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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I found it to be slow and boring and a little bit triggering. I was hoping it would be more like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I did enjoy Hillary Huber's narration (as always).

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The Cover Girl follows Birdie over the course of a long career in the fashion industry as a model. Discovered at 13 by a prolific agent, Birdie quickly climbs the ranks as talented and malleable. Then one day, she meets the rockstar and her world is never the same. Spanning over 30 years, The Cover Girl examines femininity and agency through the lens of a young and impressionable girl forced to grow up much too young.

I'm a big fan of all books relating to industries I know nothing about. As someone who modeled one singular time as a pre-teen after my parents forced me into a shoot at a shady hotel, I can confidently say that the fashion industry most definitely fits that bill. Where many books about fashion, modeling and influencers takes a more dramatic approach, The Cover Girl has much more of a lit fic, historical fiction bend to it than many others in the subgenre. This definitely makes it stand out among its peers and I appreciate the unique take on this topic the author tried out.

The Cover Girl is mostly character driven and follows Birdie through many stages of her life. From a young teen to a young woman and all the way through to adulthood, the reader gets a chance to watch Birdie grow up and examine how the world of modeling impacted her. Birdie herself is a perfectly serviceable main character and one that many women will relate to. While I had no issue with her personally, I did find that much of the book was about things happening to her rather than about the things that she made happen. This in itself is not a flaw, per se, but I did find the ending less satisfying because of this.

Character-driven novels, in my mind, follow people throughout their lives and examine how our choices shape us. Birdie had very few choices in her life and was controlled by nearly every adult she came into contact with in one way or another. The scenes where Birdie finally begins to develop some agency are actually quite nice, but the overall tone of the book struck as very hopeless. Much of Birdie's youth is spend being sent or dragged places and she is preyed on by the people that were supposed to be keeping her safe. This definitely makes a comment on the modeling industry's predatory practices (that, thankfully, appear to be somewhat more under control in 2025) but never really seems to commit to that point. By the end of the book, Birdie feels like she is in much the same position as she was when she walks into Saks with her mother - rudderless and without agency. It is only in the 11th hour and final chapter that Birdie starts to feel like a woman in control of her life.

I also want to touch on the mention of the AIDs crisis and how it was represented. I appreciate that Birdie sits in the center of the issue for nearly a whole chapter and makes several comments about doing "the work" in order to build trust with a community she knows she has no place in. These were some of my favorite scenes in the book. Bobby is also a stand-out character who survives this time period and shows that AIDs is not necessarily a death sentence for people, especially today. There's a nice balance struck here between noting the seriousness of loss that queer America went through during this time and the hope that exists now. I haven't really seen this done well before and I think the author deserves kudos for how this is handled here.

This book is overall a very interesting story told from a perspective I've never read before. I like the historical aspects of the book (which I will admit I have done no fact-checking on - do not come for me if Elvis didn't really die when the book says he did. I wasn't alive yet). The slower pacing of the book and repetition of actions made it a bit more of a flat read for me. I also wasn't charmed by the lingering taste in my mouth that makes me want to say, "Poor Birdie". After spending a bit over 300 pages with her, I was hoping for better for her. Still, I think that more modern historical fiction fans will find this book interesting and I will be recommending it to those looking for a fresh perspective in their reading habits.

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Birdie Rhodes, a former model living a quiet life, is thrust back into her past when she receives an invitation to celebrate the 50-year career of famed modeling agent Harriet Golden. Harriet had discovered a young 13-year-old Birdie in a department store, where Birdie was reluctantly shopping with her mother. Birdie was a super tall introvert who slouched to hide as she grew. Ironically she was the most ignored by her parents in an unloving household. Becoming one of Harriet’s girls, she felt a sense of freedom from her sad life, with opportunities for something uniquely hers being provided by Harriet. Glamour, unique outfits, artists, travel – it all unfolds for Birdie. With her parents absent, Harriet is the only adult who watches out for Birdie in some fashion, although it is primarily a professional relationship.

