27 Faux Celebrity Fiction and Influencer Books About the Famous Life

Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson

Don’t let the cover fool you! This story definitely needs to be on our winter books list. It’s all about an influencer embroiled in scandal who agrees to help her uncle revitalize visitor interest in the national park he runs or else it will be shut down.

Given that she lands in the middle of a snowstorm, ends up battling the elements, participates in winter games, and meets a burly forest ranger, this romance screams fireside reading.

It’s fun for our list of books about influencers too!

People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd *Katie Recommends

Emmy aka @the_mamabare is the hottest momfluenster around. With over a million followers, Emmy has everything, including her two children that she uses to her advantage to gain followers.

While her husband Dan doesn’t love what Emmy does for work, there is no doubt it pays the bills while he works on his second novel. Unfortunately, there is someone that doesn’t believe Emmy deserves her success, and she is determined that Emmy lose everything she has lost.

This influencer book definitely kept me guessing, and it is 100% a love to hate the main character situation. Either way, I think this book was fantastic and definitely made me think twice about “influencers” I follow and what I believe from them.

Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez *Katie Recommends

This was my favorite book in this series by the fabulous Abby Jimenez! Adrian, Vanessa, Grace, and their entire cast of characters won my heart over immediately and left me in tears.

Vanessa is a YouTube star whose sarcasm was a true gem and had me laughing throughout the entire story. Well….until she had me crying! This is such a fun influencer book.

Followers by Megan Angelo *Katie Recommends

This book covers Orla and Floss in 2016 and also follows Marlow in 2051. The time periods are incredibly different, and technology has changed in massive ways.

While Orla and Floss are living it up as influencers in 2016, Marlow is living her life 100% on screen in 2051. Every second of her day except for bathroom breaks and doctor’s appointments are on screen for the world to see and her life is run by the production company.

I went into this one pretty blind and I’m glad I did so I didn’t want to give too much away! Think of the Truman show. That is Marlow’s life. Meanwhile, Floss is basically the girl that just came back from being on the bachelor and is selling you skinny tea.

This book was so great but also incredibly scary. I think this book did a great job showing the good and not-so-good sides of the digital world, and I truly enjoyed it. Its definitely one of the more thought-provoking influencer books.

First Comes Like by Alisha Rai *Katie Recommends

Jia, a beauty influencer, is so excited to finally meet the man she has been talking to. Until she introduces herself and he acts like he has no idea who she is.

Dev is incredibly confused when Jia finally tells him that they have been talking and falling for each other for months. Jia is mortified when she realizes she has been catfished, and even more so when she starts to fall for the real man.

I completely fell for both Jia and Dev, as well as the cast of characters in their lives! They were so real and just genuinely great characters!

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner *Katie Recommends

Daphne and Drue had a very “mean girls” high school friendship. Drue had it all, and Daphne loved being in her friend group, except for when Drue pushed her to the outside. After a night out, Daphne decides this friendship is not a good one for her.

Six years later, Due tracks Daphne down, with a huge request. To be her maid of honor. Daphne gives in, but when a tragedy strikes the night before the wedding, Daphne isn’t sure what to do.

I thought the look at social media and influencers (Daphne is one) was very timely and fascinating. I also enjoyed that Weiner dove into some difficult topics such as body image, expectations of women, and especially social media and the trolls that can live there.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

January 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Such a Fun Age is a remarkable debut contemporary fiction from Philadelphia native Kiley Reid. This novel made me think and question the role our environment plays in who we are and who we become. ⁣ I love how the author addresses racism without drilling it in. 

Rather, she shows what it looks like from the overt to the subtle. The book focuses on the relationship between an African -American woman who is a nanny and her employer who is a white woman.

This influencer book about friendship is different than the other books on this list because the friendship is so one-sided. There is so much to discuss which makes it a perfect book for book clubs.

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

This is a Jane Austen retelling featuring a Southern home decor influencer! Told by both the second wife and through the diary entries of the first, this domestic thriller is perfect for year-round reading.

