I felt for Birdie so much when reading, being young and feeling unloved does cause you to make bad decisions. Her parents truly failed her and Harriet tried her best. Birdie was stuck in the false sense of a fulfilling love that was never pure. I don’t think she would have actually listened in any of the adults of her life overtly stuck up for her. I could feel how she disassociated from modeling, her life and that she just never knew who she was. This shows how much trauma can truly alter your brain chemistry and perception. Birdie was never going to realize the abusive situation she was in until she was ready to confront. My favorite thing about the book was how the rock star was never given a name - he could’ve been anyone. Because this has happened to many woman and that is terrifying.

How this book is written definitely reminds me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which I loved. The premise of this book really hooked me in because I love learning about how the fashion and modeling industry was so different before the 2000s. I love how universal and timeless womanhood is, but in a tragically beautiful way.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!

After reading The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi, I was brought into a world filled with values placed on the superficial and morals that were easily seen as corrupted, and it kept me wanting to read more. As the story follow Birdie, a young model, it has us travel through time in the present and with vivid flashbacks to the past to give insight into the world of modeling in the 70s and 80s. Birdie strives to make it big and get away from her love lacking family but ends up putting her life in the hands of her agent and a rockstar with very questionable motives. While at times I was deeply concerned for Birdie and her well-being, Rossi made me care for Birdie as if she was a friend. Picking up pace at different points in the novel, I reached the end and wished for a deeper understanding of the relationship between Birdie and her agent, Harriet, who was such a role-model in a sense to the impressionable and young Birdie. Leaving me with insight to a new world and questions about how far is too far in certain industries, The Cover Girl is a read that lead to many shocking revelations and appreciation for the work placed upon models, beyond the superficial narrative.

More than just a face....

At thirteen, Birdie Rhodes is a gangly outsider amongst her school friends. But when her mother drags her to New York City for her annual school clothing shopping, Harriet Goldman sees her and MUST meet with her. Harriet is *the* woman in charge of *the* modeling agency of the time. Undeniably, Harriet has an eye for talent and developing it.

As Birdie becomes more experienced and starts to spread her wings, she sees a call for a rock and roll album cover. And things are never the same after that shoot. She falls head over heels for the lead singer, who just happens to be 31 years old! She grows up quickly, and sees more than any young girl should.

Fast forward to her mature world, where she's the face of vitamins and anti-aging creams. Her time in LA, enmeshed in the punk scene, and all that does with it are just faded memories. But when an invitation arrives to join those from her past in celebrating Harriet's 50-year career, everything comes back to light.

I had to keep reminding myself that this was the 70's/80's and not quite the timeframe or mindset of my youth. Some things seem unbelievable, but when you think of the time, maybe not so much... It was really interesting to see the perspective, like an inside peek within the industry. And it's not all sunshine and rainbows.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Amy Rossi for the eARC.

Thirteen year old Birdie Rhodes gets discovered in a NYC department store and her life changes forever. In a series of wrong doings and miscommunication, adults let her down, allow her to be abused, and discard her like she’s a useless commodity. It took me a bit to get into this book and then, bam, I was sucked in.

If you are a Millennial you will like this book. It reminds me of all the stories we heard of modeling days and living in LA in the 90's and early 00's. Kind of like a follow up to ANTM. It was so good and captivating.

Thank you NetGalley and Harelquin Trade Publishing for an advanced reader copy of Cover Girl by Amy Rossi. This was a good,quick, entertaining read, it following Birdie at a few periods of her life jumping between the 70s when she is a young teen in the modeling industry and 2018 when she is about 50 and it’s a culmination this sort of trauma that is resurfacing and she has to finally face it. For me sometimes a good 3 star read is perfect just entertaining and quick. I would recommend this even if the modeling premise isn’t appealing because it isn’t too heavy on like the vain aspect it has depth, Birdie has depth and while those classic model connotations aspects were definitely there it wasn’t in an annoying way at all.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this book!

Although this book was not my taste, I know a lot of people are going to love it! "The Cover Girl" follows Birdie Rhodes as she begins her career in the field of modeling in the 80s and 90s and a second timeline in 2018, where she reflects on her experiences.

I would recommend this book to people who are interested in the darker sides of the fashion and modeling industry. This book does an amazing job at showing the problems in the field, many of which still exist today.

The one thing I did not love about this book was the pacing. While the 2018 POVs were necessary for the plot, they did really take me out of the action of the plot. Since the entire book is a recounting of a period from the past, I wish those 2018 reflection moments were placed in the prologue and in an epilogue, rather than separating the narrative.

Something about the plot, and the writing style reminded me of the work of Eve Babitz. So, if you are looking for any Babitz-esk fiction I would highly suggest checking this title out!

Amy Rossi’s debut novel, The Cover Girl, is a hauntingly evocative journey through the highs and lows of a life shaped by fame, love, and loss. With dual timelines weaving between Birdie Rhodes’ meteoric rise in the modeling world as a teenager and her quieter, solitary life decades later, Rossi delivers a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the cost of being “seen but not heard.”

What Worked Well
The strength of The Cover Girl lies in its unflinching portrayal of Birdie’s coming-of-age in an unforgiving industry. Rossi masterfully captures the glittering allure of fame and the devastating cracks beneath its surface. The early chapters brim with the intoxicating rush of discovery, as shy Birdie is transformed into one of Harriet Goldman’s “Girls.” Yet the novel never glamorizes the fashion world—it strips it bare, exposing the predators who lurk in its shadows and the heartbreak that follows when a young girl is thrust into adulthood too soon.

