place to call home.
At the age of seventeen, I'm finally starting to feel it here. Home.
When he comes along, it unsettles me. I don't want him to ruin everything we've built--everything that matters. Jax Jayne is arrogant, privileged, and I want nothing to do with him. But those green eyes of his keep drawing me in. If I let down my walls, will it be my final undoing?
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Published November 20, 2021
414 people are currently reading
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About the author
M.K. Harkins
11 books553 followersMK has always been a voracious reader. After hitting a dry spell of reading material, she decided to write the kind of book she'd like to read.
This resulted in the creation of her debut novel, Intentional. (Award for Best Sweet Romance - eFestival of Words- August 2014)
Unintentional, her second book, is based on the life of one of the characters in Intentional. Unintentional was written as a stand-alone book.
Breaking Braydon, Taking Tiffany, The Reader, The Jack, and Famous by Default have all been released on Amazon.
Ashes, the first book in a new series of modern-day fairy tale retellings, releases in May 2022. (Five more books in the series to follow)
When she's not writing novels, she likes to spend her free time traveling the world, splashing in mud puddles (She lives in Seattle, what can she say?), watching movies and reading (!)
She LOVES to hear from her readers!
mkharkins@hotmail.com
https://www.goodreads.com
https://twitter.com/mk_harkins
https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.well...
This resulted in the creation of her debut novel, Intentional. (Award for Best Sweet Romance - eFestival of Words- August 2014)
Unintentional, her second book, is based on the life of one of the characters in Intentional. Unintentional was written as a stand-alone book.
Breaking Braydon, Taking Tiffany, The Reader, The Jack, and Famous by Default have all been released on Amazon.
Ashes, the first book in a new series of modern-day fairy tale retellings, releases in May 2022. (Five more books in the series to follow)
When she's not writing novels, she likes to spend her free time traveling the world, splashing in mud puddles (She lives in Seattle, what can she say?), watching movies and reading (!)
She LOVES to hear from her readers!
mkharkins@hotmail.com
https://www.goodreads.com
https://twitter.com/mk_harkins
https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.well...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
April 26, 2017
This was like a pleasant stroll through the woods on a warm day. But I've discovered is that I need someone to trip over a few logs along the way to perk my spirits. I actually expected this to have some conflict because of what Sivan has been through, I also expected Jax to arrogant and for them to have a love/hate dynamic going on. What I actually got was a pretty straightforward plain romance. I wanted a bit of angst to keep things going and I wanted to see Sivan open up about her past.
It took til just past the 80% mark for some angst and conflict to be introduced and by then it was too late and brushed over too quickly. Plus Sivan never opened up by her own choice.
If you set aside those few issues this was a cute story and its hard not to love Jax.
It took til just past the 80% mark for some angst and conflict to be introduced and by then it was too late and brushed over too quickly. Plus Sivan never opened up by her own choice.
If you set aside those few issues this was a cute story and its hard not to love Jax.
April 9, 2017
*Arc kindly provided for an honest review *
“Do you really think what’s between us is ordinary?”
I don’t usually read Young Adult but the title of the book caught my attention. I did not read the blurb and I went in pretty blindsided…. nothing prepared me for what I read. I was blown away by the emotional and heart-wrenching story of Jax and Sivan.
Some part had me crying, from sadness and possibly tears of hope.
Sivan is a broken girl with disturbing secrets.
“Sivan, it’s your future I want, not your past. “
Jax is sick of not being able to live his life freely because of his brothers’ fame.
“Famous by default. A genetic twist of fate. Either the girls thought I was my twin brother, Gage, or they were intrigued because the media had labelled me “mysterious.”
Their love story is filled with pain, grief, loss and love.
I love the dual POV. It enabled us to see both of their struggles as they both faced difficult choices and emotions that neither were familiar with- essentially Sivan. Jax’s inner voice was so endearing, it gave us glimpses of his vulnerable and sweet side, of his fears, doubts and his pain.
