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Some Kind of Famous
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Expected 28 Oct 25Win a free print copy of this book!
18 days and 12:19:24
50 copies available
U.S. only
In this steamy and emotional small-town romance, a disgraced ex-musician and a local handyman try to resist their growing attraction for each other—until a broken-down house forces them together—from the author of How to Fake It in Hollywood and Will They or Won't They
It’s been a decade since Merritt Valentine’s peak as a celebrated singer-songwriter… and her subsequent career-ending mental breakdown. Since then, she’s abandoned the glitz of Los Angeles to move in with her sister, Olivia, in the sleepy Colorado ski town of Crested Peak, hoping to heal her lingering emotional wounds of the spotlight.
Life in Crested Peak would be uncomplicated if not for Merritt’s inconvenient crush on the local contractor and handyman, Nikolaos Petrakis. Niko is disarmingly handsome and too kind-hearted to ever be right for the complex and prickly Merritt. Though tempting, a fling with Niko would only bring the kind of drama Merritt has vowed to leave behind.
After his last heartbreak, Niko is done dating his fellow townies. Still, he can’t shake his fascination with the brilliant Merritt, even as he heeds their mutual friends’ warnings to steer clear of her chaos. But when Merritt needs help fixing up a house of her own, Niko is glad to be the only man for the job.
As the two spend more time together, their mutual attraction sparking a deeper connection than either one expects, they’re forced to confront the idea that they may have underestimated each other– and themselves.
It’s been a decade since Merritt Valentine’s peak as a celebrated singer-songwriter… and her subsequent career-ending mental breakdown. Since then, she’s abandoned the glitz of Los Angeles to move in with her sister, Olivia, in the sleepy Colorado ski town of Crested Peak, hoping to heal her lingering emotional wounds of the spotlight.
Life in Crested Peak would be uncomplicated if not for Merritt’s inconvenient crush on the local contractor and handyman, Nikolaos Petrakis. Niko is disarmingly handsome and too kind-hearted to ever be right for the complex and prickly Merritt. Though tempting, a fling with Niko would only bring the kind of drama Merritt has vowed to leave behind.
After his last heartbreak, Niko is done dating his fellow townies. Still, he can’t shake his fascination with the brilliant Merritt, even as he heeds their mutual friends’ warnings to steer clear of her chaos. But when Merritt needs help fixing up a house of her own, Niko is glad to be the only man for the job.
As the two spend more time together, their mutual attraction sparking a deeper connection than either one expects, they’re forced to confront the idea that they may have underestimated each other– and themselves.
432 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 28, 2025
38 people are currently reading
26841 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
June 21, 2025
✨✨4.5/5 stars (rounded down to 4) ✨✨
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ava Wilder, and Random House Publishing/Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Some Kind of Famous releases October 28, 2025! 💖🥰
This is officially my favorite Ava Wilder book… raw, emotional, and full of healing 🫶🏻❤️🩹
Some Kind of Famous follows Merritt Valentine as she works through pain, trauma, and growth while building a life in Crested Peak, Colorado. Her contractor, Niko, is a quiet, kind soul and is the steady, compassionate presence Merritt didn’t know she needed. Their connection starts off with a strong insta-love vibe (which isn’t usually my favorite), but as the story unfolds, their relationship deepens in such a moving way. They challenge each other to grow, and watching their emotional walls come down felt so real!
I’ll be honest….. Merritt was hard to connect with at first. She’s judgmental, closed off, and makes some frustrating choices. But once we learn her story and see the work she’s doing to better herself, it really hit for me. She’s in therapy, reflecting, taking accountability and that growth made me root for her hard. Her relationship with Sadie was also a standout. It was protective, heartfelt, and brought much needed awareness to real-world issues that often get overlooked in romance.
One of the most painful (and beautiful) parts of this story was how the characters often couldn’t fight for what they wanted, not because they didn’t care, but because of trauma, fear, and outside circumstances. That broke my heart more than any dramatic argument ever could. It was emotional survival and that made everything feel more grounded and honest.
The book also shines in its mental health representation.. it’s thoughtful, reflective, and deeply compassionate. The characters are self-aware, flawed, and trying, which felt incredibly authentic. There’s also strong and affirming LGBTQIA+ representation, woven in naturally without feeling performative or surface-level ♥️
⚠️ Trigger/content warnings include ⚠️: addiction, past death of a parent, parental abandonment/estrangement, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, abortion, predatory relationships, and discussion of a past suicide attempt. TW list is available on the author’s website as well.
If I had one main frustration, it was with some of the side characters, especially Merritt’s sister, Olivia. While she starts to redeem herself by the end, she was emotionally unsupportive during Merritt’s most vulnerable moments, and that left a mark.
That said, this book is full of heart, growth, and painful but powerful hope. I wanted to sob in the last few chapters 😭
You don’t want to miss this one!! 💖
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ava Wilder, and Random House Publishing/Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Some Kind of Famous releases October 28, 2025! 💖🥰
This is officially my favorite Ava Wilder book… raw, emotional, and full of healing 🫶🏻❤️🩹
Some Kind of Famous follows Merritt Valentine as she works through pain, trauma, and growth while building a life in Crested Peak, Colorado. Her contractor, Niko, is a quiet, kind soul and is the steady, compassionate presence Merritt didn’t know she needed. Their connection starts off with a strong insta-love vibe (which isn’t usually my favorite), but as the story unfolds, their relationship deepens in such a moving way. They challenge each other to grow, and watching their emotional walls come down felt so real!
