Latest Read: Not In the Script by Amy Finnegan

Not In the Script (If Only . . . #3) by Amy Finnegan
Publication date: Oct. 7, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Received ARC from publisher (Thanks!)
Summary: Millions of people witnessed Emma Taylor’s first kiss—a kiss that needed twelve takes and four camera angles to get right. After spending nearly all of her teen years performing on cue, Emma wonders if any part of her life is real anymore, particularly her relationships. Jake Elliott’s face is on magazine ads around the world, but his modeling deals were a poor substitute for what he had to leave behind. Now acting is offering Jake everything he wants: close proximity to home; an opportunity to start school; and plenty of time with the irresistible Emma. When Jake takes Emma behind the scenes of his real life, she begins to see how genuine he is, but on-set relationships always end badly. Don’t they? Toss in Hollywood’s most notorious heartthrob and a resident diva, and the production of Coyote Hills heats up in unexpected—and romantic—ways. (Adapted goodreads.com)

The good

Not In the Script is the second book in the If Only series that I’ve read and let me tell you, these books are so much fun! They’re great for something light but still engaging and this latest one is my favorite thus far. It alternates between Emma Taylor and Jake Elliot who become co-stars on an up-and-coming TV show, Coyote Hills. Emma is a famous actress who is not only good at what she does but is surprisingly grounded despite her fame. In comparison, Jake is a model only known for looking gorgeous but this is his big break and it’s an opportunity he takes seriously. When they meet, the attraction is immediate but they both (well more so Emma) have reasons for ignoring how they feel. But I was pretty much rooting for them to throw caution to wind by their first conversation (although, does laughing at someone count as a conversation?).

The author does a great job of creating characters that you can relate to despite their celebrity status. She really fleshed out Emma and Jake, letting us take a good long look into their home life, hopes, dreams and their palpable chemistry. For Emma, acting was something she love and chose. Her father doesn’t completely consider it a viable lifelong career, she has two younger brothers she adores and her mom is her manager which is starting to ruin their relationship. I thought the focus on the latter was especially interesting. I mean I know all about butting heads with a parent and if my mom was managing my professional career on top of everything else, I would go crazy. I liked how Emma tried to assert her independence and do more beyond acting. She’s also a loyal best friend to someone whose motives I could personally read a mile away. But it felt real (there’s one conversation towards the end that definitely hit a personal note with me).

With Jake, he’s not just a pretty boy. He’s a natural actor who has his reasons for pursuing this particular career. I enjoyed how at first glance he was just this nice, talented guy who was new to the industry. But as we get to know him, there are other layers to his personal life which made me like him even more and made his connection to Emma even more realistic. They really bond and talk, which is super important to me if I’m going to feel invested in a relationship. They do hit some roadblocks though which made me want to shake them both in frustration but what’s romance without a little drama, right?

(No) reservations

There were some parts I was kind of getting worked up over but not in a bad way. More like an invested, would you guys just communicate kind of way. If that makes any sense at all.

Do I recommend?

Yes! I know I said earlier this book is light but the more I think about it, the more I want to say that it's also well-rounded complete with thoughtful characters. It's light but with just the right amount of drama. I really, really enjoyed it!

Happy reading!