Both need each other in different ways, but both are fearful. I am still thinking about it, and most of all, FEELING all these things for the characters. They are wounded and hurt but they have so much to give to each other, and MK Harkins shows the depth of their hearts and the possibility for a pure, romantic and unique LOVE between them.
I was overwhelmed with emotion so I can’t write this review without being emotionally involved. I am not saying much of the story because I would not know where to start. Famous by Default was simply wonderful and real. It shows that struggling with Love and Life has no age. One of the best epilogues, I have ever read.
“Do you really think what’s between us is ordinary?”
I don’t usually read Young Adult but the title of the book caught my attention. I did not read the blurb and I went in pretty blindsided…. nothing prepared me for what I read. I was blown away by the emotional and heart-wrenching story of Jax and Sivan.
Some part had me crying, from sadness and possibly tears of hope.
Sivan is a broken girl with disturbing secrets.
“Sivan, it’s your future I want, not your past. “
Jax is sick of not being able to live his life freely because of his brothers’ fame.
“Famous by default. A genetic twist of fate. Either the girls thought I was my twin brother, Gage, or they were intrigued because the media had labelled me “mysterious.”
Their love story is filled with pain, grief, loss and love.
I love the dual POV. It enabled us to see both of their struggles as they both faced difficult choices and emotions that neither were familiar with- essentially Sivan. Jax’s inner voice was so endearing, it gave us glimpses of his vulnerable and sweet side, of his fears, doubts and his pain.
Both need each other in different ways, but both are fearful. I am still thinking about it, and most of all, FEELING all these things for the characters. They are wounded and hurt but they have so much to give to each other, and MK Harkins shows the depth of their hearts and the possibility for a pure, romantic and unique LOVE between them.
I was overwhelmed with emotion so I can’t write this review without being emotionally involved. I am not saying much of the story because I would not know where to start. Famous by Default was simply wonderful and real. It shows that struggling with Love and Life has no age. One of the best epilogues, I have ever read.
February 11, 2018
So I am actually going to give this one 4.5 stars. As you look through my library you can definitely tell this isn’t my typical listen. I can safely say that I loved every minute of it and it was quite unexpected. This book had a lot of heart and is going to make one helluva romantic comedy movie one day. We have a female and male lead character who do a great job coming of age and you just route for time and time again. They are both full of sass and spunk but at times are vulnerable. I loved the dual point of you and it switches back-and-forth between chapters it really gave us an in-depth look from both characters perspectives. Typically, with dual point of you I like there to be 2 different narrators but not in this case as I will explain a little later. Whether or not the author meant some seems to be absolutely hilarious or not… They definitely were I was laughing out loud many time throughout the entire book. Equal parts funny, serious and heartwarming this one has something for everyone. Now, let me get into the performance of the narrator, she was brilliant! If I could some up her performance she is a one woman show, hands-down and bravo! She did a young girls voice, and out rage female teenager, four or five different teenage males and adult voices to boot. The transition from male to female voices was very well done and I enjoyed every second of it. This was my first Book by this narrator but I will be definitely looking out for more of her work. There was even two times I counted that with the help of the production crew she made the male and female lead characters speak at the same time. It was fantastic. Now I can only speculate, but I’m pretty sure when the female lead character was crying so was the narrator that’s how good she was. Great job and you really brought the words to life this was a great overall experience for me.** A big shout out to the Audioshelf crew for providing me a copy of this book for winning a contest. This in no way affected my opinion of this book.**
April 4, 2017
In Famous by Default M.K. Harkins really brings on the angst and cute YA drama. It's a coming of age story about first love, tragedy, friendship and family.
Jax is famous for being a Jayne. He's the one Jayne brother who didn't want to join the family boy band, but much to his distress, his refusal to join the band has given him a mysterious persona and a huge fan base of his own. He has a huge following of crazed fans and enthusiastic fans who have taken over his life and forced him to hide away to finish school.
