Deeply Rooted But Still Growing.

I recently finished reading Some Kind of Famous by Ava Wilder. This is OwlCrate's December Quarterly Romance book.

This exclusive edition features an exclusive redesigned dust jacket and stenciled edges by @scribbubbles, a reversible dust jacket by @illustriousjane, a hardcover case design by @duckhymn, and end pages by @emmagilletteart. The book is also signed by author T. Kingfisher on an author page with an author's letter bound into the book, as well as bonus content.

**POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT**

  Rating: 3.75/5 stars

"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."

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.

Check out Some Kind of Famous, and discover what happens when you allow yourself to still grow.

Happy Reading :)