My Double Life

by Janette Rallison

Her whole life, Alexia Garcia has been told that she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia's photo filters through the Internet, she's offered a job to be Kari's double. This would seem like the opportunity of a lifetime, but Alexia's mother has always warned her against celebrities.

Rebelliously, Alexia flies off to L.A. and gets immersed in a celebrity life. Not only does she have to get used to getting anything she wants, she romances the hottest lead singer on the charts, and finds out that her own father is a singing legend. Through it all, Alexia must stay true to herself, which is hard to do when you are pretending to be somebody else!

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction, Teen, Realistic Fiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 2010

About the author

Check out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...

Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.


Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007

"

Reviews

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I think I'm too old for YA romances, I read something like this book that makes my inner teenager squee. This is an improbable story with a main character, Alexia, an almost-graduated high school senior, who becomes the secret double for a pop star, standing in for her at appearances and even lip-synching for her at smaller concerts, because of reasons. Also, celebrity romance with a hot guy! It totally sounds silly, I know, but it actually makes fairly good sense in the context of the story.

What puts this book firmly in the *win* column for me are its heart, with a young half-Latina girl trying to figure out who she is and hopefully connect with the father she's never known, and its humor. I especially loved Alexia's abuela:

Abuela folded her arms and let out a martyred sigh. “I'll say grace. Otherwise we’ll starve.” She shut her eyes without waiting to see if Mom and I followed suit. "Our Father, we thank you for this food and ask you to bless it. We also ask you to bless Lexi and keep her far away from those trampy girls who live out in Hollywood, where sin lies like a lion waiting to devour them all. Amen." I glared at Abuela, but she picked up her fork and ate without paying attention to me.

*****
While I went between my room and the bathroom gathering things, Abuela gave more instructions. "Eat three meals a day. Real meals. None of those Californian supermodel meals. They don't eat actual food, just puffed air. Make sure you call us every day. Remember to say your prayers. And don’t start running around with boys. All the boys in California are gangsters. Or movie producers. And those are even worse.”

It's a quick, cute, light YA read that hit all my buttons in just the right way. I really enjoyed it.

Squee!

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm only slightly biased about this book . . .

[Sherwood Smith]

This quick YA read is thoroughly fun wish-fulfillment, perfect for sitting half the day in a car repair shop, as I can testify.

Alexia is half-Latina, half-white, growing up with her hard-working single mom in a small town in West Virginia, and living with her Abuela (one of the best characters in the book). She is a straight A student, a geek who has never dated, though she strongly resembles a famous rock star.

Her bestie Lori is trying to push her into asking a cute guy to the Sadie Hawkins dance when Alexia runs afoul of the high school mean girl, who puts a photo of Alexia online, that goes viral. And nets Alexia a phonecall out of the blue: the manager of the rock star, who wants to hire her for insane amounts of money to double for said rock star, while the latter finishes her overdue album.

Alexia's life takes a turn into Hollywoodland, where yes, the rich get richer and shop at Prado, but they are beset with all the emotional baggage that ordinary people are. The story is full of missing relatives, hidden secrets, the fallout of lies, and a very cute Prince Charming for romance.

The book is very short, Lori is scarcely more than a name, but Rallison makes up for the sketchiness of the West Virginia characters (except for Sabrina, Alexia's mom, and Abuela) by focusing on the California characters and their problems. The pacing is fast, the rock star and the manager are quite complex, and Alexia goes through a lot of growing up in her two months.

Altogether a fun read--and one that middle schoolers could be given. There is no sex, just some kissing, and no bad language. We even get some sarcasm for dangling modifiers, woo hoo for school!

So much fun! A keeper for exactly this sort of day. I would have been over the moon for this story as a teen.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️ Clean YA Fiction

Yeah, so I didn’t mean to read this in one sitting, but it was a fun escape and felt like a Disney channel movie so I’m not complaining. (I will be in a few hours when I have to wake up early, but that’s then-Lindsey’s problem.) A little kissy for a YA book for my tastes and there’s mention of a(n accidental) one night stand that resulted in a pregnancy years prior, which makes me say at least 16+ as an age recommendation. (However if the teen has read books by popular contemporary YA authors like Katie West, I would imagine this to be fine.) Clean in language, which was nice. Abuela was my favorite character and I wish we could have seen a little more at the end with Kari. I don’t think there is one, but I would read a book about Kari if it happened. Else wise, I’ll be checking out other books by this author for sure.



