Marlowe Banks flees from her life in New York City, including her fiancé and dream career, and is hiding from her life in Los Angeles working as a Production Assistant for a popular TV show. When a mix-up leaves Marlowe acting as a background actor, she shares a heated look with the show’s hunky star, thrusting Marlowe into the spotlight and time around Angus.

I knew I would like this book, I mean it all starts with a misunderstanding and Angus and Marlowe have a sort of enemies-to-lovers but not kind of initial tension between the two. Their meet cute moment is the quintessential meet cute moment.

Speaking of moments, the moment I knew I loved our main character happened when Marlowe made a beef joke towards Angus’ name. No offense to any Angus’ out there but it would have been a missed opportunity as far as I’m concerned.

This novel was a comfort read for me. After a series of mediocre reads this novel stood out because it has all the things I love in a contemporary romance (supporting characters with a purpose, quirky friends, good banter and relatable and realistic relationship problems). Angus was described as an Adonis type but don’t let his perfectly chiseled exterior fool you, he had layers! He was sensitive, a hermit and had enough books on his shelves to rival my own.

The story is primarily a romance but it does follow Marlowe’s journey towards self-confidence and self-love, and a lot of it comes from searching within as opposed to a male’s influence, which I particularly appreciated.

In addition to being a writer, the author is also a costume designer, which is Marlowe’s career background. The setting of the novel allows for some interesting insight into the costuming industry for television and movies for the uninitiated.

I’m definitely looking forward to reading what Firkins comes up with next!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advanced reading copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Do you like reading books that take place where you live? I love LA based books - they make me feel like a hip insider (which I am clearly not in real life). Marlowe Banks, Redesigned was the adorable book about Marlowe, a costume designer recovering from heartbreak and working on the set of a tv show when she ends up getting inadvertently cast in the show. I love reading books about all things Hollywood and this was such a fun take hearing about it from the stylist side. I loved the pop culture references, the witty banter, the toe curling romance, the many mishaps, and the entertaining side characters. Marlowe and the messes she got into was just inherently likable and relatable, while making me giggle.

3.5 stars

The idea behind it is a bit fanfiction-y but I happen to like that. The story was very cute and the tropes were well portrayed. However, I struggled to connect with the characters. If you list the characteristics of Marlowe you have someone I would want to be friends with. All messy and insecure and hard working. But when it comes to actually played out the character just didn’t come across right to me. I felt like I was being told she’s all those things not shown. I did appreciate that it was enemies to friends to lovers.

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the #gifted eARC of MARLOWE BANKS, REDESIGNED.

From the synopsis, I thought I was going to be getting another celebrity romance a la THE IDEA OF YOU (aka one of my fav celebrity romances ever) but without the reverse age gap. Instead, MARLOWE BANKS is more of a self-discovery of a woman who has lost confidence in herself with a splash of romance. That doesn’t make it a bad book, it just wasn’t what I was hoping to read.

I wanted more of Angus and Marlowe together. I loved the scenes where they were together. But the book is incredibly slow-paced and it felt like it took forever for anything to happen.

There are so many glowing reviews for this book so if it sounds good to you, definitely pick it up! I think this just comes down to this book not being a good fit for me, and I probably picked it up at a not great time for me personally.

MARLOWE BANKS, REDESIGNED is out today!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4702488861
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkJFAvOrkZi/

I usually steer clear of celebrity character books, but I love the ones that turn out that the character really isn't into all the celebrity stuff and just wants someone to love and someone to love them back. That's what happens in this story. Marlowe Banks is working as mostly an aide for a costume designer on the set of a TV show that Angus stars in. She thinks Angus is pretty uppity based on his reaction to things. When things take a turn on the show and the two of them are thrown together when Marlowe steps in to fill a roll, she is pleasantly surprised to discover that the celebrity isn't what he's about.

This was a lovely romcom. It was cute and funny and made my heart skip a beat. If only everyone could find their Angus!

Thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the eARC to read in exchange for an honest review!

It started with a heated look and escalated into a wonderful romance story from there.

