Marlowe Banks, Redesigned was in my opinion the most perfect rom-com I’ve read in a while. It had everything from accidental coffee spills to being thrust into the limelight overnight and an over thinking anxious female lead that wormed herself into the hearts of many a reader.

Of course, we can’t forget the swoony AND broody male lead Angus, a tv show star whose famous life throws off Marlowe a time or two. Ooh and so much shopping that will make you appreciate PA’s in the costume department of shows SO much after reading this book..

This was such a pleasure to read and it had me both swooning with love for these characters and laughing to myself at the humorous moments throughout.

I think this is my first book by Jacqueline Firkins and I really enjoyed it. Marlowe is hilarious and when she steps in a scene of the TV show she works for, things start to change for her. The sparks fly between her and the star of the show, Angus Gordon. I laughed at all the mixed wires, and problems that they get into while they work through Marlowe being in the spotlight. Great rainy weekend read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins is a humorous, quirky, surprisingly heartfelt story of Marlowe Banks, a costume designer who has been boldly and publicly criticized for her latest Broadway designs, has lost her fiancé, and has decided to move to LA from New York City to start over. Her new assignment is rather humble in comparison, and her role as production assistant should be behind the scenes, until it isn’t.

While on set, Marlowe encounters Scottish bad boy, Angus Gordon, and their love-hate relationship thrusts them into the spotlight. This enemies to lovers romance has friendship, witty banter, a lot of steam, and commentary on cyber-bullying, social media and the celebrity culture. The characters are flawed, but like-able people who learn lessons and grow from beginning of the novel to the end. Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a quick read filled with laughs, but also an important message.

Super cute! I loved the interaction between the two main characters and Marlowe's growth over the story, I look forward to more adult romances by this author.

I've been hearing such great things about this book and it did NOT disappoint!! I really loved how relatable Marlowe was as a main character. Her life is a bit of a mess but she's not afraid to take chances and go with the flow. She ended her engagement when she knew he wasn't the one and escapes across the country to take a job as a costume design assistant on a tv show.

A mistake causes her to end up on camera playing the love interest for Angus, the star of the show and a seemingly Hollywood bad boy celebrity actor. First impressions are deceiving though and as Angus and Marlowe take the time to get to know one another they realize there might be something special.

This celebrity, coming of age romance felt a bit New Adulty at times but overall I thought the mental health rep (social anxiety) and ways Marlowe handled her gas-lighting ex were written so well!! These characters were incredibly well developed and three-dimensional. I found myself falling for Angus right with Marlowe and hoping they would get a HEA!

It might have been nice to get a couple scenes from Angus's POV but really there wasn't much I didn't like about this book! Recommended for fans of authors like Elle Kennedy and Christina Lauren. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Steam level: a couple open door scenes (nothing too graphic)

Lovely romcom. Grumpy trope, male was perfection. Main gal was relatable and as reader rooted for her to shine. Fast read, makes a perfect beach read or rainy day.

Read this if you:
*Appreciate enemies to lover, slow burn romance
*Believe in finding your inner strength to pursue your dreams
*Adore Hollywood TV sets and costume design

Meet the Author: Jacqueline Firkins is a playwright, screenwriter, and comic artist who has been creating worlds and characters as a set and costume designer for the past twenty years. When not writing, drawing, or sewing she can be found running by the ocean, listening to love songs, and pretending her dog understands every word she says.

Synopsis: “When life doesn’t fit anymore, it’s time to try on something new.” Marlowe Banks flees her failures in New York to embrace invisibility in Los Angeles following an ugly breakup with an ex who refuses to accept the relationship is over. When Marlowe meets arrogant, bad boy Angus Gordon on set, it’s time to decide if she should stay invisible or undergo a redesign.

Reader’s Thoughts: Marlowe Banks, Redesigned truly captures the messiness of failure, forgiveness, and embracing second chances in life and love. Marlowe has been through a lot in a short period of time and has built many walls to protect herself. When Angus comes along, it is apparent he has a few skeletons in his closet as well. Firkins does an amazing job building up these memorable characters, each one being relatable and real. I personally could relate to Marlowe in more ways than one. This novel kept me on my toes, turning pages as quick as I could until the very end. The banter and humor filled me with many true laugh out loud moments. This was my first time reading a novel written by Firkins. She did an amazing job instilling the fact that failure never has to define us. I will not hesitate to pick up another novel written by Firkins.

