What do you think?
Rate this book
I guess it’s naïve to say I thought I would be an actress.
But isn’t that why everyone comes to Los Angeles? Fame?
Then again, I’m from here.
And after years of paying my dues, all that fame and fortune was shoved at me with the promise of care for my family.
I’d grabbed for it without truly seeing what I was reaching for. Now I’m trapped in a role that owns my body and slowly steals pieces of my soul.
I wanted to be on camera . . . I never wanted this.
But when an intriguing stranger steps into my life, everything changes.
For the first time in so long, I feel alive—cherished and adored.
But as our stolen glances and secret smiles turn into shared nights and hidden passion, I know it’s only a matter of time before we fall apart.
Because he has no idea what I do for a living, and he works with my boss . . .
Now all my secrets are threatening to expose my deepest shame and ruin so much more than the façade I’ve fought to maintain.
But isn’t that why everyone comes to Los Angeles? Fame?
Then again, I’m from here.
And after years of paying my dues, all that fame and fortune was shoved at me with the promise of care for my family.
I’d grabbed for it without truly seeing what I was reaching for. Now I’m trapped in a role that owns my body and slowly steals pieces of my soul.
I wanted to be on camera . . . I never wanted this.
But when an intriguing stranger steps into my life, everything changes.
For the first time in so long, I feel alive—cherished and adored.
But as our stolen glances and secret smiles turn into shared nights and hidden passion, I know it’s only a matter of time before we fall apart.
Because he has no idea what I do for a living, and he works with my boss . . .
Now all my secrets are threatening to expose my deepest shame and ruin so much more than the façade I’ve fought to maintain.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2022
42 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Molly McAdams
56 books8,908 followersMolly grew up in California but now lives with her husband and daughter in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach . . . which roughly translates to being a homebody and dishing out movie quotes with her hubby. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and loves curling up in a fluffy blanket during a thunderstorm . . . or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Read
March 31, 2024❧ audiobook review
My review of Passion is here.
I really loved this book! Jensen was just the absolute sweetest. Mia was such a great character and I felt so utterly awful for her the whole way through. Their relationship was lovely and sweet and made my heart hurt at certain points. Gosh, this plot was dark and gripping and sad. Couldn't stop until I got to the end! Definitely recommend!
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads ☆
My review of Passion is here.
I really loved this book! Jensen was just the absolute sweetest. Mia was such a great character and I felt so utterly awful for her the whole way through. Their relationship was lovely and sweet and made my heart hurt at certain points. Gosh, this plot was dark and gripping and sad. Couldn't stop until I got to the end! Definitely recommend!
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads ☆
July 20, 2022
I usually devour McAdam's books. I told myself I was savoring this one because it was so good. But I had a pit in my stomach while reading this book like, Molly, was going to gut me any minute.
Jensen and Mia had a connection that was undeniable. It made the hairs on my body stand on end while I read, the banter was so fun and flirty, yet had angst, that will leave you on edge. I felt like I could relate with Mia and my heart hurt so much for her. She always had many people around her and a smile on her face, but she never felt more alone.
Every woman needs a Jensen. That's all I'm going to say, and I'm not talking about his money.
I purchased the audiobook as well and I can't wait to dive back in. This was a great ending to this series.
Jensen and Mia had a connection that was undeniable. It made the hairs on my body stand on end while I read, the banter was so fun and flirty, yet had angst, that will leave you on edge. I felt like I could relate with Mia and my heart hurt so much for her. She always had many people around her and a smile on her face, but she never felt more alone.
Every woman needs a Jensen. That's all I'm going to say, and I'm not talking about his money.
I purchased the audiobook as well and I can't wait to dive back in. This was a great ending to this series.