I really liked that the backdrop of the story is the set of a TV show. This made for an absorbing read as an emergency fill-in puts the main character into the spotlight.

Marlowe is working as a Production Assistant in Los Angeles while she tries to figure out what to do with her life after a major rejection of her recent costume design work (and then some) obliterated her self-worth. I really empathized with her and could relate to some of her personal struggles, especially the paralyzing fear of rejection.

Marlowe does often get stuck in what she assumes to be true, which leads to contention while getting to know Angus. It’s a well-done source of conflict since Angus’ character on the show (a bad boy, angsty, moody playboy type) that he’s played for several seasons had gradually taken over his image off screen.

Angus I liked as well because he is more than what the public perceives him to be. Like Marlowe, he has high, defensive walls put up and can (though to a lesser extent) succumb to assumptions of his own that leave him (to me) exhausted and lonely.

Angus and Marlowe may seem like an unlikely pair (the best kind pairing really), but they are super relatable and super cute together. I liked how their relationship changed overtime as they went from enemies to co-stars to friends to lovers. They both deserved a love and support that is unconditional: a redesigned life in which there are no walls, no characters to play, and they can truly be happy and themselves. Overall, it was an interesting, engaging, and emotional journey for them both.

"Marlowe Banks, Redesigned" was a great story that was well-written, thought-provoking, and sweet.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned was a fun, adorable rom-com novel. At first, I was hesitant to pick this one up because I’ve been trying hard to prioritize my backlog of reviews before accepting a lot of new releases, but I’ve been getting more into the romance genre this past summer and decided to give this one a shot.

I expected it to be a surface-level rom-com – easy and fun to read (which it was), but I assumed it wouldn’t have much substance beyond that. Main character Marlowe Banks moved to LA and is working as a lowly costuming assistant on a popular teen TV show where she ends up meeting the vapid lead actor and getting thrown into several situations with him. On the surface, this was totally a teen girl’s dream come true – meeting and falling in love with her celebrity crush.

What I loved about this book was that it was so much more than I expected. Throughout the story, Marlow deals with imposter syndrome and holds her self back from following her career goals. This is totally relatable to many of us, I’m sure, and it’s even harder to overcome after a failure. I also really appreciated how realistic Marlowe was and how much she did not want to date a celebrity. Having worked in the industry in the past, I can definitely attest to how much it’s glorified and, like Marlowe, would not want to deal with that level of scrutiny and drama for just any fleeting teen crush.

Overall, Marlowe’s story was about kindness, love and acceptance – both of self and of others. Our society can be very quick judge, at our detriment. Just as I was quick to judge this book by its cover initially, I learned that once I actually gave it a chance, it had so much more to offer and it was a valuable lesson and reminder.

I loved this slow burn delight of a book. Angus is the absolute best book boyfriend. Firkins did so well on character development, which is so important in a romance book.

Title: Marlowe Banks, Redesigned
Author: Jacqueline Firkins
Publisher: St. Martins's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Marlowe Banks, Redesigned" by Jacqueline Firkins

My Assessment:

'Marlowe Banks, Redesigned' featured Marlowe and Angus, an exciting romance of how the two came together. We find that Marlowe was a New York costume designer and moved to LA, leaving that ex-fiance, Kelvin, behind. First, Marlowe worked as an errand girl; then, she moved on to working as a TV PA show. It is at this TV show where Marlowe's world is turned upside down and where she gets to know the leading actor, Angus. The novel had many intriguing characters that kept one interested in turning the pages to see what was coming next. Marlowe's parents were quite a trip in the expectations of their ideas of success which didn't match up to what she wanted to do with her life. So, how will all of this work out for Marlowe, as it seems there is an interest in a particular actor? Will there be a lot of learning and mistakes...well, this is where the reader will have to pick up this good novel and see how it all comes out, especially for Marlowe and Angus. Enjoy this fun read where the reader can see Marlowe and Angus becoming their own.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book.

I was pleasantly surprised by this one! Not only was it a fun read, but it was also a beautifully written story. I love the author’s writing style and would love to read more by her.

Thanks to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for this advanced copy!