Available now in Paperback, eBook, and Audio Book
Solid 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ review. You won’t want to miss out on this one!

Thank you, @NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.

Marlowe experiences a setback in her career and a broken engagement, so she flees NYC to LA and tries to design a new life plan. Angus is a (surprising and misunderstood) lead actor on the show Marlowe ends up working on. The story follows their budding connection and the ups and downs of life in Hollywood.

This plot was delightfully escapist fiction that surprised me with its heart and groundedness. I enjoyed following the shenanigans that accompanied life on a TV set and Marlowe and Angus had a pleasant realness to them. I found the resolution swift and a bit too tidy, but it was a sweet feel-good ending.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy to review! I enjoyed it.

After a series of life-changing events, Marlowe Banks leaves New York behind and heads to Los Angeles. She quickly finds a job as production assistant on one of the most popular TV dramas. After a mix-up, Marlowe is given the opportunity to stand-in as an extra on the show. She soon finds herself the center of some online attention when fans pair her character with the show's star, Angus Gordon.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a sweet and spicy contemporary romance. There is just the right amount of swoony scenes and humorous banter. The MCs ooze chemistry from their very first meeting and it only continues to grow throughout the storyline. Their relationship does progress slowly, not quite a slow-burn, but they do start out just as friends.

I was not sure what to expect after reading the blurb but this book was a pleasant surprise. Sometimes celebrity romances can come off as unrealistic or far-fetched. I think the author did well with balancing out both the good and bad that come along with such relationships.

This is the first book that I have read from author, Jacqueline Firkins, but I enjoy her style and look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, steamy, clever, and held my interest. I wanted to find out what was going to happen. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

**Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jacqueline Firkins for an ARC of this book!**

I think there's a good reason that I relate more to Andy Sachs than Miranda Priestly when it comes to fashion and design. Sadly, Marlowe Banks Redesigned only reminded me of that fact, because try as I might, I just couldn't make it fit.

Marlowe Banks is a costume designer working in the NYC theater scene. She chooses to leave the city, her apartment, and all she knows on the East Coast behind after a broken engagement with her ex, Kelvin and some criticism from critics over her latest designs. She boldly moves to LA and takes a job as a Production Assistant on a very popular TV show. She plods through her day to day, running errands and returning clothing when needed, until a costume mix-up happens that leaves the TV crew asking Marlowe to step in FRONT of the camera. She hesitantly agrees and steps into the scene...where she has some 'accidental' chemistry with hunky leading man, Angus. Marlowe manages to spill coffee on him and incur his wrath, but as time passes and her involvement with the show deepens, can those opinions change? Is there more to Angus than his Instagram full of curated selfies and his lovely Hollywood starlet girlfriend Tanareve and MORE to his veiled flirting...or is Marlowe set to find disappointment and heartbreak on the WEST Coast too?

This is a hard review for me to write because I knew from pretty early on that I was not going to jive with this book. My biggest issue from the off was the premise. Marlowe purports that she's going to L.A. to HIDE.

Now honestly. WHO goes to a place like L.A. to HIDE?!?

L.A. is probably one of the most visible places in the country. If I wanted to crawl in an emotional hole and start my career over, I probably wouldn't choose one of the most visible and glamorous cities in the world. I tried to put this aside and move forward with the plot, hoping that the characters would draw me in. Unfortunately, Marlowe's best friend in L.A., Cherry, (whose most prevalent character trait is her endless supply of 'statement' t-shirts) didn't help anchor the story or make it more interesting. And then of course, enter our male lead, Angus.

(Yes, his name is actually Angus. As in, Beef.)

Angus is supposed to be gruff and awful. but other than Marlowe's first couple of interactions with him, it becomes pretty apparent to the reader that he isn't. This book is supposed to be 'enemies to lovers', but I don't think a couple of nasty barbs and then lots of making excuses to see Marlowe and flirting with her A LOT really solidifies Angus as her 'enemy'. Marlowe resists his charm because....I'm not really sure why. She also is shocked to end up in front of the camera, but for someone who is supposedly out to reinvent herself, I'm not sure why she's so resistant. This sort of 'forced resistance' was the big sticking point for me and it honestly kept happening over and over again...Marlowe kept focusing on problems that....weren't really problems.

