This was a fun story. It was cute and funny.

Most of the characters were over the top, but that was part of the appeal.

The Brooklish translations when we first met Zay-Zay were starting to annoy me, but luckily they didn’t last for too long.

I loved how Red finally figured out who she wanted to be by the end of the book.

Thank you to NetGally for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In Fake Famous a small town Iowa farm girl named Red goes viral after she's mistaken for a major popstar. This major popstar Zay Zay Waters then shows up to Red's family farm with a proposition for her: Be her stand in for a week and she'll give her enough money to save her family's struggling farm. Red gets a makeup and heads to Los Angeles where she's to attend a week of events standing in for Zay Zay. This gets complicated however when Zay Zay's contractually obligated boyfriend discovers Red isn't the real Zay Zay.

The concept of a regular girl switching places with a wealthier person is nothing new but it's always fun. And what really carried this story is what Dana L Davis always does so well and that's the banter between characters. Red and her love interest Koi have an easy chemistry that carried throughout the book. And Red is a genuinely sweet girl who puts her family and their best interest first all the time.

It was awkward seeing the mentions of visiting Israel and filming a movie in Israel as if it's some beautiful vacation destination. Especially since this book was written during the past few years when we've seen Israel constantly in the news. That was a choice! That was one of the things towards the end of the book that took me out of the story.

The ending also just felt very Disney Channel and while predictable had little build up to it. The conflict tied up rather neatly with little push back. I feel like there could've still been a happy ending without it being almost fairytaleesque and out of character.

Fake Famous written by Dana L. Davis is more than just a story of one Iowa farm girl trying to make her way into the music industry, it's a beautiful story about finding yourself after a lifetime of taking care of other people. The message the author portrayed was deeply touching and resonated with me so much. The family portion of this book was so amazing, it may have caused me to shed a few tears. There's nothing I love more than a supportive family encouraging other family members to put aside their fears and worries and actually following their dreams. I have never read a book by Dana L. Davis before this book, but after loving this one, I will definitely be sure to check out her other books in the near future. I thought the cover was so pretty, which originally made me want to read this book, but of course I saw the lower ratings and was hesitating to actually pick up the book, but once I read the book, I was so happy I did because it was such a beautiful story about family, friendships, and finding your true self. I can't recommend this book enough, please do yourself a favor and go grab a copy of this book immediately. Some people might resonate with this book more than others, but that's okay because everyone has different stories. Some are beautiful, some are heart breaking, some are real, and some are raw.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND SKYSCAPE FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!

"Spread your wings and fly, little butterfly" mom whispers into my ear. "Or better yet, soar. Like and eagle!"

Red Morgan is fresh out of high school. Red had no reason to go to college, so she stayed behind to help out on her family farm in a small Iowa town. Red has signature red curly hair and a remarkable singing voice, Red is also a devoted daughter and big sister, the world should be her oyster, but it's not. As a people pleaser, I connected so well with Red, she never put herself first, she always cared about what her family wanted from her and what everyone else thought about her. Zay-Zay Waters is at the top of her game, she's a Brooklyn born singer that has it all, talent, fame, and a smoking hot boyfriend, but life in the pop singer industry isn't all it's cracked up to be. When a video of Red singing in the mud and looks exactly like Zay-Zay goes viral on tiktok, Zay-Zay makes a plan. Zay-Zay decides to show up at Red's family farm and offers her a deal of a lifetime. Zay-Zay wants to take a much needed vacation, so she offers Red to step in and pretend to be Zay-Zay Waters for a week. Red is hesitant to accept Zay-Zay's offer, but the money that Zay-Zay is offering can truly change the life for the family farm. I couldn't help but cheer on Red as she stepped in Zay-Zay's shoes.

Red had this bubbly personality, but a little ways into the book she calmed down a little bit, she was always so hyper. It was so hard not to like her, she was a relatable character that just wanted the best for her family, their farm, and everyone else around her. I laughed, I smiled, I shed a few tears here and there, but overall Fake Famous was just a beautiful story. As someone who is a people pleaser, I totally understand what Red went through, she constantly wanted to please her family and everyone else around her, it's kind of hard to put yourself first when you are worried about making a mistake that can affect those around you, those constantly nagging voices in your head telling you to do better. As I was reading this book, I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Red the biggest hug ever and tell her to go spread her wings and fly. As a people pleaser myself, words of affirmation is a huge life changer. Like I said before, I think everyone should read this book at some point because it's just so beautiful and deeply touching. The family aspect was so amazing, the encouragement was heart touching in so many ways. Red, girl, you're beautiful, spread your wings and go sing your heart out.

I usually hold out until the end, but I do have to label this read as a Did Not Finish. I loved all the aspects of a switch between the two characters but I just didn't finish reading it. Personally, it might have been certain scenes that I feel dragged on for too long but really didn't add to the entire story in general where I could see it could have been brought up later (maybe by comparing one life to her old one, in a way?).

Regardless, although cute, I still want to thank NetGalley and the author for a chance at being able to read the story in the first place.