I’ll be honest….. Merritt was hard to connect with at first. She’s judgmental, closed off, and makes some frustrating choices. But once we learn her story and see the work she’s doing to better herself, it really hit for me. She’s in therapy, reflecting, taking accountability and that growth made me root for her hard. Her relationship with Sadie was also a standout. It was protective, heartfelt, and brought much needed awareness to real-world issues that often get overlooked in romance.
One of the most painful (and beautiful) parts of this story was how the characters often couldn’t fight for what they wanted, not because they didn’t care, but because of trauma, fear, and outside circumstances. That broke my heart more than any dramatic argument ever could. It was emotional survival and that made everything feel more grounded and honest.
The book also shines in its mental health representation.. it’s thoughtful, reflective, and deeply compassionate. The characters are self-aware, flawed, and trying, which felt incredibly authentic. There’s also strong and affirming LGBTQIA+ representation, woven in naturally without feeling performative or surface-level ♥️
⚠️ Trigger/content warnings include ⚠️: addiction, past death of a parent, parental abandonment/estrangement, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, abortion, predatory relationships, and discussion of a past suicide attempt. TW list is available on the author’s website as well.
If I had one main frustration, it was with some of the side characters, especially Merritt’s sister, Olivia. While she starts to redeem herself by the end, she was emotionally unsupportive during Merritt’s most vulnerable moments, and that left a mark.
That said, this book is full of heart, growth, and painful but powerful hope. I wanted to sob in the last few chapters 😭
You don’t want to miss this one!! 💖
May 28, 2025
This book is a tender, emotionally layered small-town romance that blends the quiet charm of a Notting Hill-esque trope with a refreshingly down-to-earth depth. It offers a sweet, slow-burning connection between two flawed, healing people who never expected love—especially not with each other. If you’re a fan of introspective love stories that focus on growth, intimacy, and soft vulnerability, this one’s for you.
We meet Merritt Valentine, a once-famous singer-songwriter who’s been living in the shadows of her former fame after a highly publicized mental health crisis sent her fleeing the spotlight. Now tucked away in Crested Peak, a sleepy Colorado ski town, she’s been quietly rebuilding herself—emotionally, if not yet physically. When her sister’s pregnancy nudges her to finally leave the guest room she’s been occupying for far too long, Merritt decides to renovate her own fixer-upper with the help of Niko Petrakis, the town’s trusted (and infuriatingly handsome) contractor.
Niko is younger, creative, and a little bruised from his own past relationship scars. He’s also completely not the type of person Merritt sees herself with. Their mutual attraction simmers beneath layers of awkward tension, snappy banter, and heartfelt vulnerability. The chemistry? Absolutely undeniable—but the emotional baggage? That’s what truly sets this story apart. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about two people learning how to make space for each other’s pain, and eventually, joy.
While the plot moves gently—definitely more character-driven than event-heavy—it feels intentional and authentic. The pacing reflects real emotional growth, and Ava Wilder doesn’t rush the journey. Readers looking for action-packed twists won’t find them here, but those who appreciate a well-developed emotional arc and nuanced characters will feel right at home.
There’s a beautiful softness to this book that reminds me of Sarah Adams’ When in Rome, particularly in the way it plays with the idea of a “famous outsider” finding comfort and connection with someone rooted in a quieter life. But Some Kind of Famous leans more into the complexities of mental health, creative burnout, and the pressure of past expectations. Merritt’s journey is especially poignant as she slowly reclaims her voice and confronts the pieces of her identity she left behind.
And Niko? One of the kindest, most quietly swoon-worthy heroes I’ve read in a while. He listens, paints, builds, and lets his walls down piece by piece. The romantic moments—especially his confession in Greek!—are both tender and satisfying without ever feeling overly saccharine.
While the book may not have the dramatic highs of Ava Wilder’s previous novels, the emotional payoff is still incredibly rewarding. It’s comforting, warm, and reflective—a love story that feels like a deep breath and a soft place to land.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine | Dell for the opportunity to read this heartfelt romance early. I’m so grateful to be approved for titles from one of my favorite romance authors—Ava Wilder continues to deliver stories that feel honest, hopeful, and deeply human. This one was a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but love can absolutely bloom along the way.
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We meet Merritt Valentine, a once-famous singer-songwriter who’s been living in the shadows of her former fame after a highly publicized mental health crisis sent her fleeing the spotlight. Now tucked away in Crested Peak, a sleepy Colorado ski town, she’s been quietly rebuilding herself—emotionally, if not yet physically. When her sister’s pregnancy nudges her to finally leave the guest room she’s been occupying for far too long, Merritt decides to renovate her own fixer-upper with the help of Niko Petrakis, the town’s trusted (and infuriatingly handsome) contractor.
Niko is younger, creative, and a little bruised from his own past relationship scars. He’s also completely not the type of person Merritt sees herself with. Their mutual attraction simmers beneath layers of awkward tension, snappy banter, and heartfelt vulnerability. The chemistry? Absolutely undeniable—but the emotional baggage? That’s what truly sets this story apart. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about two people learning how to make space for each other’s pain, and eventually, joy.
While the plot moves gently—definitely more character-driven than event-heavy—it feels intentional and authentic. The pacing reflects real emotional growth, and Ava Wilder doesn’t rush the journey. Readers looking for action-packed twists won’t find them here, but those who appreciate a well-developed emotional arc and nuanced characters will feel right at home.
There’s a beautiful softness to this book that reminds me of Sarah Adams’ When in Rome, particularly in the way it plays with the idea of a “famous outsider” finding comfort and connection with someone rooted in a quieter life. But Some Kind of Famous leans more into the complexities of mental health, creative burnout, and the pressure of past expectations. Merritt’s journey is especially poignant as she slowly reclaims her voice and confronts the pieces of her identity she left behind.