Sivan’s story is extremely traumatic and sad. When we first meet her she's pretty closed off and withdrawn, but through Betty's care and Jax's patience we slowly learn more about her past and see her start to open up to those around her.
Although the plot is a little far fetched at times I really liked the sweet charm of the story and the love between Betty, the girls, Sivan and all the Jayne's.
There are some extremely sad and hard to read parts. I was completely thrown through a loop at one point. I really didn't see a certain event coming (sorry it's a HUGE spoiler so can't say much) and was at a complete loss what to think. I didn't personally feel this was needed for a story where the characters have already been through so much. It left several answered questions and undeveloped plot points but I appreciated how this event propelled characters into making decisions and facing past issues head on. It just left me feeling unsettled and kinda annoyed.
I enjoyed the book and would like to read more about Jax, Sivan, the Jayne's and maybe even Regina. Famous by Default is a sweet, dramatic and emotional story with lots of music, quirky one-liners and romance - just bring out the tissues!
4 Stars in my Sky!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Jax is famous for being a Jayne. He's the one Jayne brother who didn't want to join the family boy band, but much to his distress, his refusal to join the band has given him a mysterious persona and a huge fan base of his own. He has a huge following of crazed fans and enthusiastic fans who have taken over his life and forced him to hide away to finish school.
Sivan’s story is extremely traumatic and sad. When we first meet her she's pretty closed off and withdrawn, but through Betty's care and Jax's patience we slowly learn more about her past and see her start to open up to those around her.
Although the plot is a little far fetched at times I really liked the sweet charm of the story and the love between Betty, the girls, Sivan and all the Jayne's.
There are some extremely sad and hard to read parts. I was completely thrown through a loop at one point. I really didn't see a certain event coming (sorry it's a HUGE spoiler so can't say much) and was at a complete loss what to think. I didn't personally feel this was needed for a story where the characters have already been through so much. It left several answered questions and undeveloped plot points but I appreciated how this event propelled characters into making decisions and facing past issues head on. It just left me feeling unsettled and kinda annoyed.
I enjoyed the book and would like to read more about Jax, Sivan, the Jayne's and maybe even Regina. Famous by Default is a sweet, dramatic and emotional story with lots of music, quirky one-liners and romance - just bring out the tissues!
4 Stars in my Sky!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 13, 2017
*I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW*
I was so excited to read this book, I had a feeling I was going to love it.
Jax's brothers are in a famous rock band, and as a result Jax is thrust into the limelight. All Jax wants is to be a normal teenage boy - but he is followed by screaming fans and bodyguards everywhere.
After an incident, his parents decide to ship him off to the country to live with his Aunt Betty to let things cool off a bit.
Sivan is 17 yrs old, and has been in the foster care system since she was 11 due to losing her family in tragic circumstances. She has been bumped from foster home to foster home, and winds up living with Betty. Sivan just wants to survive until she is 18, and is free of the system.
I could tell from the first page that I was going to love this book. The writing style is reminiscent of Kasie West (a bit plus in my eyes!) and the story was unique. I loved the premise of Jax being thrust into fame against his will, and how he needed to deal with the issues that come with it, and how Sivan had to learn to open herself to trust and love again.
The characters were well fleshed out, and relatable. Aunt Betty was seriously cool - can she be my Aunt too?? And I loved the chemistry between Jax and Sivan.
I will definitely be seeking out other books by this Author. I loved every second of this book, I couldn't put it down!
I was so excited to read this book, I had a feeling I was going to love it.
Jax's brothers are in a famous rock band, and as a result Jax is thrust into the limelight. All Jax wants is to be a normal teenage boy - but he is followed by screaming fans and bodyguards everywhere.
After an incident, his parents decide to ship him off to the country to live with his Aunt Betty to let things cool off a bit.