June 24, 2023
꧁Fame꧂
secrets in l.a. #3
R E V I E W
Reading this book made me realize it does something the first book – Passion – does as well. In my opinion they skip important parts of the story. Regarding Fame, there‘s some hacker friend, Jensen contacts to help with something very important, very story–relevant. But there is the problem: we never meet the guy. His interactions with this guy happen ’off–screen‘, just mentioned in a ‘by–the–way‘ manner, like for example ‘by the way I rescued the world, but no big deal‘. Just this isn‘t funny. This is important information, more important than some other information that is mentioned.
There are some reasons, it‘s the found family of the roommate group that hardly has any part of this book until the end, it‘s the way the major conflict takes place on the last 50 pages though it‘s long overdue, it‘s the way she is so damn ashamed of her job, it‘s the way the antagonist binding her with this contract to his company doesn‘t make sense in my opinion…I’m afraid this book isn’t for me. There are definitely parts I enjoyed, though I think overall I can‘t say they outweigh what I disliked.
2/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
secrets in l.a. #3
R E V I E W
Reading this book made me realize it does something the first book – Passion – does as well. In my opinion they skip important parts of the story. Regarding Fame, there‘s some hacker friend, Jensen contacts to help with something very important, very story–relevant. But there is the problem: we never meet the guy. His interactions with this guy happen ’off–screen‘, just mentioned in a ‘by–the–way‘ manner, like for example ‘by the way I rescued the world, but no big deal‘. Just this isn‘t funny. This is important information, more important than some other information that is mentioned.
There are some reasons, it‘s the found family of the roommate group that hardly has any part of this book until the end, it‘s the way the major conflict takes place on the last 50 pages though it‘s long overdue, it‘s the way she is so damn ashamed of her job, it‘s the way the antagonist binding her with this contract to his company doesn‘t make sense in my opinion…I’m afraid this book isn’t for me. There are definitely parts I enjoyed, though I think overall I can‘t say they outweigh what I disliked.
2/5⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
December 4, 2024
Audio - great read. It had been a while since I read this author or this series. And I’m glad I picked back up. I like both characters a lot. She was in a really bad spot. He was such a good guy, loved her so much, and was willing to do anything to help her. I was rooting for them, and I was really happy to see their HEA.
July 19, 2022
But in all seriousness this book y’all. Molly McAdams once again proves why she is one of my absolute favorite authors. She is a must read everything she writes, plus owns every ebook, and signed paperbacks too. It doesn’t matter the genre or trope I know going in that with this author’s work I’m in for a story that will be profound and positively unforgettable. A story that is sure to weave itself through my mind, heart and soul and leave a little piece of itself behind. A story I felt so deeply that I will think back on it for years to come. As I still do with pretty much all of her books I have read thus far. (I will go to my death bed still feeling Taking Chances)
Trust me when I tell you Fame
is a story like no other. Jensen and Mia are two imperfect humans who just happen to be perfect for each other. Bringing you the best by giving you a little taste of everything, this sinful and sexy romance is slap full of secrets, lies and mystery. Not skimping on the angst, steam, banter, tension, and a good ‘ol swoony and southern, Georgia bred country boy to come in and make everything all better (this Georgia girl might be biased but there’s nothing hotter than a GA boy)
I promise this book has something for every reader. It will captivate you from paragraph one until the very last sentence. Not just a book but an unputdownable journey to unite two amazingly unique and inspiring characters who against any obstacles that may come between them truly belong together. But what to do when love is inevitable between two people and one is dang near ready to sprint in the opposite direction away from it? Will love bring them together or will Fame tear them apart?
Mia is really a special character. She is one of the most unselfish of heroines I have ever had the pleasure of reading, yet her circumstances broke my heart over and over again. Her strength and dedication to her family was commendable. How could you not fall in love with her story? This amazing woman who sacrificially suffered for those she loved most in the world. It was devastating and inspiring at the same time. The internal conflicts are gut-wrenching. But I was so immersed in this story I really felt her struggle and found myself battling the what would I do in real life?