Marlowe Banks is like so many of us in our mid 20s. Overqualified for the job she has, possibly underqualified for the job she wants, and just working to survive. She's got a lot of baggage from a previous relationship and she's stuck as an assistant. Firkins does a great job of writing a woman trying to figure out her next move.

And along comes Angus Banks, this hot, sexy, actor on the show where Marlowe works. And through the ups and downs, and a lot of miscommunication (naturally), they figure it out.

I like this book a lot but at times the pacing felt off and I understood the slow burn on her side but then all of a sudden it was I love you at the end? It felt a bit rushed. And without his point of view, it was hard to get a handle on the build-up of his feelings. He's respectful of her, and is clearly into her, but then all of a sudden everything is fine? I don't know. I feel like I could have gotten there better with different pacing.

The side characters are fun, but not really developed and, honesty, that's fine if this is a stand alone romance. And for a romance set in Hollywood with one of the characters as an actor, it had the right amount of "Hollywood insider" feeling without it feeling like a tell all; I really appreciate how the author kept the focus on the two main characters.

All in all, I liked this book a lot and stayed up late reading it, it scratched an itch, but I wasn't overwhelmed by the story or the pacing. But I would definitely read another book by this author.

4.5/5

CW: divorce/separation, emotionally toxic relationship, gaslighting, anxiety

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Marlowe Banks uprooted her life over to Los Angeles to escape her recent design flop and a broken off engagement and landed herself a job as a production assistant for the popular TV series, Heart’s Diner. After ending up in the spotlight after a brief encounter with series star Angus Gordon goes viral, Marlowe and Angus spending more time together while Marlowe realizes this may be the fresh start she was looking for.

I really enjoyed reading Marlowe Banks, Redesigned. Marlowe is such a relatable character that you can’t help but root for. I also felt like Marlowe’s character development ties into the message that the book is trying to give with acknowledging your self-worth and the ability to be loved.

Also, for someone who doesn’t think of himself as a romantic, Angus is such a romantic character. While he might not be starring in any rom-coms quite yet in the books, you could really tell that Angus has deep feelings for Marlowe. Their interactions really build up to a swoon worthy romance I couldn’t put down.

For any fans with a need for a slow-burn, enemies to lovers trope and a dose of realism towards Hollywood, Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a book to keep an eye on.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a combination of Katherine Center vibes and “How to Fake It in Hollywood” and I loved it. Marlowe is a heroine you root for because she is insecure but also trying to learn how to be her own biggest fan and who can’t relate to that? There is an enemies to lovers, slow burn romance that was addicting, and a pretty honest glimpse into the impact of social media on self worth. I loved the witty banter too! This is my first read by Jacqueline Firkins and definitely not my last!

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you @netgalley, @smpromance, and @stmartinspress for the early copy

I really found this to be a cute story! I loved Marlowe. She is strong enough to make big changes in her life when it went off the rails. She is also human enough to have doubts about what she did. The characters in this book really make the story fun. Angus is not the typical alpha hero. I loved how his celebrity status didn't seem to affect him. The story had lots of laugh out loud moments, but it really made me root for the two to find a way to be together. It was a very fun read. I received an advance copy from NetGalley & am voluntarily leaving a review.

Marlowe Banks couldn’t possibly have anything else go wrong. Her engagement is over and the parting words from her fiancé are she won’t find anyone better than him. I guess we will see won’t we. She flees New YorkCity to go to Los Angeles and is working as a Production Assistant for a popular TV show. The things her boss has her doing is running not only for things needed for the show but her boss’s personal errands to include taking care of her spoiled Weimaraner. When there is a costume mix-up and Marlowe has to step in as a waitress on the show, the look Angus, main actor, and Marlowe give each other causes the script to change and she gets pulled into the script. Angus isn’t the bad boy he portrays and knows the business so tries to help her as much as possible so the producers don’t take advantage of her. I really enjoyed the story and the ending.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins is a smart, sexy treasure of a romance stitched together with warmth, flair, and compassion. Jacqueline Firkins is an author to watch. The chemistry between the leads is tangible, and the supporting cast is relatable and real. I loved it!