Main Content:
Alexia’ grandmother wishes to smack people with a Bible (to get some sense knocked into them) and this is mentioned a handful of times; Alexia wonders what God was thinking when He created a handsome guy; Alexia’s mom thought that God thought her and Alexia’s biological father belonging together because of a reason; Both of these times with God being mentioned, the 'H’s are not capital when referring to God.

A few mentions of prayers & blessings over food; A couple mentions of astrological signs; A mention of a past life (teasing); A mention of someone being the “patron saint of blond jokes”; A mention of girls worshiping a celebrity.



Alexia has never known her father and it’s a major part of the book with her missing him (including feeling like a big chunk of herself is missing), wondering about him, finding out about him, & meeting him; *Spoilers* At the end, she meets him in a tense moment and he flies out to meet her and her mom where they decide to spend time together *End of Spoilers*; Alexia gets mad/upset at her mom and makes a decision for herself without her mom’s approval (lessons are learned).


Alexia’s grandmother tells her to never date a man who carries a gun because they’re all criminals and Alexia (teasingly) asks her about police, but her Abuela says they don’t make enough money; Alexia recalls her grandmother ranting to her teacher about teaching that Columbus discovered America; Alexia’ grandmother tells her not to change who she was, but Alexia thinks that will be impossible and has to figure out who she’s changing into.

Alexia goes to a club when impersonating Kari; Someone slaps Alexia.

No language stronger than ‘stupid’ or ‘trampy’; A few mentions of curses or almost cursing; Some lying from Alexia.

Mentions of deaths & grief (including a man for his wife); Mentions of prison, threats, blackmail, arrests, & identity theft; Mentions of bullies & cliques at school that Alexia deals with (particularly their bullying about her being poor); Mentions of gambling, a gambling addiction, rehab for it, casinos, & major debt (*Spoilers* Kari has a gambling and shopping addiction; Alexia is concerned she needs counseling; Kari agrees to go to rehab towards the end of the book for help *End of Spoilers*); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drinking binges, drunks, & someone getting drunk in the past; Mentions of clubbing; Mentions of lies & lying; A couple mentions of car accidents; A couple mentions of drugs; A mention of suicide; A mention of a hot vampire.



2 almost kisses (up to 2-4 sentences),
1 neck kiss,
5 kisses lasting a sentence,
3 kisses lasting 1-3 sentences,
1 kiss lasting 4-5 sentences,
1 kiss lasting 6-8 sentences.

Touches, Embraces, Cuddling, Dancing, Hand holding, Nearness, Warmth, Smelling, & Noticing (including noticing muscles, up to a few sentences).

Alexia’ parents weren’t married and she has never known her biological father as he doesn’t know she exists; Alexia is upset with her mom when she finds out who her biological father is, but her mother explains that she loved the man (a celebrity) so much and he picked her out of the crowd because she looked like his late wife; She wanted to make him feel better and Alexia was conceived that night (no details on this besides a mention at the end in bonus content about her arms going around him and being in a hotel room); It was a one-night stand in this way and he never knew about Alexia; In bonus content at the end, Alexia’s father explains that it was wrong of him to sleep with her mother & Alexia’s mother and her father talk (which is where very little hints of anything sexual is shared—things like how she wasn’t the type that does that kind of thing, that she only went because he mattered to her, how he was still grieving and shouldn’t have done it, talking for hours in his hotel room and is leading to more with his pleading eyes and them kissing, & how young she was (18) and he says he shouldn’t have taken advantage of her).

As Alexia falls for a guy, she thinks that kissing him is “addictive” and she’s never fallen so quickly or so deeply for a guy before.

Alexia tries to flirt with a guy like she’s seen a girl at school flirt like in a “seductive way”; Alexia says she won’t make out with a guy because it’s not in her job description but when she sees a picture of the guy, she says “maybe one kiss”.

Alexia overhears a guy giving advice to an exchange student about standing close to girls and touching them when he wants their attention.

When at a club, Alexia notices couples dancing like they were “trying to conceive children than actually dance” and she adverts her gaze from them.