I think her battles with the life she was forced into and its impact on her character as a person just made me love her more. She was a deeply loving character but as much love as she had for others she didn’t have it for herself. I wanted to be able to jump into the book and just hug her and tell her I see you. You are beautiful and I see you for who you are. I see you for why and not what you have to do. She was existing, getting by and surviving. But she wasn’t living. She wasn’t enjoying her life. Until she met Jensen. He brought life back into her. He made her feel things no one ever had. It put the carefully crafted walls she’d put up to hide her secrets behind at risk of crumbling down around her. But for the first time she began to think she finally found someone who might be worth the risk. But there is still so much he doesn’t know about her. What will happen when the truth comes to light?
“You don’t know what my greatest joy is or the worst moments of my life. You don’t know what I’ve done to survive.”
Jensen is deliciously swoony and without a doubt book HUSBAND material. I say husband because this man is better than a book boyfriend. Boy oh boy was he ever hot and so dreamy too y’all.
He had been burned in the past and that had an impact on him. He certainly wasn’t looking for a relationship, but he was instantly drawn to the beautiful yet emotionally barricaded girl from the third floor of his new office building. Quickly he finds himself unable to resist the need to get to know and win this woman over. He knows it will be no easy feat but not one to give up; he sets out to win her over. He’s just so stinking sweet. He is caring and thoughtful. Successful but humble. Supportive and protective. Loving and kind. Gah! The way he was with her melted me into a puddle of goo y’all! I was a pile of jelly for Jensen. I could go on about him FOREVER!
None of that matters because I hear you in songs. I see you when I close my eyes. I feel you in my veins.”
In closing let me just say this book will tug on your heart strings. It will move you. You will laugh, and cry. You will fan yourself, get frustrated, cry again, and swoon so hard. You will fall so hard for all these characters (old and new). The writing is so engaging you feel like one of the gang, a part of the story. So vividly you feel like you share in the outrage, the excitement, the urge to smack a fool upside the back of his head and tell him to get it together. Mostly I just wanna see everyone get all the goodness life has to offer. But alas, I cannot actually be a part of the story and that is just the mark of a truly talented author, the fact that they make you forget that you aren’t. This author does this to me. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!
Jensen and Mia’s breathtakingly remarkable journey is not one to be missed. It is the final standalone (with crossover characters) in the Secrets in L.A. series and told in dual POV. You can read the entire series for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. Go grab you some snacks, a drink and hold onto your taters because Fame is gonna take your heart on one heck of a rollercoaster of feels. Enjoy!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blog|Facebook|Instagram|Goodreads|BookBub|Amazon
December 29, 2024
God this one wasn't easy.
Heavy and dark but a perfect ending 💕
Heavy and dark but a perfect ending 💕
July 18, 2022
This series has been full of emotions, crushing fears and concerns but .... this book brings emotions to an all new high. The secrets and lies that are holding Mia's life together are the betrayal and hurt that Jensen isn't willing to chance once again but the connection and chemistry keep pulling them in the same direction.
Mia's niavity has landed her in a position she in anything but proud of but she has accepted that this is her only way. This forcing her to lie to her roomates and still keeping major things from them. Her soul is slowly dying with each additional shoot as the requests keep getting harder and harder. She had even surmized to the no relationships outside of the walls because she didn't have time for one anyway. She is so out of her league when she meets Jensen and feels the draw to him.
Jensen had no desire to be in L.A. but here he is trying to make the best of things and keep his cousin and partner out of trouble. Happy to be working and editing for their utube channel that has made them the success they have become. Still hurting from the betrayals of his last relationship, he is not looking to start another one anytime soon.
Mia & Jensen are a push and pull from their very first meetings. Mia trying to not be seen and Jensen searching her out. Trying to get a chance to talk to her, get to know her and understand the draw to her. Will Mia's secrets be too much for Jensen to handle? Will Mia ever be free of the contract and the man calling the shots?