Marlowe Banks is on a journey to finding herself. She has moved from the east coast to west coast. After a bad review, she is questioning everything, including who she was going to marry. She has a job as a production assistant on a series that they don't know if it will be picked up. Angus Gordon is the star of thee show. He has been acting since he was 14 and has never looked back. Females fall all over themselves for him. The exception is Marlowe. She sees him has a serial dater and just plain mean. So the proverbial flirt has met his match. In the process the two actually get to know each other. When it's tested, she reverts to her old self. As Marlowe's mom would say, "If you want it bad enough, you need to work extra hard to get it" Falling in love was the only option.

A women’s fiction with a slice of celebrity romance. Marlowe Banks is paying her dues working as a production assistant on a serial tv show. She has an MFA from Yale and her goal is to be a designer. When a costume mishap happens she fills in as a background waitress while filming a scene. Some hot glances between one of the main actors and her cause social media buzz when it airs. The show runners like it enough to make it part of their story arc with plans to add her to a few episodes.

Angus Gordon starting acting at 14. He is physically hot and extra broody. He is intrigued by Marlowe and tries to guide her in dealing with the media from being on camera. After some miscues it is clear he is kind, sweet and caring.

While the romance is a good part of the story this is really Marlowe's journey. She is dealing with leaving behind a fiancee and trying to get into the career field that is her dream. (Acting isn’t her destination.) She is a bit naive in her in not realizing some simple things like Angus doesn’t run his own social media account. But Angus and Marlowe together have great conversations getting to know each other. I got a little weary of all the running around her boss makes her do and I cheered for moments when she stands up for herself. I only wish I knew why Angus was attracted to her to begin with. Everything is from her POV so I don’t know why he starts things between them or how he views it.

Very enjoyable, open door (not graphic) Women’s fiction with romance. I new to the author but will look for other books by her. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a treat. Jaqueline Firkins creates a costume designer’s journey to find herself without being too earnest or sappy. Marlowe also ends up with a slow burn celebrity romance on her hands, and I loved seeing her figure out how to balance all the aspects of her life.

4.5/5 stars

Marlowe and Angus meet while she’s working as a PA for the costume designer of Angus’ long running show. Marlowe is a designer herself, but after bad critiques and a bad relationship in New York, she’s escaped to sunny LA with a plan to stay out of the spotlight. But when she accidentally ends up in front of the camera, she and Angus expose their obvious chemistry. Can their relationship develop quietly behind the scenes? Or will Marlowe continue to retreat to the uncomplicated shadows and miss out on what she really wants?

Marlowe is at an introspective point in her life, and spends time thinking about her desire for a more creative job without having to expose herself to criticism. She is also unsure of herself, since her career and desires are continually questioned by her parents and her ex. She and Angus initially have some
antagonism between them, but some of that stems from Marlowe’s assumptions about the life of a famous actor. For better or (mostly) worse, social media plays a huge role in an actor’s image. But, Angus has layers; he pays attention and remembers details about her, and it’s obvious to the reader that he’s more than just a little attracted to her.

This romance is a slow burn with steam, which works for these characters. Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a single POV story, so the reader only gets Marlowe’s take on things, but it makes sense since the book is ultimately her journey.

A lovely bonus to this book is the behind the scenes look at a tv show production. I adored all the insights on costume design, as well as how a Hollywood costume department works.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a delightful book. It combines the best aspects of women’s fiction with a satisfying romance. I loved Marlowe’s journey and watching her fall in love—with herself, with Angus, and with her LA found family—was a gift.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jacqueline Firkins takes us on a light-hearted ride that addresses important issues in her latest book, “Marlowe Banks, Redesigned.” Marlowe struggles with many things such as a toxic relationship, believing in herself, and how to put herself first while following her dreams. Her fear of failure and insecurities were very relatable. However, how she evolved through the book had me cheering her on!

There is romance and it does get steamy, but I enjoyed that the romance took some time to build and had some time for friendship to develop first. Because of this, there were some slow parts for me, but overall, this book is sweet, funny and a great reminder to stay true to yourself.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and St. Martin’s Griffin for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.