Publishers Weekly
08/29/2022
Firkins’s uneven adult debut (after How Not to Fall in Love) finds costume designer Marlowe Banks having fled New York’s theater scene, and her ex-fiancé, for a fresh start on the set of TV soap Heart’s Diner. Her production assistant job doesn’t utilize her skills, but it does shield her from the harsh critiques she’s come to fear. That is, until she’s forced to fill in as a background actor for a day, placing her near the show’s brooding star, Angus Gordon, with whom she disastrously collided earlier that same day. She’s happy to leave her brush with stardom—and Angus’s intense stare—in the past, but when the episode airs, a tricky bit of editing turns their obvious dislike into sexual tension and sends fans clamoring for more. Despite some false starts, Marlowe and Angus bond as production forces them to spend more time together. Both feel a connection, but Marlowe quickly learns she may not be ready for the scrutiny that comes with dating a star. Though the main couple has chemistry to spare, the rest of the story falls flat in comparison; the backstory behind Marlowe’s life in New York comes too late and feels too tepid to make readers invested in her personal growth. It’s a shaky start, but Firkins shows some promise. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"Splendidly entertaining love story that delivers an abundance of clever banter and triple-digit sexual chemistry."
– Booklist (starred review)
"Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a spectacular book that starts with a look and ends in a young woman finally finding herself. Perceptive, heartfelt, and perfectly romantic, Marlowe’s story is an uplifting celebration of how failure never has to define us. The romance is sizzling hot, the commentary on the drawbacks of exposure in the age of social media is on point, and the writing is the perfect mix of humorous and poignant. But my favorite thing about Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is the setting: it’s clear that Jacqueline Firkins knows the world of costume design, and she wove millions of fascinating details into a uniquely sensory experience. A sparkling, charming novel everyone should read!"
– Ali Hazelwood, author of The Love Hypothesis
“Reading this book feels like spending time with a dear friend. A smart, sexy treasure of a romance stitched together with warmth, flair, and compassion. Jacqueline Firkins is an author to watch.”
–Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk
"Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is ready for its close-up. It's delightfully fun, thoughtfully charming, and poignantly honest. The cast of characters are genuine and diverse, the love story raw and sweet, while the themes of friendship, expectations, and perception versus reality are relatable. I truly enjoyed this book."
–Sophie Sullivan, author of How to Love Your Neighbor
"Smart, sweet and utterly charming, Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a delicious enemies-to-lovers tale about finding the inner strength to pursue your dreams. I couldn’t stop turning the pages and loved every moment!"
– Sara Desai, author of The Singles Table
"As comforting as the perfect pair of jeans, this sweet, funny, and sexy book is filled with memorable characters and a swoony slow burn romance. I loved the glimpse into the world of Hollywood TV sets and costume designers. Marlowe and Angus’s connection seemed so real, despite the Tinseltown setting, and it was so satisfying to see their connection grow. This book is such a delight!"
—Farah Heron, author of Kamila Knows Best and Tahira in Bloom
"Firkins delivers on every front – sweet, smart, and utterly satisfying, Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a treat for romance readers everywhere."
—Elizabeth Everett, author of A Perfect Equation
"With sparkling banter, incisive humor, and an authoritative glimpse of television's controlled behind-the-scenes chaos, Marlowe Banks, Redesigned is a slow-burn love story about taking chances, and the exhilarating feeling of finally being truly seen. The chemistry between the leads is tangible, and the supporting cast is relatable and real. I loved it—five shining Hollywood stars!"
—Jen Devon, author of Bend Toward The Sun
"Marlowe Banks, Redesigned, is an absolute treasure. I couldn't put down this Hollywood love story filled with style, steam, and second chances. Jacqueline Firkins is an author to watch and her story will leave you smiling."
—Denise Williams, author of The Fastest Way to Fall
"Marlowe Banks, Redesigned by Jacqueline Firkins pulled me in with an endearing cast of characters who slowly reveal themselves layer by layer and a fascinating behind the scenes look at the world of costuming. Get cozy and savor this read! "
— USA Today bestselling author Melonie Johnson
author of Tahira in Bloom Farah Heron
This book is such a delight!”
author of The Singles Table Sara Desai
Smart, sweet, and utterly charming…I couldn’t stop turning the pages and loved every moment!”
author of The Ex Talk Rachel Lynn Solomon
A smart, sexy treasure of a romance.”
author of The Love Hypothesis Ali Hazelwood
A sparkling, charming novel!”
author of How to Love Your Neighbor Sophie Sullivan
Delightfully fun, thoughtfully charming, and poignantly honest.”
Library Journal
09/01/2022
DEBUT After fleeing New York City due to a failed engagement and an overly critiqued costume design at her former job, Marlowe Banks is now a lowly, overqualified production assistant for a hit TV show in Los Angeles. She works in the costume department, catering to her boss Babs. When a cast extra doesn't show up and it's too late to call in a backup, Marlowe is thrown into the show, cast as the waitress since the costume fits. During the scene, she and the show's arrogant and smolderingly handsome star, Angus Gordon, exchange a look that ends up rocking the social media world, leaving fans wanting more. The producers run with it and write Marlowe into the show, which forces them to get closer. Photos surface, of both public and private moments, pushing Marlowe into a spotlight she isn't prepared for. But Angus is by her side through it all, and what starts as a hostile working relationship, soon becomes genuine and romantic. VERDICT Firkins's adult debut (she's authored YA romances like How Not To Fall in Love) is a fun, albeit predictable rom-com that's fun to watch unfolding.—Erin Holt
MARCH 2023 - AudioFile
Lauren Fortgang's stellar narration adds authenticity to this romance. Finding herself newly single and panned by the critics, budding costume designer Marlowe is trying to make ends meet. When she is thrust onto the screen to fix a wardrobe mishap, she catches the eye of leading man Angus. Fortgang shines while portraying Marlowe, a woman who knows her faults and can laugh at herself. Listeners will hear the smile and humor in Fortgang's tone. When Marlowe is frustrated or annoyed, Fortgang suggests eye rolls with perfectly timed emphasis. Providing quick pacing when Marlowe is in her element and an uneven pace when she is feeling unsure, Fortgang embodies the lead character. Overall, Fortgang delivers a phenomenal performance. S.K.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