Mentions of kisses, kissing, & making-out; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dates, dating, exes, break-ups; Mentions of pick-up lines/being hit on & flirting; Mentions of cheating; Mentions of jealousy & making a guy jealous; Mentions of hot and handsome guys; A couple mentions of buff & shirtless guys; A mention of a magazine putting Kari on “anorexia watch” (which she does not have an eating disorder); A mention of a “red-blooded-girl” reaction to a handsome guy; A mention of songs about chasing women.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I want to laugh and feel all glowy good inside I reach for a Janette Rallison book. She certainly didn't disappoint.

I would argue this is the most interesting one of Rallison's I've read so far. Alexia Garcia has a hardworking mother and no nonsense grandmother who love her. She is good student, half-Latina, and is a dead ringer for the pop singer sensation Kari Kingsley. Alexia has always yearned to know who her father is and the opportunity presents itself when Kari's assistant calls to see if Alexia will act as Kari's double. Her mom objects to it right away, but for reasons I can't say here (would be a spoiler) Alexia makes a split-second decision to go to L.A. Understandable, Alexia is a bit overwhelmed at first. She grew up in a household where every penny counts and now she is surrounded by people that have money to spare. Through it all she will have to learn how to keep true to herself.

Alexia tries hard to help Kari and her image. She actually has some success and gets to meet Grant, a hunk of a singer. I liked how their relationship developed and boy does she get into some situations for being out with him. As always there are some hilarious scenes, but along with something to think about. From her trip she comes to realize what she was missing, and comes back with a good dose of confidence. Major kudo points to Rallison for writing a book on a girl that is half-Hispanic and half-white; we don't see that often in young-adult literature.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute! I love escaping into Janette Rallison's books! She creates great characters who despite their flaws actually have a moral compass and values.

My Double Life was a fun fairy tale like story. One of those books that makes you smile and laugh and sigh. It's an upbeat and feel good story that can easily be read in an afternoon or evening.

If you are looking for a light-hearted, quick read with a great message you can't go wrong with My Double Life.

Originally read in February 2012 - Reread in July 2016



Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From Author for Review, and then purchased ebook from Amazon

[Lynnae · Rating 4 out of 5]

First up, the only reason I rated this book four stars instead of five is because I'm picky about my five-star books. Those are the ones that I put down and instantly want to pick up and read again right away. Rallison's Fair Godmother series got that rating because I found them rib-crackingly funny.

That aside, I really, really liked this book. I found it refreshing on many levels.

First, it was short. I love long books as much as the next person, but sometimes it's nice to pick up a quick-read kind of book that cruises along and accomplishes everything with admirable conciseness. My Double Life does just that. You get into the story, care about the characters, and find satisfaction with the ending in a third the amount of space that some books (*cough* Brisingr *cough*) take to finish their exposition and world-building. Granted, that also has to do with the genre. ;)

Second, I know this sounds a little strange, but I LIKED that the love interest was a celebrity, and a super popular one, at that. I didn't mind that he was Adonis personified. (On that note, I bless every publishing god in existence that Rallison didn't tell us that. In fact, for chick-lit, this was pretty skimpy on the descriptions of the lusciousness of the male lead.) When I pick up a story or watch a movie about a small-town girl getting tangled up with superstars, I have a built-in expectation that she falls for the sweet, nerdy guy from her home town as part of her accepting that she values her roots. So I kept looking for him here. To my surprise, Rallison broke that trend and let Alexia fall for the hot rock star, instead.

Yes, Grant was sweet and down-to-earth, but it didn't feel overdone or unrealistic. In fact, Grant has a few genuine, celebrity-brat moments that, weirdly enough, made me like him even more, because it made sense that he would say something like that.

Third, on a general level, I just really enjoyed the character development and unique personalities of each character. Even though they were supposed to be look-alikes, Alexia and Kari looked different in my head, because they had such distinct personalities.

Now, I will admit that everything wrapped up maybe a little TOO tidily at the end, but considering the short length of the book, I found that acceptable and not overly problematic. Alexia gets her happy ending, and you've grown to know and like supporting characters like Kari and Alex Kingsley enough that you like their endings, too.

This is a book about warm fuzzy feelings. If you want something deep and profoundly moving, I have no idea what you're doing in this genre at all. Go somewhere else. All in all, My Double Life gave me exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up: a quick, fun read and a feel-good ending. It never gets pretentious or attempts to be anything other than what it is, and that's why I liked it so much.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's offical: I adore Janette Rallison. And no, it's not JUST because she hosted a giveaway for this wonderful novel and I won an ARC of it due to that contest on goodreads. . .that's just a small, insignificant, reason as to why I love her. ;) Oh, and just saying (well I'm kind of bragging. . .but hey I'm proud <3) Janette signed my copy of My Double Life. NO JOKE. =D I know, I know, I'm super lucky!