And Niko? One of the kindest, most quietly swoon-worthy heroes I’ve read in a while. He listens, paints, builds, and lets his walls down piece by piece. The romantic moments—especially his confession in Greek!—are both tender and satisfying without ever feeling overly saccharine.
While the book may not have the dramatic highs of Ava Wilder’s previous novels, the emotional payoff is still incredibly rewarding. It’s comforting, warm, and reflective—a love story that feels like a deep breath and a soft place to land.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine | Dell for the opportunity to read this heartfelt romance early. I’m so grateful to be approved for titles from one of my favorite romance authors—Ava Wilder continues to deliver stories that feel honest, hopeful, and deeply human. This one was a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t linear, but love can absolutely bloom along the way.
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April 6, 2025
4.5⭐️
This blew me away. I loved every second of it, specially how tender and heartfelt Niko and Merritt's connection was portrayed though the entirety of this novel. There were so many sweet moments between them that had me smiling like an idiot. Also, this was SO sexy!!! I was foaming at the mouth the entire time. So good.
Thank you so much Dell Romance for the advance reader copy.
This blew me away. I loved every second of it, specially how tender and heartfelt Niko and Merritt's connection was portrayed though the entirety of this novel. There were so many sweet moments between them that had me smiling like an idiot. Also, this was SO sexy!!! I was foaming at the mouth the entire time. So good.
Thank you so much Dell Romance for the advance reader copy.
May 21, 2025
1.5⭐
DNF @ 50%
What the freakery freak! Why am I reading about a cheater FMC and a doormat MMC??
0% chemistry, 100% nothingness...... This unfortunately is not for me. I don't know where the story is!
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the free eARC 💕 💕 all thoughts are my own
Find my review on Instagram
DNF @ 50%
What the freakery freak! Why am I reading about a cheater FMC and a doormat MMC??
0% chemistry, 100% nothingness...... This unfortunately is not for me. I don't know where the story is!
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the free eARC 💕 💕 all thoughts are my own
Find my review on Instagram
April 25, 2025
This small town romance has it all! This is a very emotional, medium paced, lighthearted read. It made me feel joyful, hopeful and reflective. I enjoyed the complex characters in the story as well as the scenery. This is a slow burn, spicy romance! I can tell the author put a lot of thought into writing this. It’s easy to read and well written. I enjoyed the opposites attract trope in this book! I found it to be unique and cozy! I give this a 4 out of 5 stars rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ava Wilder and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book is expected to be published on October 28, 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ava Wilder and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book is expected to be published on October 28, 2025!
July 14, 2025
I thought I wrote a review of this?! I loved it!!!!!
Absolutely gorgeous setting and follows a fallen from grace former popstar who needs to move out of her twin sister's home (finally) so hires the local golden boy to help renovate her new place. Everyone thinks she's a train wreck and warns her not to hurt him, but they tumble into a summer romance with an expiration date any way.
the exploration of grief (over expectations, of life dreams), trauma, and what it means to make a home was so lovely. I will absolutely be re-reading soon and pre-ordered an audio.
Also, sign me up to make out under the stars with a sexy, hairy chested carpenter who can whisper greek sweet nothings in my ear.
Absolutely gorgeous setting and follows a fallen from grace former popstar who needs to move out of her twin sister's home (finally) so hires the local golden boy to help renovate her new place. Everyone thinks she's a train wreck and warns her not to hurt him, but they tumble into a summer romance with an expiration date any way.
the exploration of grief (over expectations, of life dreams), trauma, and what it means to make a home was so lovely. I will absolutely be re-reading soon and pre-ordered an audio.
Also, sign me up to make out under the stars with a sexy, hairy chested carpenter who can whisper greek sweet nothings in my ear.
April 12, 2025
the one of us is famous trope doesn’t always work for me but i loveeeee merritt 🥹 best part of this book hands down, rtc
thank you to netgalley and dell romance for the arc!!
thank you to netgalley and dell romance for the arc!!
Want to read
February 28, 2025I need this book in my life immediately.
August 7, 2025
This was my first book by Ava Wilder, but it won't be my last.
SOME KIND OF FAMOUS is a slow burn romance, but both its storyline and characters quickly grew on me, even if our protagonist, Merritt, is a tad prickly at times. Once a famous singer-songwriter, Merritt now lives in a small Colorado town with her twin, Olivia, and Olivia's husband. But it's time for Merritt to move out into her own home, which requires her to hire local handyman, Niko. He's attractive and kind and competent and just far too stable for Merritt to get involved with.
But even Niko has to admit he's pretty fascinated with Merritt. And working on her home offers him a steady paycheck that he just can't turn down. Despite both sides being warned off each other, Merritt and Niko keep getting thrown together--and liking it. But Niko's coming off a terrible breakup and Merritt... well, she's coming off her life. Can they make it work?
This story has plenty of fun sexual tension and laughs, but overall, it's a rather serious romance that explores mental health, Merritt's tough issues as a teen rock star, sexual assault, and more. Both Merritt and Olivia are difficult characters to love: Merritt has been through a lot and she holds people at arm's length while Olivia can be awfully mean and lashes out at her sister in cruel ways. The more we learn about their past, the easier it is to understand their actions. As for Niko, he's one of those trope-filled romance teddy bears that you can't help but love. And he's handy!
This is a really witty story, but it's also insightful and poignant. Both Merritt and Niko have plenty of family drama and there's tons of sexual tension to propel the story forward. Also I'm just a sucker for stories that involve a famous person and a regular person falling for each other, even if some of Merritt's glory days are behind her.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Dell in return for an unbiased review.
