Not in the Script

If Only . . . #3

by Amy Finnegan

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 lucrative 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 finally start school; and plenty of time with the smart and irresistible Emma Taylor . . . if she would just give him a chance.

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 who may or may not be as evil as she seems, and the production of Coyote Hills heats up in unexpected—and romantic—ways.

This novel in the deliciously fun If Only romance line proves that the best kinds of love stories don’t follow a script.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult Romance

392 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

Amy Finnegan writes her own stories because she enjoys falling in love over and over again, and thinks everyone deserves a happy ending. She likes to travel the world—usually to locations where her favorite books take place—and owes her unquenchable thirst for reading to Jane Austen and J.K. Rowling. Her debut novel, NOT IN THE SCRIPT (Bloomsbury, Oct 2014), came about after hearing several years of behind-the-scenes stories from her industry veteran brother. She’s also been lucky enough to visit dozens of film sets and sit in on major productions such as Parks and Recreation, and Parenthood.

You can follow Amy on Instagram @Amy.Finnegan, or Facebook (Amy Finnegan, Author). She is represented by Erin Murphy of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Read about Amy's journey to publication (as well as her great love for all things Harry Potter) here: http://emusdebuts.wordpress.com/2013/...

IMPORTANT NOTE: On Goodreads, you'll see several books attached to my name other than Not in the Script that I am not actually the author of. I'm not sure who attached me to those titles, but Not in the Script, published by Bloomsbury, is my only published work (:

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So. Much. Fun.

No. Seriously.

As many of you know, I am not big into romance, especially teen romance. It's just not my thing.

But I loved this book.

Let's face It: most of us secretly want to be famous. We watch TV and think, Her life must be so awesome. I want to get paid a bajillion dollars just to look pretty (and have a whole team of people to make me look pretty) and get free Prada handbags and shoes and have a gold-plated bathtub. We've all thought this, don't lie to me and say you haven't! But let's pause to think about WHY we know that Jay-z and Beyonce have a gold-plated tub: because of the tabloids. Because everywhere they go, they're followed by photographers and reporters. "Sources close to the couple reveal that they sleep on fur pillows and bathe in the tears of Mayan virgins." Who are these sources? Well, it might be a lie because that reporter couldn't dig up anything, but it also might be a trusted friend or family member who decided to sell the info to the press. Yowza.

And that's the world of NOT IN THE SCRIPT. Emma is a child star who's grown up in the spotlight. Every date she's been on has been publicized and analyzed. A quick trip to the grocery store for some celery causes speculation that she's starving herself with an all-celery diet, and she suspects that her best friend has sold some of her secrets to the tabloids. Jake is a model who is only in the business because his family needs the money. He's not used to being followed by paparazzi, or being careful about where he goes and who he talks to. So life is more than usually complicated for Jake and Emma, and everyone around them. Along with the usual pressures of school, family, and friends, they're working full time on a new TV show. The success of the show, and so the careers of hundreds of people in the cast and crew, rest in the four principal actors, all of whom are teens, and all of whom are being stalked by paparazzi who are hoping that they screw up and date the wrong person who get in an argument with a friend, the way normal teens do every day. But that's not acceptable when you're a star.

This book was so fun and fascinating! It was romantic without being insipid. No one grazed anyone's jaw with their thumb. Emma wasn't constantly manhandled by guys she just met, except for this one guy, who is known to be inappropriately handsy. (Those are my two pet peeves in romances. The jaw rubbing and the grabbing.) There was humor and drama in spades as well. Finnegan has been on the sets of a number of TV shows, because she has a family member who is an assistant director, and there's lots of great, insidery details. I normally don't fall for teen guys in YA books, because I am an old lady, but honestly . . . Jake . . . Oooohhh. I kept thinking of Flynn Ryder in Tangled: You leave me no choice! Here comes the smolder! (So much smolder! But not in a pretentious way!) And Emma was delightful, because she was so real. She's the kind of person I would like to be friends with: complex, interesting, and fun. I stayed up late reading, because I just had to know what was going to happen next.

Hilariously, I kind of knew, because I read the manuscript, but the finished book still kept me up!

Yes, I'm lucky enough to count Amy Finnegan as a friend! DRAGON SPEAR is dedicated to Amy because she inspired its plot, and she was my romance consultant on that book. (I'm not kidding. She had to mark in the margins of the manuscript where Creel and Luka should kiss, hug, or hold hands, because: not my thing.) I'm so excited for her first book!