During one of her assignments, a shoot for the album cover of an unnamed “rock star”, Birdie is noticed by this rockstar, who seems to see her, seems to care for her, shows her some real affection for the first time in her life. The rock star meets with her parents, offers to take her with him on tour and protect her going forward. Her parents (her mother giddily) sign some papers. And Birdie’s life veers into the rock and roll world. Drinks, drugs, parties, money -- rock and roll.

She is 15 years old. And now the very public girlfriend of a rock idol in his 30s. This is fully sanctioned by her parents and the world.

This is a heart-rending story of the life of a model who is just yearning for someone to see the real her, to love her. The choices she makes come from that longing, and she continues to be manipulated by most of those around her. She makes so many of these choices before she hits the age of 19. Imagine setting the stage for the rest of your life at that age.

There are two timelines in this book, one of the young Birdie as she lived in that crazy world, which she eventually leaves behind. It alternates seamlessly to the present (2018) with a middle-aged Birdie, coming to terms with what she lived through.

I binged this book. Having grown up in that time, I was drawn to the story and wondered what the glamorous life of a model in the MTV era was like. To be discovered in a department store? Supermodel stories were based on that lore. I think so many of us young girls wanted that life. This felt like a memoir, a real-life behind-the-scenes written in the first person. Birdie’s innermost thoughts were brought to life so clearly from the page. From the young Birdie to the mature Birdie - I lived her experiences with her, cried for her, and felt redemption for her, which is what you get from a memoir. Amazing that it is fiction.

A solid 4 / 5 stars (about a 4.5) . Highly recommended! Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advance reader copy for review.

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This was an interesting story. Birdy was a very young girl of 13 when she was discovered and became a model. She was young, shy and was unprepared for the life. When at 15, she got involved with a rock star, it got worse. The story had some interesting characters, but it was hard to read
at times. Her struggles were real and I am glad she survived

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

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Wow! This book was a little bit outside what I normally read, but I’m so glad I read it. The Cover Girl follows a young model and her relationship with her family, the rock star, and the various friends/aquantances she meets along the way.

I had to google multiple times to confirm that this book was fiction, and that Birdie was not in fact a real person. It read like a memoir and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.

The Cover Girl is a slower paced book that had me hooked immediately. It was tragic and thought provoking and made me want to learn more about young girls in modeling.

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC.

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I would like to thank Net Galley and Harlequin Publishing for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.I really liked this book. It is one that I thought about and wondered about when I wasn't reading. It was meaningful and thought provoking. The novel is the story of Birdie Rhodes, a teenage model in the mod 70's and early 80"s. She was hired by a woman named Harriet Goldman when she was 13. Birdie was part of the rage for young early teen models in the 70's ( think Brooke Shields era). This is Birdie's story, she modeled, fell in love with a Rock Star twice her age, drank, did drugs, volunteered during the AIDS Crisis, and tried to make sense of her life. The timeline starts in 1975, and moves between the 70's/80's and 2018. In 2018, an older Birdie is invited to a gala for Harriet, and a request for an interview, and she begins to try to make sense of things she would prefer not to remember. It is well written the characters are multidimensional. I look forward to more books from this author.

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The Cover Girl - Amy Rossi
Birdie was only 13 years old when she captured the attention of modeling agent Harriet Goldman. She was quickly thrust into the world of modeling, full of events, parties, and keeping up a certain kind of image for herself.
When she meets a thirty-one year old Rockstar, she never would have thought it would be her downfall. Her parents agreed to give over guardianship to the Rockstar, knowing full well what was going on behind the scenes. As Birdie grapples with keeping her career afloat while managing her heart, she tries to start over and let go of the past.
The Cover Girl was told in two different timelines, Birdie as she was the midst of her career, and Birdie as she tried to avoid telling her story. It reminded me of Evelyn Hugo in a few ways and Birdie's story kept me hooked the entire time. What must have it been like, being a kid and being tossed to the wolves with limited supervision. Birdie's story gives insight into a whole different world that we all thought was glamorous but was really full of despair. I gave this gem of a book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5! This one comes out August 5th, 2025. I recommend snagging yourself a copy!
Thank you Netgalley for the awesome ARC!