Sivan is 17 yrs old, and has been in the foster care system since she was 11 due to losing her family in tragic circumstances. She has been bumped from foster home to foster home, and winds up living with Betty. Sivan just wants to survive until she is 18, and is free of the system.
I could tell from the first page that I was going to love this book. The writing style is reminiscent of Kasie West (a bit plus in my eyes!) and the story was unique. I loved the premise of Jax being thrust into fame against his will, and how he needed to deal with the issues that come with it, and how Sivan had to learn to open herself to trust and love again.
The characters were well fleshed out, and relatable. Aunt Betty was seriously cool - can she be my Aunt too?? And I loved the chemistry between Jax and Sivan.
I will definitely be seeking out other books by this Author. I loved every second of this book, I couldn't put it down!
March 28, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
This was an entertaining read. YA is a hard genre. Either readers hate it or love it. I was in the middle with this one. I liked this book. This was the story of Sivan and Jax. who were dealing with multiple issues. They were really cute together but I had a major issue with this relationship. As the reader, I didn't witness a lot of interaction between them. The author used the "tell not show" method. It's important that we witness these late nights conversations, make out sessions, and time spent together. It makes their connection more authentic. Don't get me wrong, there were some sweet moments, but not enough. I was told about moments and about the gaps in time, but didn't get to witness them. For instance Jax wrote Sivan a beautiful song, and we didn't get the lyrics! So wrong...
The characters were a colorful bunch. They made this a funny, heartbreaking, and loveable story. I really enjoyed their banter, struggles, and friendships. This was a lighthearted read that evoked real emotions. I'm so curious about the supporting characters. I would def read more from this author. Read it and don't let my pet peeve stop you.
3.5 stars
-Natasha of KindleCousins
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2017
*i received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review*
I loved this book! I love that the two main characters both have a tie to music and express their emotions through it! It was a fast read. I do feel like there could've been a few more chapters before the final epilogue, but I can live with it. Over all it was a great book and gave me so many feels I can hardly stand it!
And just for fun I'm throwing in my favorite character. That title goes Betty. I love how Betty doesn't do anything for recognition, she does it because she cares and wants to make the people around her happy. There is a line very similar in the book. That is the type of person I want to be surrounded by. So three to aunt Betty!
I loved this book! I love that the two main characters both have a tie to music and express their emotions through it! It was a fast read. I do feel like there could've been a few more chapters before the final epilogue, but I can live with it. Over all it was a great book and gave me so many feels I can hardly stand it!
And just for fun I'm throwing in my favorite character. That title goes Betty. I love how Betty doesn't do anything for recognition, she does it because she cares and wants to make the people around her happy. There is a line very similar in the book. That is the type of person I want to be surrounded by. So three to aunt Betty!
March 15, 2017
Great story! Review to come...
April 24, 2017
Deep, loving & interesting characters. Despite the subject of celebrity everything is different from what we could have read. Fell in love with the words, events and characters. Thank you
June 13, 2017
Famous by Default is a super cute romance written in multiple points of view! Jax Jayne is basically famous because of his older brothers who are in a boy band. He wants nothing to do with the lifestyle. After hoards of girls attack him on multiple occasions he heads to Iowa to stay with his Aunt Betty. Aunt Betty is always taking in strays and is a foster parent. Sivan Holt comes to live with Aunt Betty after some horrible things have happened to her being in other foster homes. There is an attraction between Sivan and Jax that they both fight off for a while. There is some tragedy in this book and I know I for one was pretty sad. Without giving away a huge spoiler I'll just say I really didn't see it coming. I do have to say that this event really did push the characters forward and into making plans and decisions etc. I really enjoyed reading the book and I enjoyed the characters. I felt like Sivan changed a lot by the end of the book and I was rooting for her all the way through. I am so happy with the way it ended. I felt like it ended the way I should have. The writing was good and the book was hard to put down. I was really into it. I would have loved to read more about the Jayne Brothers myself. And I would love to see more of Regina. I have to say as cliche as it sounds the ending is my favorite sorry not sorry. I just can't get over it. Anyway great book and hope to read more by this author. 4 star rating.