Another wonderful book by Ms McAdams that had me hooked from the first pages to the end.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Mia's niavity has landed her in a position she in anything but proud of but she has accepted that this is her only way. This forcing her to lie to her roomates and still keeping major things from them. Her soul is slowly dying with each additional shoot as the requests keep getting harder and harder. She had even surmized to the no relationships outside of the walls because she didn't have time for one anyway. She is so out of her league when she meets Jensen and feels the draw to him.
Jensen had no desire to be in L.A. but here he is trying to make the best of things and keep his cousin and partner out of trouble. Happy to be working and editing for their utube channel that has made them the success they have become. Still hurting from the betrayals of his last relationship, he is not looking to start another one anytime soon.
Mia & Jensen are a push and pull from their very first meetings. Mia trying to not be seen and Jensen searching her out. Trying to get a chance to talk to her, get to know her and understand the draw to her. Will Mia's secrets be too much for Jensen to handle? Will Mia ever be free of the contract and the man calling the shots?
Another wonderful book by Ms McAdams that had me hooked from the first pages to the end.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***
July 31, 2022
I loved Mia's story, it was exciting to read about the mysterious one thats always in and out of the house.
Mia is such a sweet girl and works really hard. Except there is one job that has basically sucked the soul right out of her. The dreams she had for being in L.A., yeah its pretty much squashed and ran over. What she thought was an audition, ended up being way more than that. She really should have read that contract before signing it.
Jasper is in L.A. This is not where he wants to be, but his cousin up and dragged him and their channel to L.A. They have done well for themselves back in Georgia, their YT channel blew up and they are pretty much famous. While his cousin lives it up and basically burns through his money, Jasper doesn't really care. He doesn't see himself as famous, doesn't spend money like his cousin and is perfectly content with the life they had at home. Except, home doesn't have Mia.
Mia didn't plan to run into Jasper, she also didn't plan to fall in love with him. Which is a big NONO in her world. But it's a risk Mia is wanting to take. Only if she had a way out, but her boss controls more than just her career, but someone important to her.
Both of them hit a lot of bumps and no matter what Jasper refuses to let go. All he can think about is Mia and being with her. He is willing to take his time to learn all about her. In the end he learns everything about her, even the one that Mia was most afraid of anyone finding out.
I loved this entire book. Anything by Molly automatically has to be on my shelf and it's always a heart grabbing, edge of your seat read. You won't stop until the very last page has been read.
Mia is such a sweet girl and works really hard. Except there is one job that has basically sucked the soul right out of her. The dreams she had for being in L.A., yeah its pretty much squashed and ran over. What she thought was an audition, ended up being way more than that. She really should have read that contract before signing it.
Jasper is in L.A. This is not where he wants to be, but his cousin up and dragged him and their channel to L.A. They have done well for themselves back in Georgia, their YT channel blew up and they are pretty much famous. While his cousin lives it up and basically burns through his money, Jasper doesn't really care. He doesn't see himself as famous, doesn't spend money like his cousin and is perfectly content with the life they had at home. Except, home doesn't have Mia.
Mia didn't plan to run into Jasper, she also didn't plan to fall in love with him. Which is a big NONO in her world. But it's a risk Mia is wanting to take. Only if she had a way out, but her boss controls more than just her career, but someone important to her.
Both of them hit a lot of bumps and no matter what Jasper refuses to let go. All he can think about is Mia and being with her. He is willing to take his time to learn all about her. In the end he learns everything about her, even the one that Mia was most afraid of anyone finding out.
I loved this entire book. Anything by Molly automatically has to be on my shelf and it's always a heart grabbing, edge of your seat read. You won't stop until the very last page has been read.
August 9, 2022
i listened to this on audible. the narration was great. this author always draws u in and u can feel the intensity of emotions in the characters. loved the characters from the 1st 2books being a part of this. this story line has your attention from the negative things going on in his life to his for sure love and desire for a future. To her dedication of life responsibility and being trapped but not being able to stop her defined deep feelings for him. with him not giving up and protecting her.
this author is amazing and i recommend her book series.
this author is amazing and i recommend her book series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
I finished this but really struggled and it took me forever to read. The writing was very disjointed and did not flow. Random things thrown in. And how the hell did he not know what she did but also her lying pissed me off to no end. Her secrets were annoying. The “wife” was overused. I still have absolutely no idea what their you tube stardom was from much less what made them millions a year. I really should have quit much earlier. Sorry not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2023
The only reason this didn’t get a 1 star from me is because I finished it and not do I wish I hadn’t.