Kirsten was shocked, Jackie guessed a lot of it, but we Both enjoyed it a great deal. Who would have thought that so many influencer books would be thrillers?

If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier *Katie Recommends

This was a different take on the podcaster idea that I feel has been popular recently. I really liked that the podcaster was the missing person, and a fan was the one doing the investigating this time.

While I did have a pretty good idea of who the “bad guy” was, this book still kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. I’m loving the podcaster books trend.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin *Katie Recommends

After the first season of her true-crime podcast, and setting an innocent man free, Rachel is quickly the newest sensation! She has gone to lengths to keep her identity a secret, but on her way to the trial for the newest season, Rachel finds a note under the windshield of her car.

Hannah is convinced her sister didn’t just drown but was murdered 25 years ago. While investigating for the new season, the letters keep showing up. Can Rachel help solve a new crime and an old one this time?

This one had me flipping pages trying to figure out what happened. I loved the podcast element of the story, and Rachel was such a badass throughout the book.

The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

I picked up The Ex-Talk because I wanted to read a romance by a Jewish author. I loved that this one featured a biracial, interfaith couple.

The concept was cute – two radio show hosts fake a relationship to try to get ratings. Except they are pretending they already dated and broke up… which eventually leads to them actually dating. It was a cute, easy read.

The Sunset Crowd by Karin Tanabe

This fashion book set in Hollywood in the 1970s is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. In the backdrop of Hollywood, three women with ambition try and stay on top with their unrelenting ambition in a time when men ruled the industry.

I learned so much about the world of fashion, film, and music in the 70s. I was so intrigued by the cast of characters who ruled the Sunset Strip and the con artist in their midst. This 70s book swept into their world and I never wanted to leave.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This best book of 2019 pick needs to be listened to, not read. Seriously, I think this might be one of the best audiobooks of all time.

I expect it to sweep the Audies this year for sure because full cast audiobooks can really take the story to the next level. The book is laid out in chronological order about the making of a band in the 70s, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.

The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances the actors give are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.

This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways. This is one of the novels about music that isn’t for the faint of heart and is a feel-good book you will not want to miss.

The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton

This is the closest of the books like Daisy Jones and The Six. It’s told in an interview format and is about a band from the 70s. The comparison makes sense… and yet…

This 70s book is wonderful in its own right! No comparison is needed. It looks at sexism and racism in the music industry during this time period and is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is a total must-read. This is one of the full cast audiobooks that we included in our Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books to Brighten your Day

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

Bel Canto’s story about a months-long hostage situation was lovely. It was so interesting to see the relationship between the hostages and their captures develop.

One of the main people is a famous Opera singer and the reason everyone was at the venue on the night of the capture. The movie adaptation was great too.

Advika and the Hollywood Wives by Kirthana Ramisetti

Advika Srinivasan is trying to overcome the death of their twin sister and working as a bartender when she meets Julian Zelding, a film producer who is 41 years older than she is. After a whirlwind romance, she becomes Julian’s fourth wife.

But when his first wife dies and leaves Advika $1,000,000 under the stipulation that she divorces him, she starts to question her feelings for him and his sudden desire to start a family.

I loved Ramisetti’s first family drama and this one was fun too, though not quite as wonderful as Dava Shastri. Still, I enjoyed the mystery as it unfolded and the way Advika finally started to come into her own. It was such a fun celebrity fiction tale – a perfect Hollywood novel for the beach.

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin

With all the reboots of hit classic shows happening in real life, it’s no surprise that someone finally wrote about it!

The Daydreams was a hit tv show in 2004 with a cast of teenagers who had it all until everything was ruined during the live season finale. Now, the fans are demanding a reunion but, will old secrets threaten everything they have worked for?

This is one of the juicy celebrity fiction beach reads for 2023. The secrets of the three former stars unravel in the present day and flashbacks had me nostalgic for my childhood. It was a wildly entertaining story that had me on the edge of my seat.