April 26, 2017
It started out good, but it got cheesier and redundant as I near the end.
October 19, 2020
Love, pain, and hope
This book will give you smiles, tears, and happiness all in one. Sivan and Jax are two charters that will stay with me for time. Sivan had to go through so much before she got every good thing she deserved. Jax couldn't believe what had come of his life all because of his brothers. When Jax and Sivan meet for the first time things don't actually go right. They both dislike each other until they begin to work things out. Once they get out of their own way fireworks go off. What they both didn't expect was for tragedy to knock they're world upside down. Once Sivan and Jax work everything out a fairytale becomes true for them. I completely loved this book from the first word to the last.
This book will give you smiles, tears, and happiness all in one. Sivan and Jax are two charters that will stay with me for time. Sivan had to go through so much before she got every good thing she deserved. Jax couldn't believe what had come of his life all because of his brothers. When Jax and Sivan meet for the first time things don't actually go right. They both dislike each other until they begin to work things out. Once they get out of their own way fireworks go off. What they both didn't expect was for tragedy to knock they're world upside down. Once Sivan and Jax work everything out a fairytale becomes true for them. I completely loved this book from the first word to the last.
March 8, 2018
Famous by Default by M.K. Harkins is a really great YA novel about two young people finding their place in life, a family, basically about finding love. It is my first book by this author and I enjoyed the journey with Jax and Sivan’s story a lot.
The writing style of this author is well developed and it’s easy to follow the plot and connect to the leading characters. Actually the plot written in the blurb gives away a lot about the storyline and leaves only little to surprise and imagination. Therefore it is difficult for me to say anything more about the story without giving away the few actual parts that are not yet written in the blurb.
This would have been a 5 star read for me if there had not been one thing happening near the “usual” 75-80% area that left me feeling unsettled. Most books demand at this point a break in the story however that might look like the story will demand but the one that the author choose here was not one I felt would fit.
It is not easy to describe without spoiler but I think the plot went too far. For the whole way this story was written it was not necessary to go that far because it created more open and loose ends than needed.
And I think somehow this plot string might not have been the original intention because there is one loose end that does not make any sense – and would have best been left out from the beginning … (let me describe it as “the bodyguards private life”).
It would have been easy to leave the book on a lighter note at the end to fit the whole plot up to that point. It was just to much at the end that was thrown at the reader which I felt was a shame because the book did so well until then.
Don’t misunderstand me – it is a good story and well written – its just that the plot has twists near the end that I do not agree with – but others might like them and I might just be the odd one out here so please go ahead, enjoy the read and form your own opinion …
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April 21, 2017
Teen romance about first love with a cinderellesque feel.
Our cinderella, Sivan, is no-one's fool; bumped around the foster system from the age of 11 when she lost her family under tragic circumstancestors, she's been treated very poorly and arrives at her new foster home with little hope. All she's waiting for is her magical 18th birthday when she'll be free of the system.
Jax, on the other hand, is our entitled prince with loving parents. His twin and older brothers have formed a band that is hugely popular and Jax is suffering from the backlash of their fame. After one incident too many, he is sent to live with his aunt where - ta da! - he meets a captivating beauty.
Their romance starts off stormy and very, very slowly blooms.
There is a bitchy girl trying to muscle-in (not an ugly stepsister), a couple of cute children (to highlight Sivan's loving nature), a kooky adorable aunt (the fairy godmother) and an eye-opening foaling.
Jax learns some humility and grows up while Sivan takes a chance on love.
My only real disappointment was in the author telling us about certain conversations and events, rather than offering them up for us to enjoy.
A fun read.
Our cinderella, Sivan, is no-one's fool; bumped around the foster system from the age of 11 when she lost her family under tragic circumstancestors, she's been treated very poorly and arrives at her new foster home with little hope. All she's waiting for is her magical 18th birthday when she'll be free of the system.