Okay, enough of me going on and on about unimportant things. Let's get on with this review, shall we?

So, the characters in this book were all superb! Alexia is simply amazing. She has a backbone, doesn't whine all day, and knows the value of money (seeing as how she was brought up without many things that we all take for granted, such as haircuts and first hand clothing.) What more could I ask for from the lead character?

And than there's Grant. Ohhh my darling Grant (yes MY darling Grant. I call dibbs on this piece of wonderful fictitious creation.) He's so beyond adorable. Seriously. I love a bad boy just as much as the next girl, but it was refreshing to see such a pure hearted male character in this book.

Another character that I just HAVE to mention is Alexia's grandmother (or is it aunt? I'm pretty sure it's her grandmother. . .), who lives with her. She was one of those people that I could imagine going "I am a character," on those commercials on USA. The image of her going in a club and hitting the dancers with a bible while yelling at them will always stay with me. That doesn't really happen in the book, but Alexia imagines that it could, ahaha :).

This book is about the relationship between Grant and Alexia, but it is also about something much bigger: finding out who ones true self really is. Alexia goes through a lot of change throughout this novel, and I am so glad that I got to read about it.

ONE AND ONLY COMPLAINT (which doesn't even have anything to do with the actual book or my rating of it. . .)- the cover. =[ I wish the girl on the cover looked more Latinaey (why yes, that is not a word.)

Overall I would definitely recommend reading this book. It is super quick and fun to read!

[Jes Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually my third time reading this book, and I have to say my view of it has changed over the years. The first time it wasn't really my favorite because the couple don't wait until the very end to get together, which was important to me as a young teen. The second time around, I learned to appreciate it as a love story in its own right and the snarkiness of the heroine herself. This third time it's the family ties that really stood out to me- along with just how lovestruck the poor hero was. Plus, this time around I had a version with extra scenes that really enriched the story for me. Thanks for being such a great author, Janette Rallison.

Review first posted on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...

[Kate McMurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pop Princess and the Pauper

A self-described "half-Latina" from a small-town, working-class family, Alexia Garcia is a dead ringer for twenty-something pop sensation, Kari Kingsley, who is also half-Latina. The amazing resemblance leads to a lucrative job offer to serve as the secret double for Kari at some of her public appearances so Kari can focus on completing an overdue album. Alexia's mom is strongly against the masquerade because, as she confesses for the first time in Alexia's 18 years, Alexia and Kari share the same father. He's pop legend, Alex Kingsley, the lead singer of The Journey Men--a fact that both Alex and Kari have been kept in the dark about as well. Alexia is furious at her mother for hiding this crucial information from her, knowing how much all her life Alexia has wanted to know about her father. Since Alexia is legally of age and doesn't need her mother's permission, she takes the job Kari's publicist is offering and heads for Los Angeles.

In adult romance novels, there is a classic story line called the "secret baby plot," in which the heroine had a baby years before that the hero never knew about. This is the first time I've ever personally heard of a novel where the "secret baby" is the heroine. What a great twist!

I am a huge fan of Janette Rallison and have read every one of her young adult novels. I must confess I was a bit disappointed initially on realizing that, other than a couple of scenes of comic relief, this story is light drama, not her usual laugh-out-loud comedy. But I quickly got into the book because, no matter what type of story she chooses to tell, Rallison is a great writer. All of the things I normally enjoy in a Rallison YA novel are here in spades: vividly three-dimensional characters, strong conflict, and compelling love stories, both familial and romantic.

Alexia is a dynamic and compassionate heroine, and her efforts to get to know her half-sister are emotionally moving. The complications created by Alexia's pretending to be her sister are both painful for Alexia and occasionally very funny for the reader. I particularly enjoyed Alexia's romance with teen heartthrob Grant. It is extremely well done, and I really liked Grant, who is not just gorgeous and sexy, but a thoroughly decent guy. One of Rallison's strengths has always been her ability to write a good romance plot, and as usual, she shines at that here.