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

May 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Upon her death, White silver screen star, Kitty Karr, leaves her entire estate to three young Black women. It results in a lot of questions, which Elise St. John, one of the recipients intends to find the answers to.

As Elise digs into Kitty’s past, she uncovers truths that could unravel Kitty’s legacy, Elise’s career, and the entire Sr. John family.

I loved this story about Kitty’s past. It starts with how she had to leave her family behind to pass as white, covers her career, and explores the choices she made to keep her secret. It was both thought-provoking and entertaining, making it a perfect pick for ultimate beach reads and also for book clubs.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

Cormoran Strike is a private investigator on the verge of failure when a client walks through the door with an amazing story.  

He is the brother of the recently deceased Lulu Landry, a famous supermodel. Refusing to believe his sister’s death was a suicide, he wants Cormoran to prove she was murdered.  

If I am honest, I would have read this book no matter what because of who wrote it.  However, I kept reading the series because I love it.  The last book was close to 700 pages so, there was no way I was reading that if I wasn’t totally invested in these characters. 

Rowling has a way of starting small, introducing you to characters, and sucking you in.  Cormoran Strike is the exact opposite of Chief Inspector Gamache.  He is flawed and cranky but, you will love him just the same.

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

Omg. Is it possible for me to give this book all the heart eyes? 😍😍😍 This was my first ever Christina Lauren book and I don’t know how I’ve held out for this long. I mean… have I been living under a rock? Sam was Tate’s first love when she fell for him on her 18th birthday trip, but he exposed her in the worst way possible.

Now a big-name actress, the last person she expects to see on-set is the man who broke her heart. UGH. I loved it so much. It gave me all the feels!!! Second-chance romance novels are just made for cozy fall nights – especially when they are set on a farm!! Ok. Done cheesing, but you should totally read this if you are into fiction books about celebrities.

Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper by Hilary Liftin

A fictionalized account of the TomKat relationship that was the talk of the town for quite a few years. 

Told from the perspective of the wife, Lizzie Pepper, we get a faux look at the world of Scientology and Hollywood. It’s over the top in the best way possible. I adore this celebrity fiction book.

Stay up with Hugo Best by Erin Somers

The book takes place over the Memorial Day weekend after famed comedian, Hugo Best, retires from his late-night comedy show. June, a former writer’s assistant on the show (and a stranger) is invited by Hugo to stay with him for the weekend.

The book is told entirely from June’s perspective as she spends the weekend with the man she’s idolized since childhood. Despite the 30 year age difference, June is prepared to spend the weekend enjoying Hugo’s splendid mansion as well as his bed. But all doesn’t go to plan.

What could have been simply a fluff read, turned into a commentary on what the pursuit of fame does to a person, his family, and his values. Instead of a riotously fun weekend, June is at the epicenter of Hugo’s downfall.

This celebrity fiction book is fun but complicated, the characters are richly drawn, and the writing kept me flipping the pages and laughing out loud numerous times.

A Star is Bored by Byron Lane

A Star is Bored is a funny, yet poignant look at the life of a celebrity personal assistant.⁣ Charlie hates his life working on the graveyard shift as a writer for the news. When he miraculously lands his dream job as a personal assistant to Kathi Kannon, Hollywood royalty, he is sure that he is set for life. ⁣
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Kathi is known for her last roles and her current crazy life. As Kathi and Charlie embark on trips and shopping sprees, they become more than just an employer and her enamored employee. Charlie must eventually come to terms with his life as his own leading man. ⁣

What a great first book by Byron Lane who was once a personal assistant to Carrie Fisher. This book is based on the author’s time in that job. Crazy, funny, and at times sad, I really enjoyed this celebrity fiction book.

Winterland: A Novel by Rae Meadows

I’ve always been a firm lover of the Olympics, so I was eager to read this historical fiction book set in the 70s and 80s Soviet Union about an Olympic gymnast.

Having read a few books about gymnasts in the past, I was prepared for Anya’s ill-treatment at the hands of her coaches and trainers. I found the added elements of Russian communist life to be fascinating and helpful in creating a reason for her drive to be a legend. It’s on our list of books set in winter too!