SOME KIND OF FAMOUS is a slow burn romance, but both its storyline and characters quickly grew on me, even if our protagonist, Merritt, is a tad prickly at times. Once a famous singer-songwriter, Merritt now lives in a small Colorado town with her twin, Olivia, and Olivia's husband. But it's time for Merritt to move out into her own home, which requires her to hire local handyman, Niko. He's attractive and kind and competent and just far too stable for Merritt to get involved with.
But even Niko has to admit he's pretty fascinated with Merritt. And working on her home offers him a steady paycheck that he just can't turn down. Despite both sides being warned off each other, Merritt and Niko keep getting thrown together--and liking it. But Niko's coming off a terrible breakup and Merritt... well, she's coming off her life. Can they make it work?
This story has plenty of fun sexual tension and laughs, but overall, it's a rather serious romance that explores mental health, Merritt's tough issues as a teen rock star, sexual assault, and more. Both Merritt and Olivia are difficult characters to love: Merritt has been through a lot and she holds people at arm's length while Olivia can be awfully mean and lashes out at her sister in cruel ways. The more we learn about their past, the easier it is to understand their actions. As for Niko, he's one of those trope-filled romance teddy bears that you can't help but love. And he's handy!
This is a really witty story, but it's also insightful and poignant. Both Merritt and Niko have plenty of family drama and there's tons of sexual tension to propel the story forward. Also I'm just a sucker for stories that involve a famous person and a regular person falling for each other, even if some of Merritt's glory days are behind her.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Dell in return for an unbiased review.
July 23, 2025
I don't have much to say about this one! Parts of it were great, certain characters were written well, I just didn't feel any connection to the story and had very little interest in the main relationship...
Wasn't for me, but try it if you like heartwarming, cozy, small town romance!
Thank you to Ballantine & NetGalley for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Wasn't for me, but try it if you like heartwarming, cozy, small town romance!
Thank you to Ballantine & NetGalley for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 10, 2025
ava wilder is kind of at emily henry’s level to me, officially and isn’t that a crazy thing to say
Want to read
April 12, 2025this cover is to die for omg 😍.
May 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The cover of this of course initially drew me in because it’s gorgeous! However, this story was absolutely amazing!
At the beginning, I was very unsure of how I felt about Merritt and the way those around her behaved, but that changed once I found out more of her story. The tarot references in this were amazing, and I just loved that it was incorporated into Merritt and Niko’s story! Niko is a beautiful character, and the fact that he paints🤩I adore him. The fact that both main characters are bisexual too was an aspect that I loved! I didn’t feel like it was in a stereotypical way either, and I liked that Merritt called out the fetishization of bi celebrities.
Honestly, the only thing that I was unsure of was her sister, Olivia. The way that she spoke to her at some points, and I know she apologized, but I just don’t think anyone could move on as quickly as Merritt did from the things she said to her. Also, the way that she warned her away from Niko so heavily and was so genuinely angry about their relationship. It did rub me the wrong way that she felt so negatively towards her sister that way. I am happy that they were able to resolve everything and get along in the end, but I was really worried about their relationship for a minute.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone that loves a romance! It did have some mentions of heavier topics (abortion, drug use, etc), so make sure to check trigger warning!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the digital advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.
The cover of this of course initially drew me in because it’s gorgeous! However, this story was absolutely amazing!
At the beginning, I was very unsure of how I felt about Merritt and the way those around her behaved, but that changed once I found out more of her story. The tarot references in this were amazing, and I just loved that it was incorporated into Merritt and Niko’s story! Niko is a beautiful character, and the fact that he paints🤩I adore him. The fact that both main characters are bisexual too was an aspect that I loved! I didn’t feel like it was in a stereotypical way either, and I liked that Merritt called out the fetishization of bi celebrities.
Honestly, the only thing that I was unsure of was her sister, Olivia. The way that she spoke to her at some points, and I know she apologized, but I just don’t think anyone could move on as quickly as Merritt did from the things she said to her. Also, the way that she warned her away from Niko so heavily and was so genuinely angry about their relationship. It did rub me the wrong way that she felt so negatively towards her sister that way. I am happy that they were able to resolve everything and get along in the end, but I was really worried about their relationship for a minute.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone that loves a romance! It did have some mentions of heavier topics (abortion, drug use, etc), so make sure to check trigger warning!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the digital advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
3.5 stars
Ava Wilder is one of my favourite romance authors and this new novel of hers was such a delight to read. To start, I want to talk about how Some Kind of Famous gets this one specific dynamic so right: when you keep running into someone, and they keep running into you, and you're both in each other other's orbits all the time and so extremely aware of each other's presence that it feels like you've lived novels' worth of history together, even though the most you've done is make eye contact and maybe say hi. This is how Merritt and Niko's relationship starts, these moments where their hyperawareness of the other's presence is almost palpable, their interest in each other clearly there even when nothing has happened between them (yet).
From there, we get to see how Merritt and Niko finally break the ice and, slowly but surely, start to get to know each other. I loved their dynamic and relationship in all its stages--hesitant beginnings, small overtures, comfortable conversation, vulnerable self-disclosures, close intimacy--but I especially loved that initial slowburn, "I have a crush" stage. Nothing is more entertaining to me than watching two adult characters have to admit to themselves that they have a crush on someone. What can I say, I just eat it up. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ The more tentative and slow the beginnings, the more invested I am--and the more earned it feels--when the characters are able to finally break down those barriers and trust each other.