Perhaps most moving of all is the growth in Alexia's relationship with her mother and the eventual outcome in Alexia's quest to know her father. The resolution of that portion of the book brought tears to my eyes. It was also a nice change to be able to experience YA-novel parents as caring nurturers. And not only that, but as deserving of a chance at achieving romantic happiness as well.

Update 3/21/25: The audiobook version of this terrific YA romcom is currently available for FREE through Chirp.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast and fun YA read about a girl who is hired to double for a rock star. As she learns how to act and pretend to be someone else, she discovers the truth about her own past and who she really is inside.

Another Janette Rallison hit to pass onto my daughter.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Angela S. for TeensReadToo.com

Alexia Garcia has always been told that she could pass for the twin of pop star Kari Kingsley. The only difference between the two is that while Kari is living the life of glamour and wealth, Alexia and her family are unglamorous and poor.

So, when Alexia's enemy, Teresa, posts a mean-spirited photo of Alexia on the Internet, no one is more surprised than Alexia that it goes viral. Soon enough, things get a little weird when Alexia gets a phone call from Kari Kingsley's manager asking her if she'd like a job working as Kari's double.

Who could resist the call of Hollywood over real life?

Alexia takes the job, even though her real motive is to go to Hollywood to find her father, who she never knew. While there, Alexia meets gorgeous rock star Grant Delray, who she ends up falling for. The only problem is that he thinks she is Kari. Can their relationship possibly last if he knew who she really was?

MY DOUBLE LIFE is addictive and fun. It has everything a girl could want - celebrities, drama, and romance. Thoroughly enjoyable!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mimi actually won the ARC on Janette's blog, thankfully Mimi has finals and has been to busy to read so I got to read it yesterday!
It was a fun quick read Alexia the main character is a half Latino girl whose Mexican grandmother lives with them. I loved the grandma she reminded me of my best childhood friend Erika's grandma watching her Mexican soap opera's and yelling at the TV in Spanglish.
One might by just looking at the title or cover see this book and think oh a fun book about a girl who gets to pretend to be a pop star, and they would be right. On the surface that is what the story is about, but I was pleasantly surprised to find more. I even found myself close to tears at a touching part in the book.
Close to the end of the book there was a part where I could guess what was going to happen and in my head I was saying, nope don't do it, it is too every teens fantasy for me. It did happen but that is the ending I would have wanted as a teenager so I can be happy with it since that is the target audience.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just made me feel good! I was sad when it was over.

[Melanchallina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Мне кажется я стала зависима от этого автора) Ее романы такие милые и трогательные одновременно.

Отзыв впереди!

[Taffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever need a funny, clean, romantic story all you have to do is fine 'Rallison, Janette' on your library shelf or at the book store.
Alexia wants to met her father and for just one day, make money for college and see what it's like to be famous.
But a celebrities life is not as glamorous as it seems.
She's pushed around, threatened, trained like a show dog and hurt.
And she falls for a hot superstar who thinks she is someone she isn't. And her lies are about to catch up with her.
I love the way Janette weaves her stories and characters. Her stories are uplifting, clean, genuine, intriguing and funny. She is one of my favorite authors.

Rating PG
S: None
V: Things thrown, someone slapped, scary mean lady
L: None

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining YA celebrity romance. I liked it.

Plot-
Cute with some compelling plot lines. Overall a little superficial, which makes sense for your average YA book. But the way it all went down in the end was satisfying.

The bonus chapter about the mom/dad supporting characters’ romantic ending required suspended belief, but I guess it DID provide a happy ending for them too. But the background of their relationship was pretty straight forward: it was a no-strings attached, noncommittal one-night stand, but that seemed to get lost in translation when Lexie’s mom acted like she had truly loved him. She tried to prove it when he pushed back on that idea, but idk, I wasn’t convinced. That storyline felt a little forced.

Celebrity romance is one of my least favorite subgenres only because it’s such a hard sell. I mean, IRL celebrities almost always date other wealthy, well known figures and more importantly, they almost never stay in relationships long-term. Which I find to be extremely sad, tbh. So this trope requires suspended belief (ESPECIALLY when it’s a Cinderella type of dynamic) unless it’s done exceptionally well.


Writing Good.

Characters- Likable, relatable characters. Single POV from the FMC, although I enjoyed the bonus chapter from the MMC POV given at the end of the book.