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: The life of a teenage model in 1970's and 80's NY and LA is just as traumatic as you'd imagine. Birdie really never had anyone on her side, never had anyone who stuck up for her or by her. She was failed by her parents, used by her agent, abused by men. I kept reading, hoping for the happy ending or the light at the end of the tunnel at least. But Birdie just never seemed to get a break.
The historic events in the book in the music world, the AIDS crisis, and cultural happenings were interesting nods to historical fiction. But the writing style was not my preference. The author wrote the entire book very narrative and stream of conscious. I like more dialogue and detail. The reader really only seems what Birdie sees, and a traumatized teen isn't always a reliable narrator.
Birdie's life in the 2000's does seem fulfilling and things become more right and that did calm me. But so much trauma for such a young girl. It made me mad.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rounded up from 3.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.

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A Star rises so high before it burns out and falls...

This book was so heartbreaking but so good at the same time. It dealt with so many important topics including the exploitation of young women, AIDS and all the hardships that come with becoming famous at a very young age and not being mature enough to deal with it all. Birdie is 13 years old when she is discovered at a department store by a talent agent named Harriet. She becomes one of "Harriet's Girls". Then later on she ends up falling in love with an older Rockstar and pulled into a world she is not prepared or ready for. Reading this book was like going on a roller-coaster ride of Birdie's life... All the Ups and downs. Birdie eventually grows up, gets out and moves on with her life but then years later when Birdie thinks that part of her life is all over with she gets pulled back in again with a celebration of her old manager Harriet. Birdie then realizes how much she hasn't dealt or healed from her past. This book was really emotional and I loved it! I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did! Happy reading y'all!

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I liked the character of Birdie and enjoyed the subject matter of the book. The pacing however, felt off. It took a while to get into and would have preferred to stay in the past, as opposed to reflecting from 2018

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thank you to netgalley and harlequin trade publishing for this advance reader e copy of the book.

while in many ways i felt kindred with birdie, she also frustrated me even in a readers perspective at times but overall i just felt heart broken for her- i wish that i would have had more of her thoughts and feelings that were less attached to their rock star boyfriend “unnamed”.


this was just overall not my favorite read but i am ever so grateful to have heard birdie’s story.

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📖 Title: The Cover Girl-a standalone

✍🏾 Author: Amy Rossi-debut author

📅Publication date: 8/5/25 | Read 6/9/25

📃 Format: eBook 384 pgs.

Genre:
*Adult Fic
*Historical Fic
*Contemporary

Tropes:
* coming of age
* the modeling world
* celebrity romance
*forbidden romance
*age gap

👆🏾POV: 1st person single

⚠️TW: SA/SH, child exploitation, AIDS crisis, drugs and alcohol, suicide attempt, cheating, mental health

🌎 Setting: Starts in Connecticut, NYC, Boston, LA dual timelines into the past 1975 to the present 2018

Summary: Elizabeth receives an invitation to Birdie's 50-year career as a modeling agent. As she contemplates whether to go, she recounts being discovered and living in the modeling culture with sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.


👩🏾 Heroine: Birdie Rhodes/Elizabeth- from Connecticut, she is discovered in NYC at 13 and becomes one of Harriet's Girls modeling.

🎭 Other Characters:

* Harriet Goldman-Birdie's agent
*Birdie's parents-give over parental rights to The Rock Star
*The Rock Star-31, grooms and manipulates Birdie
*Lulu-befriends Birdie
*Debi-works with Harriet
*Azrian-a designer Birdie befriends

🤔 My Thoughts: This was a sad but intriguing look into the cutthroat modeling business. Birdie was apathetic and docile about everything that happened to her. From the grooming, harassment, and drug use, Birdie endured in silence. She was told to be seen not heard, so she kept quiet about everything. I mourned for her, but she was a true survivor.

Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level 2/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing| MIRA, and Amy Rossi for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

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This poignant debut captures the haunting allure and quiet devastation of early fame with raw honesty and emotional depth. Birdie Rhodes is a compelling protagonist—vulnerable yet resilient—as the novel weaves between her glittering rise as a teenage model and the quiet aftermath decades later. The dual timeline structure works beautifully, revealing how the choices of youth echo far into adulthood. While some plot turns are familiar, the writing is thoughtful and nuanced, particularly in its exploration of power, consent, and the high cost of being “seen.” A bittersweet, atmospheric read that lingers well after the final page.