As for our two main characters, Merritt and Niko, I thought they were just lovely together. Merritt has been through a lot, and she's definitely not a perfect person--but that's exactly what makes her so compelling. I love a messy female main character, and I especially love that throughout this novel she works so hard to get to a place where she feels strong and steady in her life. (I also loved her relationship with her sister!) As for Niko, he is the sweetest man, so kind and considerate and generally just the nicest man on earth. Together, Merritt and Niko's romance is a gentle, slow-building one, not about major drama or miscommunications, but more so about them overcoming their hang-ups and letting their walls down. When I read a romance, what I'm always looking for is a sense of intimacy: do I feel like the narrative effectively conveys a sense of intimacy, like I'm close to the characters' feelings, and like the characters themselves feel close to each other? And that's something that Ava Wilder absolutely manages to do here. She's such a confident author, her writing always assured, hitting all the beats it needs to, whether comedic or dramatic.
Some Kind of Famous was just a lovely book. If you haven't read any of Ava Wilder's novels yet, I highly recommend checking out any book of hers (they're all great). Personally, I can't wait for more romance novels from her and I will absolutely be reading anything she comes out with next.
Ava Wilder is one of my favourite romance authors and this new novel of hers was such a delight to read. To start, I want to talk about how Some Kind of Famous gets this one specific dynamic so right: when you keep running into someone, and they keep running into you, and you're both in each other other's orbits all the time and so extremely aware of each other's presence that it feels like you've lived novels' worth of history together, even though the most you've done is make eye contact and maybe say hi. This is how Merritt and Niko's relationship starts, these moments where their hyperawareness of the other's presence is almost palpable, their interest in each other clearly there even when nothing has happened between them (yet).
From there, we get to see how Merritt and Niko finally break the ice and, slowly but surely, start to get to know each other. I loved their dynamic and relationship in all its stages--hesitant beginnings, small overtures, comfortable conversation, vulnerable self-disclosures, close intimacy--but I especially loved that initial slowburn, "I have a crush" stage. Nothing is more entertaining to me than watching two adult characters have to admit to themselves that they have a crush on someone. What can I say, I just eat it up. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ The more tentative and slow the beginnings, the more invested I am--and the more earned it feels--when the characters are able to finally break down those barriers and trust each other.
As for our two main characters, Merritt and Niko, I thought they were just lovely together. Merritt has been through a lot, and she's definitely not a perfect person--but that's exactly what makes her so compelling. I love a messy female main character, and I especially love that throughout this novel she works so hard to get to a place where she feels strong and steady in her life. (I also loved her relationship with her sister!) As for Niko, he is the sweetest man, so kind and considerate and generally just the nicest man on earth. Together, Merritt and Niko's romance is a gentle, slow-building one, not about major drama or miscommunications, but more so about them overcoming their hang-ups and letting their walls down. When I read a romance, what I'm always looking for is a sense of intimacy: do I feel like the narrative effectively conveys a sense of intimacy, like I'm close to the characters' feelings, and like the characters themselves feel close to each other? And that's something that Ava Wilder absolutely manages to do here. She's such a confident author, her writing always assured, hitting all the beats it needs to, whether comedic or dramatic.
Some Kind of Famous was just a lovely book. If you haven't read any of Ava Wilder's novels yet, I highly recommend checking out any book of hers (they're all great). Personally, I can't wait for more romance novels from her and I will absolutely be reading anything she comes out with next.
April 28, 2025
«Deeply rooted, but still growing.»
Such a complex, sweet, and spicy one-of-them-is-famous x small-town romance.
The cover made me feel some type of way…
Reading Some Kind of Famous felt like stepping into an alternate universe where one of my favorite artists just... slipped away.
Merritt has been MIA from the music scene for 10 years after a rough, traumatic rise to fame at a young age. Now, she’s living with her twin sister and her brother-in-law in a small Colorado town, where she buys a house that desperately needs... a handyman. (Let’s fucking gooo…)
«And even though he knew it was a joke, he didn't take for granted how precious it was that he had access to her mind at all.»
I really enjoyed the story and how emotional it got. Every time it seemed like we were heading toward a trope-cliché moment, the author pulled back in a fresh way. It kept the story really going for me.
I’m not the biggest fan of third-person POV, and honestly, it knocked about 30% off my enjoyment—but that’s 100% a me thing, not the author’s fault.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for the DRC!
˙⋆.˚୨ৎ ria’s romance rating scale ୨ৎ˙⋆.˚
• plot 72/100
• writing 65/100 (personal preference)
• characters 69/100
• giggle & feet-kick-ability 70/100
• general enjoyment 72/100
• cringe -0/-100
2/5 🌶️
total: 348
*500-451 - 6 stars
450-401 - 5 stars
400-341 - 4 stars
340-201 - 3 stars
200-101 - 2 stars
100-0 - 1 star
July 15, 2025
4.5!! Will write my full review very soon but I reeeeally enjoyed this
April 25, 2025
For me 'Some Kind of Famous' is a fun and quick romance read. It has the small town vibes, mental health representation, and zinging chemistry. It's a solid romance novel that I hope many readers gravitate to this autumn. There were some areas that felt like constant band aids being ripped off, there were fumbles in explaining certain actions, and a sudden third act romance trope that personally isn't a favourite of mine so I'm bumping down my rating to a 3 star. A quick romance read.
Thank you Ballantine-Dell for the digital arc!
Thank you Ballantine-Dell for the digital arc!