Romance- Chemistry was average/good. The YA romance was sweet and had a HFN ending.

I would say that the main romantic plot here was a bit above average (but a little superficial) and the 2nd chance romantic side plot was just okay.


Content-
Language- none
Substance abuse- none
Spice- clean. Kissing, but nothing inappropriate, and no talk of sex at all. I would recommend for teen readers.
Cover- Good.
POV- only one POV, from the FMC.
Cliffhanger- No, this is standalone.
Format- audiobook through library Hoopla account.
Narrator- great

[Nina {ᴡᴏʀᴅs ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴀᴛᴇʀ} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to give this 4 stars simply because it was cute.

The beginning had me frowning a little, simply because it just felt so impossible (and it is! in a Disney Teen/YA kind of way). But by the end, despite the impossibility, this is a cute little read.

Although I did enjoy the thrill that Alexia had in experiencing the life of a celebrity, I also enjoyed Rallison's take on this identity switch. I enjoyed the relationships between Alexia and Kari, Alexia and Grant, Kari and her father. And the interactions with the Maren the Manager!

I found a highlight to My Double Life was the hot celeb relationship that Alexia experiences. And I will say, I'm a little bit of a sucker for how this couple ends. It was cute, adorable, and just a bit swoony.

Endnote: I enjoyed this, and I will admit that once I got into the swing of the tale, I was a bit biased because I remembered Rallison's Fair Godmother books which I loved way back when!

[Jamie (The Kansan Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was something different. Completely cute. Alexia decides to rebel against her mom and take a job as a double for Kari Kingsley. One problem, Kari and Alexia share more than just their looks. But Alexia doesn't know how or if she should share that news.

It was a good read. I am glad I picked it up. Also glad it turned out different than the YA stories that I have been reading right now.

[Jileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and fluffy with snappy writing. Pure entertainment!

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Janette Rallison's book, My Fair Godmother, and couldn't wait to read more from her. So when I saw the chance to read her newest book, My Double Life, on Around the World Tours, I had to sign up. While the plots of both books were strikingly different, there were aspects that I picked up in both books.

The first of which was the humor found in both books. While I think that My Double Life focused less on humor than MFG, there were still quite a few funny moments. During some scenes, I ended up laughing aloud (much to my embarrassment), and I found a few scenes funny because I really connected with Alexia. Alexia was a realistic, likable character. While not all girls look like superstars, I could definitely relate to some of her insecurities, and was glad to see her follow her heart. I also want to mention Kari, the singer who is struggling to put out her new album. At first I expected to seriously dislike her. She seemed like the typical mean girl, who felt entitled to the royal treatment simply because she was a star. By the end of the book, however, it was clear that she was struggling with insecurities, too.

A major theme throughout this book is the idea of the importance of family. Alexia has grown up without her father, but her mother and grandmother have done a great job raising her. They don't agree with Alexia's decision to accept the job as Kari's double, and that's mostly because they care, and worry about her. After all, Alexia is traveling to the other side of the country to work, without any friends or family there to help her. I did wish that we could have learned more about Alexia's father over the course of the story. Without giving too much away, it takes quite some time for Alexia to actually meet him, and I really wanted to know what he was thinking.

Overall, I thought that My Double Life was another great read from Rallison. It was funny, and the story had some depth to it. As the summer grows closer, I'd suggest this to people who want a read that isn't too heavy, but still has substance. Plus, there's a bit of romance, too.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was my first time reading a Janette Rallison book and I was very impressed with her writing. She turned what could have been a cliché plot into something different and deeper. I think I'll definitely have to try another book of hers in the future.

Alexis Garcia comes from a poor background, with a caring mother and no-nonsense grandmother (who was hilarious and amazing, the kind of grandmother you usually see in young-adult books, I've noticed). Alexis also looks almost identical to pop-star Kari Kingsley. This is because, as she later discovers, she is Kari's half-sister. Alexis had always wanted to meet her father (having heard nothing about him growing up) and so when Kari's manager rings up, asking if she'll be Kari's double, Alexis agrees on the terms that she'll be able to meet Alex Kingsley, her famous father, and spend time with her half-sister Kari.

