About the Book
-
Author:
- Rebecca Serle
- Genres:
- Boy-Girl Romance
- YA Romance
- Voices:
- Cis Girl
- Straight
- White (Non-Specified)
Cover Story:Â Keepin’ It Classy
BFF Charm: Single White Female
Talky Talk:Â Straight Up Juicy
Bonus Factors:Â Fame, Love Triangle, The MTV Movie Awards
Relationship Status:Â Swimfan 4 Life
Cover Story: Keepin’ It Classy
Following the lead of the first book’s cover, this artwork is fun and a little bit flashy without being too much. My only gripe is the lack of glitter. I mean, come on, guys, this is a novel about Hollywood! At least add some sparkle to that star or give me a hint of metallic pink. Like, if this cover was on the red carpet, the Fug Girls would probably say something nice then rate it a Z for zzzzz.
The Deal:
If you haven’t read Famous in Love, HOLD IT RIGHT THERE. First of all, what are you doing with your life? Second, Truly Madly Famously is the sequel, and I reeeeeally don’t want to spoil it for you. So read no further!
If you have read Famous in Love, then you’ve probably been dying to find out what happens after Paige chooses Rainer over Jordan, and how she deals with fame, and if the fans like the movie, and seriously, how have you possibly survived this wait because it’s been PURE TORTURE?!! I’d pinch Rebecca Serle really hard if it weren’t for the fact that she makes the last eleven months of anguish completely worth it with this second installment.
Truly Madly Famously picks up soon after the end of Famous in Love as Paige reaches the end of the premiere tour and heads back home to her sweet and fabulous life in LA with Rainer. As the rush of the Locked production and release fades, Paige is faced with the reality of her celebrity status as well as the importance of picking the right project for her next film. Then there’s the fact that Jordan’s not really speaking to her, but that’s okay, because she made her choice… right? Plus, he’s got a new girlfriend, Alexis, who just so happens to be playing the sister of Paige’s character in the Locked sequel. Greeeeat. Between the glare of the paparazzi, the politics of Hollywood, and the mysteries of her own heart, it doesn’t take long for Paige to feel like she’s stuck in a drama just as epic as the one she inhabits on screen.
BFF Charm: Single White Female
I love Paige, but let’s face it, I’d steal her identity in a heartbeat. She’s a beautiful rising star with two smokin’ hot dudes pining after her; she gets to wear gorgeous designer gowns and attend fancy parties; she makes movies for a living. Sure, fame comes at a price, and this book doesn’t make light of Paige’s loneliness or angst, buuuut… smokin’ hot dudes and designer gowns, y’all.
My envy aside, it’s great to see Paige grow as she grapples with this new chapter in her life, and while she remains endearingly human, she finally learns how to stand on her own two feet (which made me feel oddly proud, like I had something to do with it). Kudos to Rebecca Serle for avoiding that clichéd “Innocent Starlet Turned Trashy Harlot” storyline.
Bonus charm goes to Alexis, whom I wanted to hate (because how can Jordan date anyone who isn’t Paige?!) but who made it impossible, because she’s so damn cool, not to mention razor-sharp.
Swoonworthy Scale: 9
Um, does it smell like something’s burning in here? Anyone see any smoke? Because I’m pretty sure my panties are still on fire after the ridiculously hot chemistry in this book. Regardless of whether you’re Team Rainer or Team Jordan, there’s plenty of swoon to go around, and the romance feels as developed as it is flammable. Don’t even get me started on this one scene in Tokyo because LORD HAVE MERCY ON MY LADY PARTS.
Talky Talk: Straight Up Juicy
In her writing, Serle doesn’t just walk the line between frothy frippery and emotional substance–she struts. It’s easy to devour this book like a particularly scandalous issue of Us Weekly, but there’s more to Paige’s story than the stuff of gossip headlines. Like any teenage girl, Paige is figuring out who she is and what she wants, and Serle takes that exploration seriously, even while bedazzling it with tantalizing romance and Hollywood extravagance.
Bonus Factor: Fame
Now that Locked is a blockbuster hit, Paige is introduced to the finer things in life– lunch at the Ivy, posh hotel rooms, Rainer’s private jet. There’s certainly a downside to being in the public eye, and the book doesn’t gloss over that fact, but it’s still a total blast to walk in Paige’s stylish yet totally-not-affordable boots.
Bonus Factor: Love Triangle
Look, I know that the love triangle has become the persona non grata of the YA genre. It’s typically used as a cheap device to generate tension, and it never seems plausible–like, two insanely attractive guys willing to sacrifice their pride to fight over a girl? Please. And yet, Rebecca Serle makes it WERK. Rainer is awesome; Jordan is awesome; Paige is awesome. They’re all awesome! If I was one of those dudes, I’d be in love with Paige, and if I was Paige, I’d be in love with those dudes. The choice isn’t obvious, resulting in a messy, deliciously tortured love affair that never feels like a gimmick.
Bonus Factor: The MTV Movie Awards
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a star at an awards show, with all that glitz, glamour and potential scandal? This book is here to make your dreams come true (and then some).
Relationship Status: Swimfan 4 Life
Book, I am full on OBSESSED with you. If there was a Famous In Love Con, I’d be the first to purchase a badge. If there was a comic spin-off, I would buy every issue. And if there were collectible toys, I’d get two sets, then keep one set in its pristine packaging and put the other set in all kinds of compromising positions on my desk. I’m your biggest fan, and I can’t wait til you hit my TV screen so I can continue writing and talking about you incessantly.
BRB GOTTA CREATE A LOCKED T-SHIRT FOR THE FYA STORE.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Poppy, but got neither cocktails nor money in exchange for this review (dammit).
