Book Review: Famous by Default by MK Harkins

Summary:

Jax
Buried,
By my family's fame.
Dying to escape the limelight,
And finally, I do.

Being raised as a Jayne, I'm under constant scrutiny. The rock band my brothers formed makes it impossible to stay under the radar. Paparazzi, tabloids, rabid fans--you name it and I've got it. It all makes me sick. But getting shipped off to crazy Aunt Betty's house in my senior year of high school isn't any better. After all, there isn't a stray kid or pet in the world that my aunt wouldn't take in.

Then I meet her. She's cautious, suspicious, and not interested in me at all. But that's fine by me. Sivan Holt may be beautiful and intelligent, but she's nothing I'm looking for.

Sivan
Drowning,
In my past.
Struggling to feel settled.
And finally, I do.

Growing up in the foster care system, I longed for a sense of belonging. All I wanted was a place to call home.
At the age of seventeen, I'm finally starting to feel it here. Home.

When he comes along, it unsettles me. I don't want him to ruin everything we've built--everything that matters. Jax Jayne is arrogant, privileged, and I want nothing to do with him. But those green eyes of his keep drawing me in. If I let down my walls, will it be my final undoing?

Release Date: March 2017
Age Group: YA, Hollywood Glam, Contemporary
Source: Netgalley
Reviewed By:  Nat

Review:

The epilogue will get you. 

Famous by Default was a coming of age story that had the emotional twists and secrets that make for a tragically beautiful story. You will be sad, angry, happy, have butterflies and then just plain confused-- you know, the typical emotional roller-coaster that every good story brings, basically #thefeels.

FBD is told in multiple POV and I really liked the shift between characters. The more I got to know Sivan, I just wanted to bring her home and let her take care of my chickens, feed her and tell her no one was going to hurt here ever again. 

Jax. Well initially I just wanted to choke the kid. I kept imagining him as the Jonas brother that no one knew (not the real life little brother but more like Nick's twin). His famous brothers were just Rockstars {literally} and I actually wouldn't mind reading a spin-off based on their lives of fame and fortune. < Seriously Harkins, don't hold back.

MK Harkins does a great job of character growth as the story progresses and I did end up liking Jax quiet a bit. Every person introduced throughout the story is so likable and real.  I want an Aunt Betty! She was a treasure and I loved all her quirks.

I really enjoyed the story pace and never felt like it was rushed or that it was dragging. With every chapter I got another piece of both Sivan & Jax's history and it was exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. 

If you are a fan of contemporary lit mixed with a little Hollywood glam, then Famous by Default is for you!