This novel was a bit of a struggle for me. The family dynamic disturbed me. When Birdie is discovered and becomes a model, her parents actions to me felt like they were being unburdened from being parents. How they didn’t understand the paperwork the “rock star” wanted them to sign was just another sign that they didn’t care. Why would an adult male want to go on tour with a child? The exploitation of this young woman is truly unconscionable. Her manager knew and did nothing. How she became a functioning adult is beyond me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it, but it certainly wasn’t a favor of mine.

This book was not what I expected, but I ended up liking it. It was a slow pace, and the insights into the good and bad of the modeling world were interesting. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of

This book was everything I expected and more. This felt too real. Like it could happen. And I gobbled this book up. Thank you Netgalley.

★★★★★ "A Haunting, Timely Masterpiece That Will Stay With You"

"The Cover Girl" by Amy Rossi is an absolutely stunning debut that feels ripped straight from today's headlines, while delivering a deeply personal story that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. In an era where we're finally confronting the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry and having crucial conversations about the exploitation of young talent, this novel arrives with perfect timing and devastating insight.

Rossi masterfully weaves together two timelines, following Birdie Rhodes from her discovery at age thirteen by the formidable Harriet Goldman through to her present-day life of intentional obscurity. The author's portrayal of the modeling industry's glittering surface and shadowy depths is utterly captivating, written with such authenticity that every scene feels like it could have been pulled from a real-life exposé.

The relationship between teenage Birdie and the thirty-one-year-old rock star is handled with exceptional sensitivity and skill, exploring the complex dynamics of power, fame, and vulnerability in a way that eerily mirrors countless real-world stories we've seen unfold in the media. Rossi's ability to capture both the intoxicating allure of the spotlight and its potential for destruction is nothing short of brilliant.

What truly sets this novel apart is its exploration of trauma's long shadow and the courage it takes to confront one's past. The present-day timeline, where Birdie has crafted a quiet life far from the cameras, delivers some of the most powerful moments in contemporary fiction. When the invitation from Harriet arrives, the tension becomes almost unbearable, building to revelations that are both shocking and sadly believable.

The author's decision to set portions of the story in Boston during the AIDS crisis adds another layer of depth, painting a vivid picture of an era marked by both creativity and profound loss. This historical backdrop provides a powerful contrast to the modern-day portions of the narrative, highlighting how some industries have changed while others remain disturbingly similar.

"The Cover Girl" is more than just a novel - it's a mirror held up to society's obsession with youth and beauty, and the price we exact from those who embody both. In an age where social media has made everyone a potential "cover girl," this story feels more relevant than ever. It's a must-read that will have book clubs talking for hours and readers questioning their own relationship with fame, power, and the stories we choose to tell about ourselves.

Without a doubt, Amy Rossi has established herself as a powerful new voice in contemporary fiction. This debut announces the arrival of an author unafraid to tackle difficult subjects with grace, nuance, and unflinching honesty. "The Cover Girl" is easily one of the most compelling and important novels of 2025.

While the premise of the book was interesting, I didn’t really like any of the characters and it took to long to share with the reader what actually happens

I thought this books was fascinating. Birdie was a young girl when she was discovered and signed on as a model. As a young teenager, she ends up in a very disturbing and unhealthy relationship with a man 20+ years older than her. While a work of fiction, it felt like a true story and unfortunately, similar situations mostly certainly have happened. What I found fascinating was the way the story was told, Birdie is an adult now and reflecting on the past but her view of her past is skewed, she doesn’t seem to realize she is a victim of neglect and abuse. It’s not a pretty, happy story but it is one worth reading. It made me reflect on how when we grow up with something, it is our normal, even when horrible things happen to us, which is why sometimes victims don’t know they are victims.

Birdi starts her career as a model at 13. This is her wild ride as a model in the fashion industry and all it entails in the 1970s. I loved the dueltimes. You get Birdie during her modeling and after. During there was a lot of chaos, a romance that went bad and trauma. After you have to see if she recovered. I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about the dark side of the modeling industry.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
A wild ride in the life of a model who began her career at age 13. Birdi, beautiful with long legs became Harriet’s girl in the modeling world, Two years later she meets Rockstar who is 32 years old. She falls hard for him and begins straddling rockstars concerts and her modeling. Four years later she is devasted- it’s over - how will she pick up the pieces? A thrilling read!

