REVIEW: Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins

 

OUR REVIEW:

I read this novel on my way to Rome and it was a great way to spend a long plane ride. Marlowe Banks, Redesigned follows the story of a lowly design assistant on the set of what I imagined to be a soapy teen drama like Riverdale and how she ends up with the star of the show, Angus Gordon. Marlowe and Angus start off on the wrong foot and that initial run in sets the tone for these two. She thinks he's an ass and he thinks she's clumsy, and then when you add a series of other unfortunate events and these perceptions don't seem that far off, but of course, they are. Marlowe's just a frazzled, overworked, undervalued step above intern to her boss who is constantly tasked with the most menial and impossible tasks. And Angus? Well his quiet persona and aloofness don't help things. As these two get thrown into a situation that forces them to spend more time together we get to see that Angus is so much more than he appears, as is Marlowe. He longs for roles that stretch him beyond what he's been given and she's longing for the commercial success that has eluded her so far. 

This novel was fun to read, not only for the way the romance unfolded, but for the evolution of their separate careers. I also enjoyed how steady Angus was--he wasn't the usual angsty, over the top actor type and his kindness and patience was an unexpected plus. 

A very lovely read, by a new to me author. Definitely will try her other works.

BUY IT HERE.

BLURB:

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.