*Spoilers ahead*
Jensen’s reaction after finally getting the final piece of the mysterious puzzle was an IMMEDIATE “Ick” for me. He had all of this context that clearly indicated that she was very uncomfortable in the situation she was trapped in and when he finally knows EXACTLY what she’s trapped in, he just jumps to “you’re cheating on me.” For real bro? And the fact that he does still help her rid herself of this whole situation with the contracts is not enough to redeem this dick. It’s a hard NOPE from me. Mia deserved better.
*Spoilers ahead*
Jensen’s reaction after finally getting the final piece of the mysterious puzzle was an IMMEDIATE “Ick” for me. He had all of this context that clearly indicated that she was very uncomfortable in the situation she was trapped in and when he finally knows EXACTLY what she’s trapped in, he just jumps to “you’re cheating on me.” For real bro? And the fact that he does still help her rid herself of this whole situation with the contracts is not enough to redeem this dick. It’s a hard NOPE from me. Mia deserved better.
August 10, 2022
love Molly McAdams Fame
This is my second favourite book of the secrets in the L.A. Series.
Molly McAdams nailed the characters. I couldn't stop myself from falling in love with Jensen. Mia made this story so enjoyable. The writing was easy to read, and the storyline believable. Once you start reading, you can't stop. I recommend reading all the books in this series as they are all fantastic.
This is my second favourite book of the secrets in the L.A. Series.
Molly McAdams nailed the characters. I couldn't stop myself from falling in love with Jensen. Mia made this story so enjoyable. The writing was easy to read, and the storyline believable. Once you start reading, you can't stop. I recommend reading all the books in this series as they are all fantastic.
September 1, 2023
The book "Fame" by Molly McAdams falls short in several critical areas. It lacks depth in character development, with one-dimensional characters and a rushed romance. The plot is formulaic and predictable, relying on familiar tropes associated with celebrity romances. The pacing can be uneven, with some sections dragging while others rush through essential plot points. Overall, "Fame" offers a lackluster story that fails to deliver a genuinely compelling read, warranting a two-star rating.
December 4, 2024
[4.7 stars]
_________________________________
S – Setting [4.0]
P – Plot [5.0]
E – Engagement [5.0]
C – Characters [5.0]
S – Style [4.5]
_______________________________
First, I just want to say how sad I am for those who find themselves in Mia’s position. How many of them are out there? Not having the same happy ending as hers… oof, it’s tough!
Jensen was perfect for Mia, really. Everything was effortless, even amongst all the secrets she’s kept from him.
_________________________________
S – Setting [4.0]
P – Plot [5.0]
E – Engagement [5.0]
C – Characters [5.0]
S – Style [4.5]
_______________________________
First, I just want to say how sad I am for those who find themselves in Mia’s position. How many of them are out there? Not having the same happy ending as hers… oof, it’s tough!
Jensen was perfect for Mia, really. Everything was effortless, even amongst all the secrets she’s kept from him.
October 19, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. I listened to the Audible of this one. I had an issue from early in the book when Mia signed documents without reading them. Who does that? It was hard to get my head around all the secrets and lies when it seemed there was no real reason for a lot of them.
January 18, 2023
Fame (Secrets in L.A. Book 3
Another great read from a wonderful author. Keep up the great work. Im definitely a fan. I'm currently on a marathon reading and listening to all your books.
Another great read from a wonderful author. Keep up the great work. Im definitely a fan. I'm currently on a marathon reading and listening to all your books.