Thanks, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this early!

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I really enjoyed this novel! It's perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins' Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (like me!) It's a beautifully written, intimate story of a young model finding her place in the world and facing the truth, beginning in the seventies and stretching through to 2018. The dual timeline structure created a sense of curiosity and added a meaningful dimension to the exploration of Byrdie's life and career. I learned a lot about the modeling industry over the decades, and felt for Byrdie as she navigated the world of high fashion and celebrity rock culture (via her much-older rock star boyfriend.) I felt moved by this deeply personal story and its captivating backdrop of glamour and grit. I'd love to read more by this author!

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Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Cover Girl.. an incredibly haunting story of a young model in the 70s and 80s.

I felt so bad for Birdie. Her parents failed her, and honestly so did her manager. To usher a child into a modelling career and then allow her to be groomed by a rock star. It’s disturbing really.

What I appreciated most with this story was the older model realizing she was being groomed as a teen, and she did the best thing for herself by walking away.

It really was such a powerful story, and probably not far off from the truth of being a young model at that time. This book only loses one star because it was a bit of a slow read at times. I still really enjoyed the rawness of the book though. It could be a memoir in some ways.

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This book reminded me of a sadder Toddlers and Tiaras sort if book. Betty interesting and would recommend if you like feeling all the emotions.

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goddddd this one hurt in such a good way. birdie was just that girl that it became her downfall and I just overall feel so bad for her.

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This is tough for me to review. I enjoyed The Cover Girl, but it also left me wanting. The only word I keep coming back to is heartbreaking. The storyline is broken into sections now 2018 and then 1975 - 1977, 1977 - 1978, 1978 - 1981, 1981 - 1987, and 1987 - 2000 with the 2018 sections interspersed between each past section. Rossi takes us behind the scenes of the modeling world, but more than that it’s the story of a very naive, young fifteen-year-old girl, Birdie Rhodes, who is essentially abandoned and left to fend for herself, taken advantage of for her looks and preyed upon by a man more than twice her age. All of this was ok because it was a “different time.”

I am just so conflicted about how to feel about Birdie and The Cover Girl. On the one hand I understand Birdie’s reluctance to do a deep dive into her past, because it sucked. But on the other, she’s lived life and wasn’t sheltered, she saw and did things. Birdie is just a broken shell of a person who sees no worth in herself except for how she looks. Sadly, this really never changes throughout the book, it ends with her in her mid-fifties. She just doesn’t move on or learn anything, and we’re supposed to be ok with that. There’s also an eighteen-year gap that’s never adequately addressed. Birdie is a case of extreme arrested development, and one she chose to continue living instead of addressing her issues head-on, until she’s fifty-six-years-old. Basically, I think The Cover Girl is a cautionary tale to anyone who wants to pursue a career in front of the camera and best of luck to you if you don’t have a choice. The Cover Girl is a sad story, but also one that unfortunately rings true.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing, for providing the digital ARC via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

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This was a very interesting peek behind the curtain of modeling and agents - and horrible parenting! I was surprised by how emotional it became and the realizations that struck Birdie at the end were managed with a deft hand that captured the pathos without feeling over the top. I did not see where things were going for a long time. I admit I thought it was going to be your typical "model starts, gets famous, goes too far" story. But it became apparent surprisingly early on that there was much more to Birdie's story than just that - and that's where I think things got interesting. It was heartbreaking to see how many adults failed this poor child along the way - some in the name of money, some in the name of going-along-to-get-along, and some who were every bit as stuck with the hand they'd been dealt as she was. I quite enjoyed this one and would definitely read another Amy Rossi book.

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I truly felt bad for Birdie when reading this book. Being young and then feeling unloved must be a lot to handle. Her parents absolutely failed her. She went through life with a false sense of love and it never being pure. Amy Rossi is a powerful new voice and you can tell she is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects.

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