July 7, 2025
I love Ava Wilder's messy, layered characters, and the way she tells a story is like unraveling a long, tight braid. That braid contains information that is holding you captive and tense, and then you get that relief of understanding when she reveals things at the right time. I think it's important that she writes characters who have dealt with addiction, but aren't shiny, clean new selves. In this case, Merritt's had some distance from her past, but she's not claiming to be a whole new person that would never fall those patterns again and hurt someone. Niko is sweet and earnest, ready to get wrapped up in the chemistry they share, and I don't always like characters as nice as he is, but he just yearned for her so damn much and maybe that was his flaw? A totally sane man would probably run scared and avoid Merritt. Save himself ahead of time from her past coming back to haunt her and her shifting moods and mental health issues. Niko leans in, and eventually Merritt does too, and it's beautiful. Messy. Hopeful. These characters will take up space in my mind for a while.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
May 27, 2025
as a huge fan of ava’s book “will they or won’t they,” i was very excited to read this story and expected to fall in love with it. the book does have the ingredients to be the perfect small town romance story, however i did not gel with either the plot or the characters. i didn’t buy the chemistry and also didn’t connect with the characters. the best part of this book was the setting but i wish we had more atmospheric vibes with this being a small town romance.
with all that being said, i am truly very thankful for the opportunity to read this book before its release. thank you to ava wilder, netgalley, and random house publishing group - ballantine for the digital arc!
this book is expected to be released on october 28, 2025.
with all that being said, i am truly very thankful for the opportunity to read this book before its release. thank you to ava wilder, netgalley, and random house publishing group - ballantine for the digital arc!
this book is expected to be released on october 28, 2025.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
I really wanted to like this book but it unfortunately did not live up to my hopes.
My biggest issue was that inspite of having some important topics, it felt like they were handled carelessly. For example, Merritt is recovering from addiction which included limiting her alcohol intake yet they constantly met at a bar, went to a THC-infused dinner (and didn’t leave immediately), etc. Another example - there was references to being bisexual, being in fluid relationships, and being in polyamorous relationships. Given that this was an otherwise traditional heteronormative romance story, it felt performative mentioning the various relationships without going into different elements (e.g., Niko exploring his sexuality).
I also wish the various relationships were better built out. Niko and Merritt went from immature flirting to sharing deep personal truths with nothing in between. Meanwhile, Olivia and Merritt’s relationship never made sense - yes Olivia had her own issues to work through but she was consistently incredibly harsh towards Merritt and Merritt just accepted it.
Thank you to Ava Wilder, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
My biggest issue was that inspite of having some important topics, it felt like they were handled carelessly. For example, Merritt is recovering from addiction which included limiting her alcohol intake yet they constantly met at a bar, went to a THC-infused dinner (and didn’t leave immediately), etc. Another example - there was references to being bisexual, being in fluid relationships, and being in polyamorous relationships. Given that this was an otherwise traditional heteronormative romance story, it felt performative mentioning the various relationships without going into different elements (e.g., Niko exploring his sexuality).
I also wish the various relationships were better built out. Niko and Merritt went from immature flirting to sharing deep personal truths with nothing in between. Meanwhile, Olivia and Merritt’s relationship never made sense - yes Olivia had her own issues to work through but she was consistently incredibly harsh towards Merritt and Merritt just accepted it.
Thank you to Ava Wilder, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
I have really enjoyed Wilder's previous books. She does celebrity so well. But this one fell flat for me. I was into their relationship, but the sister was such a big distraction. Was she just a jerk? Were her fears and concerns valid? She was a lot. It felt a little long and slow at times but I was rooting for them so hard that I kept going. By about the mid point, I was invested in them but less so in their community and that's just not how I usually operate. All in all, the romance itself was good, but it just wasn't the deeply emotional page turning read that I expected.
June 16, 2025
There is truly nothing I love more than a small town romance wrapped in layers of nostalgia. An ode to slower, softer type of love between two flawed people who are scraping their way back to life. Merritt our once famous country singer was a beautifully written character, tucking herself away in a sleepy Colorado town to find herself, outside of the shadow of who she use to be. And Niko a younger soul who has old scars from his past relationship. The contractor Merrit needs. Leading these two to an unlikely pairing. The awkward yet endearing tension, quick witted banter and and open and heart wrenching vulnerable these two share with each other. I love that this book felt more character driven then event driven. Giving you insight deep into these characters thoughts and feels the turmoil, the connection that shines straight through the pages.
I love how slowly we get to see new sides of these two. Niko becoming such a swoony worthy and endearing hero. Showing his love in acts of service and wanting to take of Merrit in the way he best can show her. Merrit reclaiming her voice and all the pieces of herself she has left behind over the years to discover who she is now. Soft love and a softer voice.
This story gave me butterflies and felt like the perfect book to cozy up to the fireplace with, along with your favorite drink.
I love how slowly we get to see new sides of these two. Niko becoming such a swoony worthy and endearing hero. Showing his love in acts of service and wanting to take of Merrit in the way he best can show her. Merrit reclaiming her voice and all the pieces of herself she has left behind over the years to discover who she is now. Soft love and a softer voice.
This story gave me butterflies and felt like the perfect book to cozy up to the fireplace with, along with your favorite drink.
May 17, 2025
unfortunately this was not for me.
i turn to romance books to feel happy, but for some reason this book made me feel really stressed. maybe it was the imperfections in the characters - lots of body hair, not my thing - but also in the very prickly and hard to like nature of the FMC and the blandness and blind adoration of the MMC.
if you like lots of angst across the board, snippy FMCs, and docile MMCs then this might be for you. i will say these characters did feel real - but i wanted fiction.
thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!
i turn to romance books to feel happy, but for some reason this book made me feel really stressed. maybe it was the imperfections in the characters - lots of body hair, not my thing - but also in the very prickly and hard to like nature of the FMC and the blandness and blind adoration of the MMC.
if you like lots of angst across the board, snippy FMCs, and docile MMCs then this might be for you. i will say these characters did feel real - but i wanted fiction.
thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!