And so very excited to tell you that, in all honesty and setting our friendship aside, it's REALLY, REALLY GOOD!

[Paula M · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can also read my review HERE!!

It is so adorable. SO ASDFGHJKL.



We all need to read books like this often. Not In the Script made me all feel giggly (is that a word) swoony and definitely warmed my heart. Yes, LOVE is such a wonderful thing and yes, it doesn't follow a script at all!

Emma Taylor is an artist and she's one of the new stars of the TV show Coyote Hills! As a main protagonist and one of the point of view in this book, Emma is not really hard to like. She's relatable and genuine. Being inside her head is like a walk in the park, there's no struggles and I just glide through out the book because her voice is soothing and light. This novel worked out so much for me because the characters are well defined and absolutely likeable. It's not just Emma, but the whole cast.. the whole crew. Jake is... yeah, I dare you to hate this guy! One chapter and I bet you will lose. This guy is decent and doesn't have a stain of douchebag syndrome (Ha. Just made that up) Oh he's not perfect! No one in this book is. But there's where the character development came in. I love how the two characters fight for their feelings for each other and grow as a character at the same time.


You know those romance that is so grin worthy because it's just so darn cute and makes you feel like there are butterflies in your stomach? The way the two characters ended up together is indeed slow.. But it was fun to read. In here, no one is aggressive and no one is forcing anything to each other. They had their share of stupid and idiotic things to do as a book character and I love how the author constructed the whole thing towards the end. YES, I am absolutely satisfied.

I have nothings to say about Amy Finnegan's writing except that it's excellent. Her words seeps right into me immediately that's why I didn't have a hard time reading it when I was 2 to 3 chapters in.

And how cool is that we're reading how actors do their job and how it all works behind the camera? Yeah, I love that aspect too! I learned new things and it was fun.

Overall, Not In The Script has become a 2014 favorite. It's fun, it's sweet and absolutely heartfelt. Its like my grandmother always says, 'Isn't it great to be young and in love?'

[Danielle (Love at First Page) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not in the Script is the definition of a pleasant surprise. Honestly, I’m not all that crazy about Hollywood stories. Most of the time I have trouble accepting how realistic and genuine they are and so second guess everything I’m reading. Amy Finnegan’s book, though, completely charmed me. The tone is lighter than I expected, for one thing, so it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yet, on the flip side, the main characters are so likeable that I could easily picture myself being friends with them in real life. Even though their careers as actors play an important role in the story, they still come across as down to earth. It also helps that I found the romance not only believable and well-earned at the end, but adorable as in let-me-smoosh-your-faces-together, too. Yes, I definitely shipped it. Not in the Script gave me all those butterfly feelings, exactly what I was hoping for, and I’m so happy I decided to pick it up.

Here are some of the book's highlights:

The story. The book is told from the perspectives of Emma Taylor – a successful teen actress – and Jake Elliot – model-turned-actor who deep down would rather pursue a business career. They are both cast in an upcoming television series, alongside another actor who Emma has had a crush on forever (from afar) and a brand new Hollywood starlet. There’s also Emma’s best friend, who has always been a massive Jake (“the Bod”) fangirl. Think you can see how the romantic drama plays out? Well, I was wrong, so you might be, too. If that early description doesn’t sound all that appealing to you, that’s okay, because Not in the Script has a few surprises up its sleeve. First, no love triangles (or even squares, in this case), so breathe easy. There’s no romantic entanglements in that regard, unless it’s a misunderstanding. There is a forbidden aspect to Emma and Jake’s relationship, since Emma doesn’t want to hurt her friend and so keeps them a secret, but the tone always stays comfortably light. It’s a fun, sweet story that had me smiling and clapping and quickly turning the pages

The setting. Much of the book takes place on the set of Emma and Jake’s television series. It’s a nice peek at what goes on behind the scenes of a film crew – all the goofs, blunders, and general mayhem that can sometimes ensue. This is the part of the book I expected any reservations I would have to stem from, but thankfully nothing seemed over the top or unrealistic. As I read on, I found myself really enjoying how Amy Finnegan describes the film set. She includes snippets of Emma and Jake’s screenplay, different terminology, the hair and make-up preparation actors have to go through, what filming actually looks like from the perspective of an actor, the destructiveness of tabloid articles, etc. It brings the story to life in surprisingly creative ways.