I understand it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees, but ostensibly Marlowe is smart and has nothing to lose. She honestly finds any excuse to make a situation more complicated than it needs to be and I spent most of the book completely frustrated with her. I also found this book strangely devoid of emotion. Because I didn't really feel the conflict, there was no sense of relief when it was resolved. After everything else that took place, I also found the ending pretty implausible...even for a Hallmark'y type plot like this one.

Though this book wasn't for me, I have no doubt there are plenty of readers who will love to fantasize about the 'what-if' of meeting and getting to work with their favorite drop-dead gorgeous actor and finding out he's all you wanted and more. If this sounds like the dream you keep on having, Marlowe Banks Redesigned is the book for you!

As for me, I'll be in the corner probably in some "lumpy blue sweater I fished out of a clearance bin."

😉

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this one! Marlowe Banks is the queen of playing it safe, after a failed engagement and growing up with two perfectionist parents. She’s scared to go after what she wants, so she isn’t dating and she’s in a job that makes her unhappy.

But when a job opportunity arises, and a guy she thought was a jerk ends up being not such a jerk.. Marlowe takes some opportunities to change her life.

I thoroughly enjoyed the character development throughout this book. I loved the slow revealing of Angus’ true character, and he was such an easy to love character. And I loved the journey of Marlowe finding her inner voice (as opposed to being shy, and settling for what is comfortable) and discovering what she wants in life (and going for it!)

Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martins Press for the ARC!

BOOK REVIEW: Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins
2022 Publication Date: October 25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Book
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Whatever you do... Make it magical...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Such a wonderful reading experience of how failure can lead to growth and how important it is to trust that you deserve the best life has to offer.

I also loved the romance in the book — it was slow-burning and believable. And I applaud the author for giving the romance time to decant while a solid friendship was created first.

Firkins does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of relationships, both platonic and romantic. Marlowe is a well-developed character who readers will be able to relate.

And although the novel deals with the ever-pervasive and unhealthy social media pressure that has become commonplace, Firkins expertly weaves in elements of humor and heart that make the story enjoyable and easy to read, while still providing gems of insight via the main characters.

And did I mention loads of laugh-out-loud funny scenes and witty banter? Oh, yeah...

If you're looking for touching best contemporary romance novels about second chances with character development evolving from a "hating game" to undeniable chemistry to a best friend as a relationship develops, I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins.

Explores the messy reality of life and love in a way that is both relatable and enjoyable. You won't be able to put it down!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 346
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Workplace Romance | Steamy Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Los Angeles, California

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: La La Land

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Marlowe, a costume designer "paying her dues" as an entry-level assistant on a TV series, is struggling to make it in Hollywood.

When a costume mix-up requires Marlowe to step into a scene as an emergency "fill-in", she is thrown into the spotlight. The camera catches a heated look between her and Angus Gordon, the show's arrogant bad boy, and the audience runs with it creating a viral social media frenzy.

This is too much for the producers of the show to ignore... So, they put the wheels in motion to work Marlowe into the final storyline of the season.

As she begins to work closely with Angus, Marlowe starts to learn that she's not the only one hiding secrets.

What follows is a story of self-discovery, love, and learning to embrace a second chance in all of it.

If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh... Root for the characters from beginning to end... And beautifully capture the messy reality of life and love... Then you need to pick up a copy of Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The importance of taking risks, even if they may lead to failure.
• The power of friendship and how it can blossom into romance.
• The dangers of social media pressure and the need to be true to oneself.

BOOK QUOTE:
"I think you're brave... You're the first person I've met who wants his life to be quieter. In a world filled with messages to be louder and bigger, to take up more space, to garner more attention, denying those messages seems pretty brave to me... " — Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins.

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

After a disappointing review of her designs and breaking off her engagement, Marlowe Banks left Manhattan for LA, Broadway for Hollywood. Instead of designing costumes, she's a PA for the petty Babs on the set of a teen drama. Star Angus Gordon, although admittedly gorgeous, is the stereotypical egotistical man-whore. Or at least Marlowe believes until a bizarre chain of events causes her to get to know him better. Way better.

The Angus she gets to know is a genuinely kind person with his own insecurities. But Marlowe soon finds herself having to make difficult choices about her career and what sacrifice she's willing to make for someone she loves.