Very fun story! Its a unique read with fun characters. I mostly enjoyed the message of just being yourself and going after your dreams. I absolutely recommend!

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review!

loved it a lot but felt like smth was missing tbh, the characters were good
thank you netgalley for the arc

Eww, I am so sorry but I had to DNF this one. I did not expect this story to come off as "young". It feels like a book for 12 year-olds. I have absolutely no interest reading it any further than 10% into the book. The slow pacing is not helping the situation. Opinions and thoughts keep being repeated, itis unbearable. And it does not make sense tyo me how the main character could feel such embarrassment when people who comment on the accidentally posted tiktok video featuring herself singing this poppy song while being covered of manure keep thinking that she is the actual singer of the song. So her voice and her looks are being compared to a super popular pop star and she going into hiding because she embarrassed of the video? It makes absolutely no sense. I am over it.

Cover Story: Reflective Pink
BFF Charm: Heck Yes!
Talky Talk: Brooklyn Babble
Bonus Factor: Identity Swap
Relationship Status: Pragmatic

Cover Story: Reflective Pink

There’s a pair of pink sunglasses with the book’s title in the lenses, on a pink background. It’s cute, but a little flavorless. We don’t get any hint of the main character’s personality, nor the Los Angeles locale, or even Red’s hometown in Iowa. This book cover is pretty generic, which is a shame as Red has a ton of personality and sass.

The Deal:

Red Morgan, 18, lives on a farm in Iowa. She loves her family, her farm, and to sing. She’s captured one day singing “Over the Rainbow” before falling into a pile of manure. The clip goes viral, but not just because of her voice: she looks like a dead ringer for Zay-Zay Waters, the hottest singer-celebrity of the now. Soon after, Zay-Zay comes to Iowa asking for a strange assignment: to swap lives for a week, so that she can get a break from being THE Zay-Zay Waters. Red, though initially uninterested, negotiates a deal to help save her family’s farm, and Zay-Zay gets a chance to be off the grid. Red is soon swept up into Zay-Zay’s world. After a makeover, signing an NDA, and learning a ton of rules, she gets placed on a red carpet in a pair of sunglasses and heels and the world believes she’s Zay-Zay. But what happens when she meets Zay-Zay’s fake boyfriend, Koi, and real sparks fly?

BFF Charm: Heck Yes!

BFF Charm Heck Yes - sparklier and shinier than the original BFF Charm
Red is supposed to be silent and pretty, just standing in for Zay-Zay, but she finds it difficult to muzzle herself. Her voracious appetite outs her to Koi, who plays along with Red as she continues to pretend to be Zay-Zay; her personality captures the attention of a prominent director (Koi’s best friend); her singing voice is different enough from Zay-Zay’s that she garners the accolades of the masses. And Red is a good person, through and through: she initially doesn’t want to go along with Zay-Zay’s scheme but knows her family could use the money, so she agrees. She loves animals and can laugh at herself for falling into a pile of manure! I’d be her friend, definitely.

Swoonworthy Scale: 5

Koi is a lead singer of a band that’s struggling to gain a foothold in popular culture, and his fake relationship with Zay-Zay is a way for him to get a little more attention. But he didn’t expect to meet Red, Zay-Zay’s stand-in. When he discovers that Red isn’t who she is supposed to be, he doesn’t stalk off in disgust – nope, he decides to up the ante! That includes more kissing, hugging, and attention-seeking PDA. Koi opens up to Red about his family life (or lack thereof) and his found family. He’s sensitive and swoony and super cute. We need more Kois in this world.

Talky Talk: Brooklyn Babble

Not gonna lie, the writing was a little rocky. I found myself not totally engaged with the material, and it didn’t help that Zay-Zay is from Brooklyn and speaks with an affectation, most of which is “translated” by Red. It made the book start and stop in spurts for me. But once Koi is introduced, the Brooklyn banter is reduced, and the real fun begins. This is, at its heart, a story about a girl who is learning to stand up for herself, to be herself, and to find love in the process.

Bonus Factor: Identity Swap

I love swapping-places stories. The Parent Trap, It Takes Two, The Princess Switch. I eat them up with a spoon. And while we don’t see Zay-Zay’s side as she is incognito for a week, we do see Red as a fish out of water, learning that all that glitters is not gold.

Relationship Status: Pragmatic

Let’s be real, this is such an impossible scenario that it takes a lot of suspension of belief to get us on board. But the story surprised me in that it doesn’t end when the two switch back to their original places. The rational ending made me like this book more, but it’s not one with a ton of shine.

The cutest story I highly recommend this book, especially for looking for some light and fun. Five stars.

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

Sooo fun! Who hasn’t wished to be a celebrity in their lifetime? Loved this book a lot! Great YA!!!

Red Morgan bears a striking resemblance to pop sensation Zay-Zay Waters. When Zay-Zays enlists Red's help to double as her while Zay is on a retreat, Red reluctantly agrees only because it will help save the family farm. As the plan begins to fall apart, will Red be able to keep up her part of the bargain?