Jax, on the other hand, is our entitled prince with loving parents. His twin and older brothers have formed a band that is hugely popular and Jax is suffering from the backlash of their fame. After one incident too many, he is sent to live with his aunt where - ta da! - he meets a captivating beauty.
Their romance starts off stormy and very, very slowly blooms.
There is a bitchy girl trying to muscle-in (not an ugly stepsister), a couple of cute children (to highlight Sivan's loving nature), a kooky adorable aunt (the fairy godmother) and an eye-opening foaling.
Jax learns some humility and grows up while Sivan takes a chance on love.
My only real disappointment was in the author telling us about certain conversations and events, rather than offering them up for us to enjoy.
A fun read.
July 9, 2017
Received an ebook copy from publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is such a beautiful story! I truly love right from the first page. In one book, one story, there are many emotions - love, rage, hate, fear, sadness. The way the author write using POV between two MC is just what make it more wonderful. I got to know the two MC's emotion and what is in their mind.
I'm all the way rooting for Sivan and Jax. They made an amazing couple and how they grip tight to each other and be very understanding - wow, that's one in a million, not gonna lie. Seeing Sivan overcome her fear, try to open her heart, knowing the struggle she face in her life and here comes Jax, the one who is mad to the world, yet they made a wonderful being together and the love sparks from the two of them, make my hearts melt.
It is such a beautiful story! I truly love right from the first page. In one book, one story, there are many emotions - love, rage, hate, fear, sadness. The way the author write using POV between two MC is just what make it more wonderful. I got to know the two MC's emotion and what is in their mind.
I'm all the way rooting for Sivan and Jax. They made an amazing couple and how they grip tight to each other and be very understanding - wow, that's one in a million, not gonna lie. Seeing Sivan overcome her fear, try to open her heart, knowing the struggle she face in her life and here comes Jax, the one who is mad to the world, yet they made a wonderful being together and the love sparks from the two of them, make my hearts melt.
April 6, 2017
Where do you begin with a book you absolutely loved? It was so good that I couldn't put down, was kept guessing, and had so many "feels" going on! It was way more than I expected and I absolutely adored every minute of it.
Jax is the brother of a very famous boy band. He isn't in the band but that doesn't stop the teenage girls and paparazzi from trying to track him down every minute. His mom decides to send him to stay with his Aunt Betty in hopes of giving him some time to be "normal".
Sivan is a girl in the foster system who comes very an extremely tragic past. She is staying with Aunt Betty and trying to get her life back on track. When Jax ends up at Aunt Betty's, she has no idea who he is. The story of how the two of them find their way to each other, as well as finding out the truth about Sivan's past is an absolute page-turner.
The secondary characters in this book are fantastic. I loved Aunt Betty and all of her eccentric behavior. She made me wish that she was my aunt. I loved getting to know the guys in the band and am really hoping that there are more books about this group of guys.
Being someone who doesn't often review YA romance, I had to leave a review. I really did like the book that much and can't wait to explore more by this author.
** I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. **
Jax is the brother of a very famous boy band. He isn't in the band but that doesn't stop the teenage girls and paparazzi from trying to track him down every minute. His mom decides to send him to stay with his Aunt Betty in hopes of giving him some time to be "normal".
Sivan is a girl in the foster system who comes very an extremely tragic past. She is staying with Aunt Betty and trying to get her life back on track. When Jax ends up at Aunt Betty's, she has no idea who he is. The story of how the two of them find their way to each other, as well as finding out the truth about Sivan's past is an absolute page-turner.
The secondary characters in this book are fantastic. I loved Aunt Betty and all of her eccentric behavior. She made me wish that she was my aunt. I loved getting to know the guys in the band and am really hoping that there are more books about this group of guys.
Being someone who doesn't often review YA romance, I had to leave a review. I really did like the book that much and can't wait to explore more by this author.