This was a lovely journey through midcentury American fashion. Perfect for fans of fashion, Edie Sedgwick vibes, or the novels of Taylor Jenkins Reid. I would have loved a little more of Birdie’s seedier moments and for the whole novel to feel a little darker. I loved the inclusion of the Aids epidemic and the talent that was lost. My least favorite part was the ending—I needed some closure after following the main character for decades rather than the hint of closure to come.

I liked this book. Took me a bit of time to fully get into it but as it went on I felt more and more connected to Birdie. Her character development was a slow burn but worth reading to get to it.

The Cover Girl is for fans of the yester-year model. Transport yourself to a time of watching Warhol and his muses, what would that look like? feel like? If that evoked a feeling of tingling thoughts, then The Cover Girl is for you.

The Cover Girl, by Amy Rossi, is a fantastic novel set mostly during one of my favorite decades- the 70s—though we also have chapters in the present day, 2018. Birdie Rhodes is a character I will never forget—she's fierce and tough, someone I was rooting for from the very first page. I loved that Rossi juxtaposed Birdie in two timelines, so we could see the full trajectory of her life. Heartbreaking and inspiring. Highly recommend!!!

Oh, I hated this one ... and couldn't put it down. Rossi takes a riveting look at modeling and the treatment of women before the me-too movement became a thing.

You'll be engrossed in the world of modeling, the expectations and experiences of models, and the innocence and ignorance of those used by the fashion world.

The interpersonal relationships, the thrill of being seen, and the indifference of a dysfunctional family are told with heart and presence. If you like a decade-long personal saga of personal growth and heartbreak, you'll enjoy this one.

Thank you NetGalley and The Publishers for the eARC!

Birdie Rhodes resonated with me a lot, as a young girl taken advantage of by all the people in her life. She had no one to really help and guide her. But somehow she overcame that and actually became a somewhat functional human in her adult life. This book goes back and forth from the 70s in Birdies young life, to a woman in 2018. It was a great read. Definitely recommend giving this a shot!

This book is truly so good! After reading Honey by Isabel Banta, I was trying to find something that had a similar vibe with a different era and a fun girl navigating fame and this was def that! Birdy just had you on her side, wanting so much more for her even when she switched to the POV's taking place in the present. You wanted so much for her and for her to see what everyone else did, and it was just good I really loved this take one finding yourself in so many circumstances that hold you back from doing just that. Loved so much really!

The Cover Girl is a look at the tumultuous life of Birdie Rhodes, a former model thrust into the limelight at a young age. She has to grapple with the lasting impact of fame and trauma. The initial chapters paint a picture of Birdie's explosive rise in the modeling world, filled with excitement and the promise of something extraordinary. However, the narrative turns darker when Birdie falls for a much older rock star at fifteen. Despite warnings, Birdie is swept into a life for which she is ill-prepared. She later distances herself from her past and maintains a low profile. However, this is disrupted by an invitation to celebrate a colleague's fifty-year career, forcing her to confront the past. It reveals the emotional and psychological scars left by fame and highlights the pain and growth from self-reflection. This book poignantly explores the world of modeling. It is heartbreaking but full of redemption and resiliency.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA.

As a young teenager, Birdie gets swept up into the modeling world, and then begins a romance with a man in his thirties. He abruptly leaves her, and she is left with nothing. A decade later, she is still trying to pickup the pieces. This was heartbreaking and beautiful.

Amy Rossi wrote a timeless and inspirational story where control is given back to the person who has been abused. The story is quite believable and the reader can see this book. I had all sorts of pictures in my head as I read this - pictures of models and rockstars famous during this period of time. I especially loved how even in her midlife, the main character realized how her agent had advocated for her the best she could and was able to come to terms with it.

This is a harrowing story told very matter-of-factly by our protagonist Birdie Rhodes. Birdie was scouted from by a famous modeling agent at the age of 13. She then lived the life that many of us (all of us?) dreamed of as young women - jet setting, appearing on covers and dating a very famous musician.

Birdie provides her story, step by step and it might actually change your mind about modeling forever. Amy Rossi does an amazing job of painting a picture of a young woman who encounters obstacles, trauma and deep scars, and surmounts them. Or does she?
Unusual book - one I am sure to recommend far and wide!
#harlequintrade #harlequin #thecovergirl

The story of this young cover girl is not what you'd expect. Amy Rossi takes us behind the scenes for an up-close look at the rise of a 13-year-old model. It’s full of interesting insights and really sheds light on what it’s like to gain fame so young. Definitely worth a read if you're curious about the modeling world!