August 14, 2025
I don’t care if niko doesn’t want to relive a polyamorous relationship I NEED THEM TO MAKE ME BOTH THEIR GIRLFRIEND!!!!
it takes talent to make me enjoy a characters driven story with at its core insta-attraction and yet… ava wilder did it, the woman that she is. I’m an ava wilder fan, her book WTOWT changed my life literally so when this was hinted I was bursting at the seams. but then the synopsis came out and I was a bit scared bc it didn’t seem to have much plot around the romance. but I started the book, I felt home, I continued reading and the more I did the more convinced with this story I was
SKOF is a sexy story with so many emotional layers and characters that feels relatable it hurts. you get merritt and niko who are struggling in their 30’s trying to find a path that feels right while also trying not to endanger their hearts. but sometimes the chemistry is too much to ignore. so they give in and decide to enter the situationship territory but the more they interact with each other the most domestic they got. it just so freaking fabulous to witness
this book is on the spicier side but mixed in with the characters it just added flavours and depth to their emotional bond. merritt and niko are such admirable characters who are just perfectly imperfect for each other. they struggled, they feared, they got lost but along the way they found each other, the keys to their hearts
this book was a beautiful ode to human relationships with other people but also with yourself. it felt like a hug bc yes we all struggle but we are not alone doing that. it felt so hopeful seeing the growth of the characters and sometimes you just need that, hope.
the book has a few cameos that made me screamed so if you’ve been there since HTFIIH you’ll be very pleased. it was also intensely queer which I didn’t expect but highly welcomed. the spice was deliciously electric and the story never lost its angsty and edgier side. merritt is probably my favourite ava wilder fmc so far (sorry my love lilah)
also the meaning behind the cover????? MY HEART!!!!
anyway this was fabulous and a rollercoaster I love being on!!
thank you so much dell for the advanced copy!
ratings:
overall: 4.5⭐️
spice. 3.5🌶️
tension: 3.75⚡️
it takes talent to make me enjoy a characters driven story with at its core insta-attraction and yet… ava wilder did it, the woman that she is. I’m an ava wilder fan, her book WTOWT changed my life literally so when this was hinted I was bursting at the seams. but then the synopsis came out and I was a bit scared bc it didn’t seem to have much plot around the romance. but I started the book, I felt home, I continued reading and the more I did the more convinced with this story I was
SKOF is a sexy story with so many emotional layers and characters that feels relatable it hurts. you get merritt and niko who are struggling in their 30’s trying to find a path that feels right while also trying not to endanger their hearts. but sometimes the chemistry is too much to ignore. so they give in and decide to enter the situationship territory but the more they interact with each other the most domestic they got. it just so freaking fabulous to witness
this book is on the spicier side but mixed in with the characters it just added flavours and depth to their emotional bond. merritt and niko are such admirable characters who are just perfectly imperfect for each other. they struggled, they feared, they got lost but along the way they found each other, the keys to their hearts
this book was a beautiful ode to human relationships with other people but also with yourself. it felt like a hug bc yes we all struggle but we are not alone doing that. it felt so hopeful seeing the growth of the characters and sometimes you just need that, hope.
the book has a few cameos that made me screamed so if you’ve been there since HTFIIH you’ll be very pleased. it was also intensely queer which I didn’t expect but highly welcomed. the spice was deliciously electric and the story never lost its angsty and edgier side. merritt is probably my favourite ava wilder fmc so far (sorry my love lilah)
also the meaning behind the cover????? MY HEART!!!!
anyway this was fabulous and a rollercoaster I love being on!!
thank you so much dell for the advanced copy!
ratings:
overall: 4.5⭐️
spice. 3.5🌶️
tension: 3.75⚡️
August 10, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-close proximity
-rude how attractive you are
-black cat x golden retriever
-forbidden romance vibes
-former child star
-fixin up the house and our hearts
-hate how attracted to you I am
I'll read anything that Ava writes. I adored this book. The family dynamics, two people figuring out their place in their world. The attraction had me screaming. I adored how Ava centered the rebuilding of the home around these two also rebuilding trust and finidng something in each other neither expected. The banter, the chemistry, the former popstar of it all, Ava is writing the best hollywood romances. A must read and I cannot wait for whatever she writes next.Thank you to Netgalley and Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-close proximity
-rude how attractive you are
-black cat x golden retriever
-forbidden romance vibes
-former child star
-fixin up the house and our hearts
-hate how attracted to you I am
I'll read anything that Ava writes. I adored this book. The family dynamics, two people figuring out their place in their world. The attraction had me screaming. I adored how Ava centered the rebuilding of the home around these two also rebuilding trust and finidng something in each other neither expected. The banter, the chemistry, the former popstar of it all, Ava is writing the best hollywood romances. A must read and I cannot wait for whatever she writes next.