** I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. **
April 13, 2017
Famous by Default by M.K. Harkins is a story about a boy meeting a girl.
Ok; it's about so much more.
Jax Jayne has three brothers, and all of them are musicians. His brothers form a band, but Jax opts out. Except that doesn't save him from the instant fame. To escape, his family sends him away.
Jax is resentful at first, but his loving Aunt helps him grow strong, and grow up.
This story has everything, likeable characters and intense emotions. Every emotion. The feels, and tears, were flowing. Definite must read.
Ok; it's about so much more.
Jax Jayne has three brothers, and all of them are musicians. His brothers form a band, but Jax opts out. Except that doesn't save him from the instant fame. To escape, his family sends him away.
Jax is resentful at first, but his loving Aunt helps him grow strong, and grow up.
This story has everything, likeable characters and intense emotions. Every emotion. The feels, and tears, were flowing. Definite must read.
February 3, 2018
Wow! What an awesome reminder to "live the hell out of life until it's over!" Sivan drifted through such a painful life after her family died. And the sleazy foster families that she was placed with betrayed her in every way possible. But then she met Aunt Betty and Jax and her life got a whole lot better until it didn't. Lots of surprises in this one! Usually rocker books don't discuss how that lifestyle impacts the other members of the family. This one did. Can't wait to add this to the Independent Reading List for my students. The book chats are going to be mind blowing! (Kindle Edition)
April 8, 2017
This is a different kind of YA book. It is sweet and emotional, uplifting and at times tragic. It is a coming to age story, we get to know our characters as they maneuver through their lives. We get to feel their victories and their defeats. But most importantly we get to experience love, young love, first love, unconditional love! I laughed! I cried! This book ended too soon! Will there be a sequel? I hope so!
April 14, 2017
i recently won this YA book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I read very few YA books and did have my reservations as to whether I would put this book to one side for time being. Glad I didn't, as it well worth the read. Itdidn't take me long before I turned the last page! I am now passing this book on to my granddaughter who I know will enjoy reading this as much as I did. Recommended.
I read very few YA books and did have my reservations as to whether I would put this book to one side for time being. Glad I didn't, as it well worth the read. Itdidn't take me long before I turned the last page! I am now passing this book on to my granddaughter who I know will enjoy reading this as much as I did. Recommended.
November 7, 2018
Famous by Default - PG13
Trigger: sexual assault, foster care, death
Violence: nope
Language: fewer than 110
Sex: no sex, some kissing
Full of teenaged angst and heartache, as well as a great lesson about not being judgmental as things aren't always as they seem. Loved it! I have love all the MK Harkin books I've read.
Trigger: sexual assault, foster care, death
Violence: nope
Language: fewer than 110
Sex: no sex, some kissing
Full of teenaged angst and heartache, as well as a great lesson about not being judgmental as things aren't always as they seem. Loved it! I have love all the MK Harkin books I've read.
April 13, 2017
A truly beautiful story
This book held me from page one. Written so beautifully. Absolutely fell in love with the characters. Would make an amazing movie. Highly recommend. Can't wait to read more by this brilliant author.
This book held me from page one. Written so beautifully. Absolutely fell in love with the characters. Would make an amazing movie. Highly recommend. Can't wait to read more by this brilliant author.
May 28, 2017
3.5 Adorable stars
I loved this book, super cute. I like the development of the characters. How quickly Jax and Sivan came into their own. The only thing that bothered me was the ending felt a little rushed for me.
I loved this book, super cute. I like the development of the characters. How quickly Jax and Sivan came into their own. The only thing that bothered me was the ending felt a little rushed for me.
June 22, 2017
*Review copy received from publisher*
A sweet, feel good story with great characters. The story line, which touched very briefly on dark issues, lacked sufficient depth.
A sweet, feel good story with great characters. The story line, which touched very briefly on dark issues, lacked sufficient depth.
