Parents' Guide to

Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss

By Rachel Sarah, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Light contemporary romance about chasing your dreams.

Book Kasie West Romance 2019
Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

StudiousStudent
StudiousStudent Adult
March 17, 2019
age 13+

Good!

I love Kasie West's novels. They're always clean and fun. I really wish more authors would write novels this clean. In this story, seventeen-year-old Lacey Barnes is an aspiring actress, and lands a role with super-famous (and good-looking) Grant James. She faces problems on set, family issues (her father is a little overprotective in her opinion), and some growing interest in a boy. Overall, there was absolutely no swearing (thank you, Kasie West!), but there was plenty of kissing (some in the movie Lacey was acting in) but not all of it is in the movie. The only more mature content is when some of the characters sneak into a house and find "white powder in a bag" in a drawer. If your child (or even yourself) would enjoy a fluffy, light romance, then definitely pick this up, and even consider getting West's other novels.
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What's the Story?

FAME, FATE, AND THE FIRST KISS opens with 17-year-old Lacey Barnes' face falling off. Well, her zombie face. It's a hot September in Los Angeles, and Lacey has dreamed since forever about becoming an actress. Now she's about to star in an indie movie alongside one of Hollywood’s hottest actors, 19-year-old Grant James. Lacey has left her home and school to share a little apartment with her father, who's hired a tutor (Donovan Lake) to help her keep up with her homework. Lacey faces one challenge after another with her co-stars and tutor, and when it looks like someone on set is trying to sabotage her, it's hard to stay focused.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

This light romance emphasizes following your dreams, but it's a bit slow and repetitive in places, and the characters seem underdeveloped. Some parents will like the fact that this story has no swearing or sex, and teens will like the protagonist's determination and quick banter. But the characters and story sometimes fall flat.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how self-esteem is explored in Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss. Have you ever been bullied? Or bullied someone else? How did you face this?

  • What do you think it would be like to grow up with an overbearing parent? Do you know anyone who's dealing with that?

  • Have you ever felt like a boy or girl in your midst distracted you from focusing on your dreams? How did you find your focus?

Book Details

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