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-close proximity
-rude how attractive you are
-black cat x golden retriever
-forbidden romance vibes
-former child star
-fixin up the house and our hearts
-hate how attracted to you I am
I'll read anything that Ava writes. I adored this book. The family dynamics, two people figuring out their place in their world. The attraction had me screaming. I adored how Ava centered the rebuilding of the home around these two also rebuilding trust and finidng something in each other neither expected. The banter, the chemistry, the former popstar of it all, Ava is writing the best hollywood romances. A must read and I cannot wait for whatever she writes next.Thank you to Netgalley and Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-close proximity
-rude how attractive you are
-black cat x golden retriever
-forbidden romance vibes
-former child star
-fixin up the house and our hearts
-hate how attracted to you I am
I'll read anything that Ava writes. I adored this book. The family dynamics, two people figuring out their place in their world. The attraction had me screaming. I adored how Ava centered the rebuilding of the home around these two also rebuilding trust and finidng something in each other neither expected. The banter, the chemistry, the former popstar of it all, Ava is writing the best hollywood romances. A must read and I cannot wait for whatever she writes next.
August 4, 2025
This follows Merritt who has left her life in Los Angeles to start over in a small town in Colorado. Merritt grew up as a famous musician when she was a teenager into her early 20s. But life in Hollywood isn’t all the glitz and glam. After she hits rock bottom she decides that life isn’t for her anymore and she needs to start over. After living with her sister for a while it’s time for her to move out and into her new house. Before that can happen she wants to do renovations in her house. In comes the handyman, Niko, who is too kind to her and very attractive. They develop a friendship quite fast and realize their attraction to each other.
Now, I loved parts of this book but other parts had me screaming in frustration. Merritt is not a perfect person and has many flaws but she is still human. So many of the side characters treated her so poorly. It was very frustrating as a reader (or maybe just an empath) to see her get walked all over and talked down upon. Most of this comes from her sister. I found her reasoning at the end not good enough to treat any human being like that let alone your twin sister. She might forgive her but I do not. I also didn’t love the back and forth between the 2 main characters. They were in one second and out the next. I didn’t hate this book but I also wasn’t obsessed with it.
Thank you Dell for the arc
Now, I loved parts of this book but other parts had me screaming in frustration. Merritt is not a perfect person and has many flaws but she is still human. So many of the side characters treated her so poorly. It was very frustrating as a reader (or maybe just an empath) to see her get walked all over and talked down upon. Most of this comes from her sister. I found her reasoning at the end not good enough to treat any human being like that let alone your twin sister. She might forgive her but I do not. I also didn’t love the back and forth between the 2 main characters. They were in one second and out the next. I didn’t hate this book but I also wasn’t obsessed with it.
Thank you Dell for the arc
June 24, 2025
This book ripped my heart out in the best way possible.
The story of two realistically messy adults, who are acting like adults, communicating like adults and forming functional relationships! Bestill my heart, and give this book all of the stars.
A super slow burn romance between Nico, the small town handyman, artist, jack of all trades and the former bad girl musician, Merritt, who left fame behind.
These two had me in a chokehold with all of their insecurities and imperfections (even though Nico seemed kinda perfect to me).
Also, what a beautiful cover😍
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story of two realistically messy adults, who are acting like adults, communicating like adults and forming functional relationships! Bestill my heart, and give this book all of the stars.
A super slow burn romance between Nico, the small town handyman, artist, jack of all trades and the former bad girl musician, Merritt, who left fame behind.
These two had me in a chokehold with all of their insecurities and imperfections (even though Nico seemed kinda perfect to me).
Also, what a beautiful cover😍
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2025
I want to love this book, but I just didn’t. It was so slow moving, and not in the way of a slow burn. The story itself was slow and uneventful, leaving me bored and ready to close the book. I didn’t find the characters lovable and found myself skimming at various points in the chapters. Perhaps a better read for someone else, but it really wasn’t for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
July 14, 2025
4.5 stars! This book isn’t released yet, thank you Dell/Random House for the ARC. This book has so many layers/tough discussions/scenarios and all were touched on perfectly and made the book great. Loved the romance & growth between the main characters and felt like it was such an interesting storyline. Not your typical romance book, but I really really enjoyed it! It comes out in October, add to your TBR!
September 1, 2025
If you're looking for a cute small town romance, this one is for you! Some Kind of Famous follows an unexpected relationship between retired pop star and her contractor/handyman in the small quiet town of Crested Peak. Perfect for slow burn lovers!
I looooved Ava Wilder's previous works and was so excited to receive this arc! This book was such a good slow burn and it I loved seeing how Merritt and Niko's relationship blossom. I was annoyed at the miscommunication trope in this book and I'm usually a big fan of this trope. Merritt and Niko just didn't seem to communicate their feelings at all and it left them each wondering about their relationship. If they had just sat down and communicated their thoughts and feelings, we could've avoided much of the will they or won't they part of the book. I was also annoyed at Merritt for the way she handled the relationship. It wasn't really clear to me why exactly she couldn't be with him and it was communicated well.
Overall, I really enjoyed the small town romance vibes from this book. There were aspects that I thought could've been more developed and thought out, mainly the conflict in this book, but I enjoyed following the relationship. I loved the ending! I would definitely recommend if you're in search of a cozy small town romance!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!
I looooved Ava Wilder's previous works and was so excited to receive this arc! This book was such a good slow burn and it I loved seeing how Merritt and Niko's relationship blossom. I was annoyed at the miscommunication trope in this book and I'm usually a big fan of this trope. Merritt and Niko just didn't seem to communicate their feelings at all and it left them each wondering about their relationship. If they had just sat down and communicated their thoughts and feelings, we could've avoided much of the will they or won't they part of the book. I was also annoyed at Merritt for the way she handled the relationship. It wasn't really clear to me why exactly she couldn't be with him and it was communicated well.
Overall, I really enjoyed the small town romance vibes from this book. There were aspects that I thought could've been more developed and thought out, mainly the conflict in this book, but I enjoyed following the relationship. I loved the ending! I would definitely recommend if you're in search of a cozy small town romance!
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!
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