This book challenges certain aspects of the romance trope and it's so so refreshing. I love romantic elements in a story, but generally do not enjoy pure romance, particularly when it's formulaic. But this book is so much more than that. Marlowe is a smart protagonist who learns that she is as guilty at judging as those she accuses of judging. Angus is perhaps too good to be true, but this story is a refreshing blend of escapism and realism. #NetGalley

Marlowe Banks is a completely relatable heroine just trying to hide in the background of her life after a few unfortunate events. When she is thrust into the spotlight with heart throb actor Angus, their hate fueled chemistry starts to blossom into a sort of friendship, and then into something much more.

I loved watching Marlowe peel back the layers as she gets to know the real Angus, not the PR bad boy he's often made out to be. It just goes to show yet again that you can't judge a book by it's cover, or a person by their reputation alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital arc for my review.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Marlowe Banks is a costume designer who fled her life in New York after a series of unfortunate events. Her last design was panned and she broke off her engagement to a guy who was at best, a bit of gaslighter. Now in L.A. she works on a sappy show with Hollywood heartthrobs, including arrogant Angus Gordon, where she’s basically a glorified errand girl and dog sitter. But when a costume mishap forces her to play an extra, a look between she and Angus that goes viral thrusts Marlowe into the spotlight whether she wants to be there or not.

Jaqueline Firkins is an amazing costume designer herself (check out her feed if you haven’t already), and it’s clear she knows the world she’s writing about, right from the dedication, and she also knows how to write women who feel wonderfully real. Marlowe isn’t perfect. She’s lovely, but she’s a bit of klutz, indecisive, and insecure. She’s also funny, talented and a lot of other things, just like all of us, but you don’t always see characters this fleshed out in romcoms.

Angus is a great character too. He’s layered and interesting, and okay maybe a little on the perfect side, but he’s a hundred percent book boyfriend material. The banter between the characters is great and there are passages I’m already planning to reread once my preorder arrives.

I love the theme of the media needing to represent all types of women, and how perfectly it was woven into the romance, right through the resolution. I also loved the exploration of toxicity in relationships with Marlowe and her ex. Clearly he was not fabulous, but I love it when characters own their part. I always tell my kids that the only thing you can control is you, and I loved how that was explored in this book even though I’m pretty sure we’ll all hate Kelvin.

Thank you so much to @stmartinspress and @netgally for an e-copy. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a thought-provoking romcom.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I really liked the plot, loved the snappy dialogue, and thought the characters were interesting - except for Marlowe Banks herself. I found to her to be pretty unlikeable for most of the book. There were moments when I thought she was finally coming into her own, only to have her revert back to the wishy-washy mouse she was at the beginning. Normally I love a good 'finding yourself again after heartbreak' but she was just too much.

I did enjoy the other characters, and would love to see some of them developed further in a spin off book.

I ❤ these two!!

Marlowe and Angus are a perfect fit, even though they don't see it. Seems everyone else is much quicker, so their misjudgment of each other at the beginning sets them off to become reluctant friends that slowly turns into something much more real and frightening for both. I really connected with both of them from the start and anxiously binge read to see things through, for my own sanity and it was worth it!
All the other supportive and toxic players in their lives only served to guide them to each other in the end and I couldn't have been happier, with a side of relieved. Enjoyed the read completely and feel a little empty (but satisfied) now that it's done. Definitely an author I will be keeping my eyes on.
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read this book and give my honest opinion.

Marlowe's meet-cute with famed childhood actor, Angus Gordon, goes about as good as a scolding cup of hot coffee would feel down the front of you. Her messy encounter causes her to jump to quick conclusions about his entitled life.

But don't judge a book by its cover they say, and Angus has so much underneath his outward grumpiness. He just wants someone to give him the chance to share the "who" he truly is as a person.

Angus and Marlowe’s chemistry is palpable - "Marlowe like the Detective" and "Angus not like the Beef" Ladies, Angus loves to read books too!!! Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is simply fantastic!

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the complimentary copy.

A delightful romance! I loved the characters and the love story development. This was witty and oh-so-adorable in it’s presentation. I found myself smiling and rooting for Marlowe throughout the book. Her antics were authentic and relatable. The banter was top notch! I flew through this one quickly, I was invested from the beginning. So cute and charming!