This was a really cute, sweet read with surprising depth. Zay-Zay comes across a very spoiled, entitled celebrity while Red is your everyday girl next door. There is some definite suspension of belief involved, but it makes for a good story. The budding romance that develops is really very sweet and appropriate for middle school and up. Would definitely recommend for teen readers who want a romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

Such a fun book! I think we have all wished to be a celebrity at some point in our loves and in Fake Famous we can love through Red.

Dana L. Davis wrote an amazing literary vacation and it's a roller-coaster of a good time.

If the trading places element of Fake Famous sounds familiar, that’s because it is — think The Prince and the Pauper or The Princess Switch. But it’s far from a copycat. Fake Famous is a fast-moving read that holds its own.

At the center of the story is Red, a talented teen who has given everything to the family farm. In fact, her devotion is the only reason she even agrees to switch places — the influx of cash could change everything.

It’s immediately clear the Zay-Zay’s life is nothing like Red’s and that the glitz and glamour isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

Author Dana L. Davis is great at setting a scene — her book plays out like a movie. Even the characters seem to fit — the star, the lookalike, the friendly, but poorly treated sidekicks, the love interest, even a pet dog — they’re all there. And the book is better for it.

Red is a down-to earth girl whose been taught right and wrong and cares about other people. Zay-zay is honestly a jerk. There’s some reasoning behind her behavior, but she’s honestly not that likeable and feels fairly one-note. The supporting cast is better fleshed out and overall, more compelling.

Fake Famous is a popcorn romp that I read in one day. It’s a great way to escape for an afternoon.

I’m a sucker for a celeb trope and a YA book but Fake Famous felt like it was a little too childish for YA. Has some cute parts but it was just ok for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Skyscape for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All of the opinions are my own. Thank you Dana L. Davis, Skyscape, and Netgalley!

Imagine seeing a celebrity that looks a lot like you, and do something for them for a short amount of time. Could be fun, right? No? Maybe?

This is the first time reading a book that involves celebrity doppelgänger. I would say.. this is such an interesting read. While I was reading it, I thought, "What is going to happen?" "Would the main character get in trouble?" Anyway, good plot, I like Red because she is nice and good, and I like the setting very much. The ending is... well... not what I expected, but at least it was good. There are some parts of the book that are not interesting, but that was ok.

Overall, good book to read!

4 stars

Fake Famous offers a delightful and endearing journey that proves to be both cute and sweet. While the plot may follow some predictable paths, the overall reading experience is a joyous one. The narrative unfolds with a light-heated charm, making it easy to anticipate certain twists while still relishing the fun and heartwarming moments. The book strikes a perfect balance, ensuring that even though you might guess what's coming, the journey itself is so enjoyable that it doesn't detract from the overall pleasure of the read. A genuinely fun and heartwarming experience for those seeking a lighthearted escape.

Thank you to Skyscape and NetGalley for an electronic advanced readers copy of this novel.

Red Morgan just graduated high school, but she feels somewhat like her life is already set for her. She takes cares of her siblings, and she helps run the family farm. That all changes whten her sister posts a TikTok of her imitating her doppleganger - famous singer Zay-Zay Waters.

Red is surprised when Zay-Zay shows up at the farm with a crazy proposal - pose as Zay-Zay while she goes off on some well deserved rest. With a promise of a payment that would help the family farm., Red reluctantly agrees. She soon finds out that the glamorous life is full of fake relationships and transactional tasks.

Fake Famous by Dana Davis, is a fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed it - if you are looking for an interesting plot but not super heavy, this one is for you!

En bref, j'ai beaucoup aimé Red et le contexte dans lequel elle évolue, les personnages qui l'entourent et ses choix qu'elle fait pour aider les siens. Je ne me suis pas ennuyée une seule seconde, j'ai juste regretté qu'on n'ait pas plus de surprise concernant l'intrigue mais les protagonistes sont géniaux, on a le sourire tout au long de l'aventure et le final est vraiment mignon. Un roman qui se laisse dévorer grâce à ses personnages attachants.

This was a cute, short, and sweet read. I anticipated what was going to happen, but I still enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape for the E-ARC.

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Skyscape for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This was a sweet read.

Red Morgan: 18 year old daughter of farmers who can sing but can't "sang" (belt out the words) ... she bears an uncanny resemblance to someone who can...

Zay Zay Waters: 19 year old pop sensation who can "sang", but wants a break from reality for a week.

And so begins our story - Zay Zay hires Red to replace her for a week. The goal is to stand-in and make people believe that it is Zay Zay standing on the red carpet. All told from Red's perspective, we are thrown into a week of fake-dating, pretend, and a bit of reflection about what Red wants out of life.

I agree with another reviewer who wrote that this book started off a little "over the top" - Red, her siblings - even meeting Zay Zay was a little "much" (so over the top that I worried I wouldn't be able to get past it) -but about 25% into the story things settled and we got a more mature Red.

I think the target audience is a little younger than I am - lots of talking to the universe to see what your place is in this world/ what you want to get out, and get back from life. But overall, a solid message, told in a sweet way.

The fake-romance was adorable, and overall I enjoyed myself. I'm giving this 3.5 stars - a solid, entertaining read (quick, light and fun).