October 23, 2021
Such a sweet story about overcoming tragedy and finding happiness
October 7, 2023
✨0.5✨
Too childish.
Too childish.
March 23, 2017
Quick Summary: Beautifully troubling and hauntingly sweet. This love story was devastating and intense in the best ways.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA (O)
Status: Teen Romance
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
Humor/Wit: Yes
Family Dysfunction: Yes
Strong Protagonists: Yes
Interesting Supporting Characters: Yes
HEA: Yes
Stand Alone: Yes
Series Potential: Yes
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA (O)
Status: Teen Romance
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
Humor/Wit: Yes
Family Dysfunction: Yes
Strong Protagonists: Yes
Interesting Supporting Characters: Yes
HEA: Yes
Stand Alone: Yes
Series Potential: Yes
Source: NetGalley
August 12, 2019
Loved Jax & Siven's story. Once I got started I couldn't put it down. Good characters. Loved that Sivan also wore a lot of black... I could relate to her in some ways. This was a new author for me. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via hidden gem.
March 19, 2017
Famous by Default – M.K. Harkins is a remarkable story of love, coming of age, life and loss. This story centers around two characters named Jax and Sivan. Jax is the youngest brother of a famous boy band. While he loves music and can play the guitar, he wants no part of that world. Sivan becomes a foster child of the state after losing her immediate family and having no relatives. She has seen more than her fair share of the abuse and neglect that sometimes accompanies foster care. They both get sent to Miss Betty’s, a farm in Iowa that is in the middle of nowhere. Betty is Jax’s aunt and Sivan’s foster parent. At first there is tension between the two, both have different pasts and are struggling to deal with their own issues. However, they soon begin to rely on each other and finds ways to help the other deal with their own demons. This book has many ups and downs making you want to cry one moment and smile the next. There are a few issues in this story that involve the hardships that some foster children have to face. Harkins does an amazing job of addressing such issues! His style of writing is easy to follow and he seamlessly goes from Jax’s point of view to Sivan’s. I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more of his books. ** I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.**
March 21, 2017
Amazing story. So many wonderful bits, it'll be hard to note them all.
I'll admit my first reaction was "ugh a book about teens". But that was quickly dislodged. Replaced with giddiness b/c foster care (esp of older kids) is something near and dear to my heart. (Yes I knew this from the blurb before reading, but still I wasn't in the correct mindset when I started.)
Sivan wins your heart from the beginning car ride out to the farm. She never lets go of your heart and turns on the dust bunnies at times. (I'm not crying, you're crying) Betty is the perfect foster mom for her.
Jax, you want to hate his whiny self, but you just can't. You can try, but you won't succeed.
This is a story about loss, love, and overcoming what life hands you. I am so impressed with these two. It's not really your typical HEA story and it's one I feel I'll have a book hangover from for a while. I know this story will stick with me for life and will be one I will re-read often. I want more of them. While the epilogue was just what I needed it did leave me wanting more and that is never a bad thing when it comes to good books.
I volunteered to read an advance copy provided by NetGalley
I'll admit my first reaction was "ugh a book about teens". But that was quickly dislodged. Replaced with giddiness b/c foster care (esp of older kids) is something near and dear to my heart. (Yes I knew this from the blurb before reading, but still I wasn't in the correct mindset when I started.)
Sivan wins your heart from the beginning car ride out to the farm. She never lets go of your heart and turns on the dust bunnies at times. (I'm not crying, you're crying) Betty is the perfect foster mom for her.
Jax, you want to hate his whiny self, but you just can't. You can try, but you won't succeed.
This is a story about loss, love, and overcoming what life hands you. I am so impressed with these two. It's not really your typical HEA story and it's one I feel I'll have a book hangover from for a while. I know this story will stick with me for life and will be one I will re-read often. I want more of them. While the epilogue was just what I needed it did leave me wanting more and that is never a bad thing when it comes to good books.
I volunteered to read an advance copy provided by NetGalley
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