Birdie’s romance with the much-older rock star is written with an almost fever-dream quality, capturing the dizzying pull of first love and the disillusionment when it fades. Rossi doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Birdie’s decisions, offering readers a nuanced perspective on her youthful naivety and the fallout that follows.

The dual timelines add depth and intrigue. In the present, Birdie’s quiet life contrasts sharply with her chaotic past. The arrival of the letter inviting her to Harriet’s celebration forces Birdie to confront long-buried wounds, and the emotional stakes are palpable as she grapples with her identity and the trauma she has worked so hard to suppress.

What Could Have Been Stronger
While the story is deeply compelling, the pacing in the latter half of the novel felt slightly uneven. Some of Birdie’s reflections on her past could have been more succinct, as they occasionally slowed the narrative’s momentum. Additionally, while Harriet is a fascinating character, her motivations remain somewhat opaque, leaving readers craving more insight into her relationship with Birdie.

Themes and Takeaways
The Cover Girl is a powerful commentary on the fragility of young women in industries that value appearance over substance. It examines the blurred lines between empowerment and exploitation, the lasting impact of trauma, and the quiet courage it takes to rebuild a life. Birdie’s journey toward self-acceptance is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making her a character who lingers long after the final page.

Final Thoughts
Amy Rossi has crafted a striking debut that pulls readers into the glamour and grit of Birdie’s world, leaving them both enchanted and unsettled. The Cover Girl is a vivid reminder of the costs of chasing fame—and the resilience it takes to reclaim oneself from its wreckage. With its richly drawn characters and emotionally charged narrative, this novel is perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & The Six or Mary Alice Monroe’s character-driven storytelling.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking, emotionally resonant read. Birdie’s story is one you won’t soon forget.

The timeline setting of this book kept me intrigued and I really enjoyed the story to its core. A nice perspective to an industry!

Birdie Rhodes was only 13 when she was discovered by modeling agent Harriet Goldman. Thrust into a life as one of 'Harriet's Girls', Birdie's shyness allows her to express herself in front of the cameras. To shy to say "No," Birdie experiences the highs and lows of the modeling world, the excitement and the trauma. Two years later she meets a 31-year-old rock star and her life changes into that of a rocker's lover, going all over the country with him and his band, all while still trying to model. When that life falls apart, she goes back to modeling in Paris, LA and Boston. Several years later, Birdie retires into a quiet life of smaller modeling gigs and Pilates, and goes by the name Elizabeth. When she receives an invitation to celebrate Harriet's 50-year career, Birdie is torn. She's left that life, and Harriet, behind her, hasn't she? She'll have to revisit her past to reconcile her current life.

The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi

Amy Rossi crafts an engaging and emotionally resonant story in The Cover Girl. The novel shines a light on themes of identity, ambition, and the pressure of societal expectations, all woven together through the perspective of a complex and relatable protagonist.

Rossi’s writing is beautifully descriptive, drawing readers into the glamorous yet challenging world of the fashion industry while balancing the human struggles beneath the surface. The characters feel genuine, their flaws and triumphs making them memorable long after you’ve finished reading.

What stands out most is Rossi’s ability to tackle heavy themes with grace and authenticity, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and highly entertaining. The Cover Girl is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction who appreciate stories of personal growth and resilience.

Told in two timelines, this striking debut novel explores the dizzying fallout of being seen and not heard in a high-stakes industry that leaves no silhouette unscathed.

I really enjoyed this book. It hooked me from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. It was a peek into the glamorous world of runways and the lifestyle surrounding that world. The author, Amy Rossi, did an excellent job at making me feel all the emotions on this one. The character of Birdie was well written, and I think the story was well plotted. I absolutely recommend this to the women's fiction readers. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you Net Galley ARC, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, and Amy Rossi

This was a maybe book for me. Slow burn book. I am glad I got to read it. Birdie wasn’t what I thought

Amy Rossi's debut novel is a heartfelt and engaging journey into the glamorous yet challenging world of fashion. The story follows Birdie Rhodes, who gets plucked from obscurity at thirteen by the renowned modeling agent Harriet Goldman. From there, we see Birdie's transformation from a shy, awkward teenager to a top model. What makes this book stand out is Rossi's ability to bring Birdie's world to life. You can practically feel the pressure and excitement of the fashion industry with every turn of the page. The dual timelines give a unique insight into Birdie's life, showing us her rise to fame and the long-lasting effects it has on her. One of the most powerful aspects of the novel is its handling of the #MeToo movement. Birdie's experiences shed light on the darker side of the industry and highlight the strength it takes to speak out. This theme resonates deeply and adds an important layer to the story. Rossi has crafted a beautifully written novel that captures the highs and lows of the fashion world while exploring themes of resilience and personal growth. This debut is definitely worth a read if you're looking for a story that's both compelling and thought-provoking.

From the time I read the synopsis, I was excited to read this book. The lens through which we viewed Birdie's life experiences was fascinating. To look at movie stars, models, musicians, etc., the assumption one makes is that they have amazing lives. This allowed the reader a "behind the scenes" view of that life, and it certainly was far from perfect. I am so grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Definitely will be one that I recommend for people to read.

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.