The characters. I’ve already mentioned how much I like Emma and Jake. A lot of that has to do with how well they acted their age, despite their environment. They come across as neither too hardened due to their line of work nor too immature due to any personal success going to their heads. They both have these big hearts, are passionate about what they love, and aren’t afraid to be their goofy selves. Of course, this wouldn’t be a story if the characters didn’t have to grow. Emma, for all that she’s level-headed and smart, tends to let the people in her life walk all over her, and that includes her mom slash manager and her best friend. I think that’s a major part of growing up – learning when to put your foot down and start making the adult decisions in your life. I was really rooting for Emma to stand up for herself. As for Jake, what he’s dealing with made him that much more endearing. His mom, who he has an amazing relationship with, recently had a stroke and so he puts aside his own dreams to help support her. Rather than pursue a business degree, he agrees to model and act so that he can pay for the things she wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. He is such a genuine guy – not to mention full of wit and tease when it comes to Emma – that I couldn’t help but wish he’d get what he wanted.

As for the supporting cast, I didn’t necessarily like an of them, but Amy Finnegan does a good job of making them all multidimensional. Kimmi, the hot-headed diva, and Brett, the self-centered but sexy heartthrob, both seem like your stereotypical actors at first, and they are annoying on several occasions, but there’s depth to them as well. They will surprise you a couple times. Their roles in the story are an effective way to show that what we read in tabloids and newspapers is never the full truth. As for Emma’s best friend, let’s just say there’s no love lost there. She is truly the only source of frustration (and disbelief) for me in the book. I wanted her out of the picture and out of the way of Emma and Jake’s relationship. She’s so clueless about how relationships work, and I was just waiting for Emma to tell her like it is.

The cute romance. There are so many adorable aspects to Jake and Emma’s relationship – the excellent banter that shows them as just a couple of goofballs; the will-they-or-won’t-they, just-kiss-already dynamic; the eventual sneaking around that is more sweet and fun than anxiety-inducing. I found it impossible not to want them to just dive right in, their chemistry is that strong. They are so perfect together, it’s obvious, but complications force them to dance around each other for a while and then to play it safe when they’re not alone. There’s also the fact that they are celebrities, with paparazzi always around the corner, so trusting the other person and not what you see and hear is an even greater challenge. I guess what I’m trying to say is that this romance had me on the edge of my seat, shaking the book a little bit. I needed them to happen, dammit! The slow burn, though, is torturous in the best way. Jake and Emma take their time getting to know one another, building on that initial attraction. By the time flirtation and physical touches come into play, I felt the romance that much more. I think I had a mini panic attack when they first hold hands. Who knew that simple act could cause so many butterflies? Be still my beating heart.

I can’t recommend Not in the Script enough! It’s a perfectly lighthearted YA romantic comedy, with amazing main characters, a swoony romance, and a strong story line. There will be laughs and happy sighs escaping your lips, I promise. I’m obviously very excited to see what Amy Finnegan writes next.

This review can also be found at Love at First Page.

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know those books that leave you with a goofy grin throughout the whole story? Amy Finnegan's Not in the Script was that kind of book. This book was such a lovely read! I just loved how happy it made me by the end with all the warm fuzzies.

Emma was an easy character to root for from the first instance we meet her. She was a TV star, but she was in no way conceited, spoiled or bratty, which I was thankful for. She was a complete sweetheart and she was genuinely nice to everyone around her. She carried a positive energy with her that brightened the pages. She was also independent, which can be a rare quality when it comes to teenagers these days. Additionally, Emma grew throughout the book, learning to not let people stomp all over her. Not in the Script was also told in the POV of Jake, Emma's new co-star and potential love interest. Jake was such a cute boy and you guys know how much I love my cute boys! He was also a hottie who got his start by modelling (YEP, I realize I'm being shallow!). Despite his good looks though, he was so unpretentious and so down-to-earth and he did everything to take care of his paralyzed mother (MAJOR SWOONS!). I loved this boy, if you can't tell from my complete fangirling. Emma's best friend, Rachel, was a character I pretty much despised from the start. She was such a jealous friend who basically used her friend and blamed her for her own failures. Emma continued to remain nice to her throughout by trying to get her gigs but I honestly would have kicked the girl out. But the rest of the cast in Emma and Jake's new show were fabulous and I loved their diverse personalities.