February 2, 2023
Molly McAdams is one of my fav authors so I will definitely continue buying and reading her work but this story didn't catch my interest. I had a hard time seeing Mia through Jennsens' eyes and did not understand why she didn't confide in at least Adam. He's the FBI for goodness sake.
April 13, 2023
love this series!
I love this series and was really excited to finally figure out what Mia was up to! But, the beginning king of lagged. I need the story to speed up faster. The middle and end were great though!
I love this series and was really excited to finally figure out what Mia was up to! But, the beginning king of lagged. I need the story to speed up faster. The middle and end were great though!
January 13, 2024
I’ve loved finding out what Mia’s secrets are! She’s been stuck in a contract and having to do stuff she does want to do, and leading two lives. Jenson moved to LA and sees Mia. Now it’s all about how they can be together but she also doesn’t tell him her secrets! Great book
August 16, 2022
loved
Awesome, I loved this book so much. It had me stressed out a few times but it all came together with a pretty little bow! I loved Mia in the other stories. I knew there was something big about her story.
Awesome, I loved this book so much. It had me stressed out a few times but it all came together with a pretty little bow! I loved Mia in the other stories. I knew there was something big about her story.
February 21, 2023
Still preferred book 1, but this was better than #2.
February 26, 2023
Mia and Jensen are super cute together. They got over there obstacle somehow able to come back together as one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
I love this series.
Read
July 27, 2023Loved it!!!
November 27, 2023
3.5 stars
March 31, 2024
FANTASTIC!
Loved the series! Would definitely recommend. I held on to them for over a year, and glad I finally did the deed!
Loved the series! Would definitely recommend. I held on to them for over a year, and glad I finally did the deed!
April 18, 2024
Absolutely love Molly McAdams
August 1, 2024
There was nothing legal about her contract. I'm not a lawyer and I know that.
July 18, 2022
Fantastic, emotional ending to a great series!
"wanting you . . . Jensen, I think I’m more afraid of not being with you than I am of what comes from letting myself want you.”
That damn slow smirk was going to be my ruin. I was sure of it.
“Something about you, Mia Luna.” A shy smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. “Yeah?” “Everything,” I amended. “Everything about you.”
I love this series cause all the female characters are strong but have secrets that makes them vulnerable. In Fame we get Mia's star. She's always busy, and we get why..her secrets she's hiding are big. They are weighing her down big time. Jensen has a past and his own secrets....as they try to avoid these immediate feelings they have their own internal battles with their feelings and the consequences.
I was not expecting Mia's secrets, but my heart hurt for all she was and is going through. Jensen's crazy ex and his spiraling cousin make his life hard. Seeing them both fight for what they know is in their heart despite the obstacles makes it worth the read!! I love the ending with an update on all the girls, even Stevie!
"wanting you . . . Jensen, I think I’m more afraid of not being with you than I am of what comes from letting myself want you.”
That damn slow smirk was going to be my ruin. I was sure of it.
“Something about you, Mia Luna.” A shy smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. “Yeah?” “Everything,” I amended. “Everything about you.”
I love this series cause all the female characters are strong but have secrets that makes them vulnerable. In Fame we get Mia's star. She's always busy, and we get why..her secrets she's hiding are big. They are weighing her down big time. Jensen has a past and his own secrets....as they try to avoid these immediate feelings they have their own internal battles with their feelings and the consequences.
I was not expecting Mia's secrets, but my heart hurt for all she was and is going through. Jensen's crazy ex and his spiraling cousin make his life hard. Seeing them both fight for what they know is in their heart despite the obstacles makes it worth the read!! I love the ending with an update on all the girls, even Stevie!
July 25, 2022
hands down amazing
I was so intrigued with Mia from the other books that I couldn’t wait to read her story. It didn’t disappoint. It might actually be my favorite of the series. Molly is a book writer genius! This is a must read series!
I was so intrigued with Mia from the other books that I couldn’t wait to read her story. It didn’t disappoint. It might actually be my favorite of the series. Molly is a book writer genius! This is a must read series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews