Book Review: Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins

In Marlowe Banks, Redesigned, Jacqueline Firkins wonderfully captures the messiness of failure, forgiveness, and embracing a second chance on life and love. Marlowe Banks’s life has come apart at the seams. Her engagement ended abruptly. Her latest costume design was shredded by critics. Her student loans are overdue. Her parents have never been more disappointed. Desperate to hide from her failures, Marlowe flees New York City to embrace invisibility in Los Angeles as a menial Production Assistant on a popular TV show. While sorting socks and taking care of her boss’ spoiled Weimaraner, no one can confront her poor artistic choices or the end of her engagement, the end her ex refuses to accept. When a costume mix-up requires Marlowe to step into in a scene, the camera catches a heated look between her and Angus Gordon, the show's arrogant bad boy, thrusting Marlowe into the spotlight. As the pair is forced together on set, Marlowe learns she's not the only one hiding. Walls come down for both of them, revealing a life Marlowe isn't sure she's ready for, and when her past comes calling, she has to decide if she's going to stay invisible or if it's time for a redesign.

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My Review:

Oh wow. This book took me places I didn’t realize it was going to go. Enemies to lovers, romantic comedy set behind the scenes of Hollywood? Check. I was expecting all that. Deep introspection and social commentary about the price of beauty, fame, and womanhood? Nope, those weren’t on my radar. But they’re woven so skillfully into Marlowe’s journey and become such an important part of her character growth that this book wouldn’t be the same without them. Even Angus gets to voice some similarly weighty subjects; taking on the dangers of fame, social media, and toxic masculinity. I loved watching this pair get to know one another. I think the actual time is fairly short, but it all feels like a slow burn with all the drama and angst over “will they?” or “won’t they?” I have no idea if the author has plans for a series with any of these characters, but I’m not ready to let them go yet and I’d love to see their future adventures as they help their friends find Happily Ever Afters of their own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.