It was a sweet story, focusing specifically on family bonds and ties. There is also romance when Alexis meets Grant, another famous singer. Problem is, he thinks she's Kari and so a lot of funny situations develop. I was really impressed by the writing. It was a nice, light read that I thoroughly enjoyed :)

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexia is just a regular high school girl, except for the fact that she looks like famous pop star Kari Kingsley. Alexia's life is turned upside down with Kari comes to town herself hoping to hire Alexia to be her double. Alexia would move to California, live the rich and famous lifestyle, and make various appearances pretending to be Kari. At first Lexi turns the opportunity down, but when she realizes this might be her chance to meet the father she's never know, she changes her mind. However, things aren't so simple when she finally arrives. Lexi soon befriends famous heart-throb Grant Delroy, and despite being told to keep her distance, she simply can't resist him. Meanwhile, things are getting more complicated with Kari and her manager, and Alexia is trying to hold things together long enough for her to finally meet her father.

My Double Life is sweet, funny, happily-ended - all things I've come to expect from a Rallison novel. I wasn't disappointed! If I had to critique something it would be that sometimes the translations of the Spanish words and phrases were a bit heavy handed - but maybe I just felt that was because I knew what most of them meant in Spanish anyway.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very simple read just a nice relaxing book. While it was predictable in what was going to happen in the book it was still an enjoyable read.




I enjoyed Alexia and her very normal life that many teens living here in the US are living everyday. She is down to earth while being smart and like most smart girls the target of the popular girls in school. She gets whisked away into the fantasy life of superstar Kari Kingsley to be her double since Kari does not perform well in public as she is a spoiled superstar who is going through issues of her own. Alexia hears some hard lessons in this story but ends up in a very positive place, that I was not really expecting. I was pleased that the book did not end there I thought it was going to.




There was good character development in the book. Each person was well defined and there were not conflicts. The plot was pretty predictable but good. While I would not pick this book up and reread it, I would say that if you are looking for a relaxing book this is a good choice.

[Rahmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 glitter stars
First things first thanks to cookie for recommending me Janette Rallison's books, you're so helping me girl ;D

Cerita singkat tentang Alexia Garcia yang ditawari pekerjaan jadi double nya penyanyi remaja terkenal Kari Kingsley karena wajah mereka yang sangat mirip. Yang buat aku suka dari cerita ini ga ada faktor kebetulan yang aneh ketika 2 remaja yang sangat mirip ini bisa ketemu karena ternyata mereka sebenarnya adik-kakak satu ayah jadi yaa wajar-wajar aja mereka mirip. Mereka bisa ketemu itu juga bukan kebetulan tapi gara-gara uploadan foto Alexia yang disebar oleh teman sekolahnya di berbagai medsos jadi yaa ga sengaja manajer si Kari ini tahu tentang keberadaan Alexia.

Memang di awal buku agak ngebosenin juga sih tentang Alexia yang harus adaptasi di lingkungan baru dan gaya hidup barunya. Tapi pas muncul Grant Delray *sigh penyanyi pop terkenal, di situ ceritanya baru mulai seru xD

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janette Rallison is one of my favorite authors, I love all her books and this was no exception. I knew this was a retelling of Charles Dickens book the Prince and the Pauper (which I have never read), I love retellings and thought the modern setting seemed like a lot of fun. Alexia was a great leading lady. I enjoyed her personality and it was fun to read about her experiences. There is a love interest in the story, it does play a big role, but to me not as much as some of her other books. It seemed like this one was more about Alexia discovering just who she is and her place in the world. The book moved along quickly and it was a great escape. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes reading good books.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darling. Loved the extra bonus scene at the end. I'm a sucker for celebrity reads.

Moral note: Child out of marriage. My teenager asked, how can she be Alex's daughter when all they did is talk...well...they did more than that.

7/21/10 So cute. I forgot what a great author Rallison is. I couldn't put it down. I don't remember anything bad in it. (I finished it a week ago).

[Mandi Ellsworth]

I read this on a rainy Saturday, and I enjoyed it. I thought all the characters were true to form. It reminded me a bit of Meg Cabot's "Being Nikki". I liked the good values displayed by the main characters and the emphasis on families being important. I also enjoyed Abuela. She was my favorite.

[victoria_tonks · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pleasant book and I was enjoying it while reading but that was about it. Suspension of disbelief was definitely required here. But the writing was good and I might try some other books by this author in the future, although I doubt I will ever feel tempted to re-read this one.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was fun and lighthearted but also had a good storyline. I am really becoming a fan of Janette Rallison!