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams *Katie Recommends

The first rule of book club? You don’t talk about book club. Especially when book club consists of some of the areas top male athletes reading romance novels.

Gavin’s marriage is ending. Both he and his wife have made some big mistakes, and he doesn’t know how to fix what is broken. That’s where book club comes in. But how will reading romance with his friends help him save his marriage?

This book was so good. I went in with some skepticism, I mean a book about a guy’s book club? It definitely proved me wrong. I loved watching the breaking and remaking of Gavin and Thea’s relationship and adored watching Gavin grow throughout the book.

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

I just adored this book.  It was such a sweet and light pick from this list of romance books. When Evvie’s husband dies unexpectedly in a car crash, she is still staying in her house a year later.  Everyone in her small town thinks that she is overcome with grief but in actuality, it is guilt. 

Dean is a retired major league baseball pitcher who woke up one day and was unable to throw the ball over the plate.   When he moves into the apartment in the back of Evvie’s house the two become friends and agree to never talk about baseball or the dead husband. 

Break the Fall by Jennifer Lacopelli

This YA novel is all about Olympic Gymnasts. It follows a fictional gymnast’s quest to make the Olympic team while trying to juggle friendships, family, rivalry, and chronic pain.

The book also heavily discusses sexual abuse from a Team USA coach. I think the balance was handled well for a book geared at young adults.

It balances the fun of the games with the seriousness of the assault scandal quite well. 

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

May 2023 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

This book was a doozy in the most thought-provoking way. The story is about the stars of Chain-Gang All-Stars, the reality tv show that pits prisoners against each other in gladiator-type fights to the death.

Thurwar and Staxxx are stars of the show, brutally killing anyone they come up against, but as Thurwar gets ready to win her freedom after 3 years on TV, the creatures of the show throw many hurdles in her path.

This searing look at racism and classism feels highly relevant to today’s world when a show like this could easily exist in some states. The reality tv book was so unique. Even days later I can’t stop thinking about the all-stars, the protesters fighting for their rights, and the stunning conclusion to this book.

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London *Katie Recommends

Bea is a well-known plus-size fashion blogger, but quickly becomes more well known when she calls out everyone’s favorite tv show “Main squeeze” for having no diversity in the size of their cast members.

She has recently had her heart broken by her long-time best friend, so when the show reached out to her to be the next Main Squeeze, she is hesitant but ultimately decides to take the risk. This is just for her career though, she will NOT fall in love with any of these men.

This reality tv book was just so much fun and if you are a Bachelor fan, you should definitely read it!! This one could have gone in the influencer books section too.

The Chicken Sisters by K.J. Dell’ Antonia

This was an enjoyable family drama based around two sisters competing in a fictional reality tv food competition. As the competition turns to tricks and sabotaging, the sisters’ war with each other turns ugly.

Family secrets just keep getting exposed and the hijinx get better and better. This was the perfect light read to end 2020 with. I’m in love with the reality tv books trend.

For more Reese Witherspoon Book Club Picks (ranked) check out this post.

The Honey Don’t List by Christina Lauren

This one is for all you Chip and Joanna Gaines fans.⁣  Imagine if behind-the-scenes a beloved TV decorating couple actually hated each other’s guts.

Then imagine that they have decided to put out a book about their marriage and are heading out on tour. How to keep the trouble in paradise under wraps? Bring along a longtime female assistant and a new handsome quasi-assistant to monitor the situation.

Let’s just hope the assistants can stay out of each other’s pants long enough to keep their bosses out of trouble.⁣ This is one of my favorite reality tv books like Fix Her Up.

The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll

It’s a thriller and chick-lit and feminist literature all in one! You start off knowing there is a murder and then traveling back to find out what happened and why she was killed.

But here is the kicker – the victim is a REALITY TV STAR. So the whole thing is like watching a behind-the-scenes look at Desperate Housewives.

It was seriously amazing guys.  It’s truly the perfect beach read and a great one for our list of reality tv books.