For me, what was really interesting was getting to see the behind-the-scenes when it comes to making a TV show. It was thrilling and all kinds of exciting and it made me glad that I never aimed to opt for a career in the film industry. Amy Finnegan sounded like she knew what really went on in Hollywood and it was very interesting for a lover of TV shows like me to see what really goes on into the production of a TV show. The romance, you all! It was so freaking adorable. I wanted these two kids to make out already (creeper alert!), because they were just so perfect for each other. My shipper feels were all over the place and I loved the slow burn nature of their romance. Even when they weren't a couple, their dynamic was fantastic. The banter between the two of them had be going "awww" on every page that they were together in. This was definitely one of my favorite romances and one that I'm going to cherish for a long time.Also, kudos to the author for keeping the drama to a low level. There was some drama, but it wasn't over the top and the kind that was intolerable.

Not in the Script was such a lovely and feel-good read. I can say with certainty this is a book I will re-read in the future whenever I need a book to cheer me up. Amy Finnegan is definitely one author to watch out for in the rom-com YA contemporary genre.

[Joshua McCune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth be told, this would not be my normal type of book to read ('A new contemporary romance' in the IF ONLY series), but I'm so so so SO thrilled I did. You'd think a story centered around acting and Hollywood and paparazzi and wrapped in romance would readily succumb to cliche....

Nope. The characters, the plot, while touched with the familiar are sprinkled liberally with Finnegan Fairy Dust. And by Fairy Dust, I mean realism. And some great one-liners. (And two-liners)... The characters feel unique and real and you can empathize with them all in some form or fashion (okay, maybe not Kimmi so much, but she's young and learning :))... This is a super fun book with some seriously wonderful dialogue and banter. Plus, anybody interested in the inner workings of a film set (both technical and dramatic)... so smoothly and perfectly interspersed.

And, for the gender this isn't gonna be marketed toward (you know who you are, XYers), this is the sort of book you want to read to help you understand the XXers, and maybe pick up a few tricks of the flirting trade (Note: via Jake, not Brett).

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not one to frequent the romance genre, but I picked this one up after some prodding from my wife. Of course, I was afraid that it would be corny and cliche, but it was far from it. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down once I got going.

The story is a teen romance at heart, but the incredibly well-written dialogue kept me engaged throughout. The author also seems to have an excellent understanding of the film industry, and I found myself just as interested in the behind-the-scenes perspective as I did the romance itself. The characters were realistic and fun, and since the book changes perspective every chapter I felt like I was always reading something fresh.

In short, I would definitely recommend it. It's not very often that I recommend a romance novel, but it's just too much fun to pass up.

[cloudyskye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm probably quite warped, but I find it much harder to write good things about a book I enjoyed than indulging in a satisfying rant about one I despised. Anyway, here goes: "Not in the Script" is just so nice, I love hero and heroine and I like the author's use of alternating viewpoints. There are no supervillains (except for those paparazzi we love to hate ever since Princess Diana), just some flawed normal people, the "big misunderstanding" which disrupts the growing idyll is also relatable and not too long-drawn-out.
The insight into show business, gossip, agents, lies and all that feels very realistic to me.
(And oh yes, they'll have some BEAUTIFUL children! :))

[starryeyedjen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ARC of this title was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own.

This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.

Not in the Script was kind of adorable. And I expected as much, having read the previous two novels in the IF ONLY series and finding them each decidedly cute. I'm never sure what to expect with a story based on movie star characters, though, whether the book will glorify Hollywood or whether the characters will be over-the-top and stereotypical. Lucky for me, Not in the Script felt genuine and though some of the characters did come off as obnoxious and over-bearing, those were the exceptions and not the rule for this book.

Emma is a rising star who has been burned several times in the dating department. So, for her next project, she's put love on the back burner in order to focus on her career and keep her name out of the tabloids. She tries, anyway. Somehow, the paparazzi are always there. And, of course, so is gorgeous former model-turned actor Jake Elliott. The two attempt to keep their relationship strictly platonic and focus on the show, but their chemistry is off the charts.

Though there are a lot of external factors complicating their relationship -- including but not limited to a former crush on her heartthrob of a co-star, the fact that Emma's BFF has had dibs on Jake "The Bod" Elliott since before Emma met him or even put a name to the face, and most importantly, Emma's desire not to date another co-star -- despite all of that, Emma and Jake's budding romance is really mature. They discuss all of the reasons they shouldn't be together, why it might not work out and what the repercussions could be. They also really get to know each other by hanging out platonically off of the set. Jake never pushes Emma for more, but he doesn't hesitate to let her know what he wants and that he's willing to wait until she's ready for that type of commitment. What they have is so genuine and scorching hot at the same time...it's hard to believe they were able to deny themselves each other for as long as they did.

That heartthrob co-star does complicate matters further when he shows genuine interest in Emma, but I promise you, no legitimate love triangle develops. Actually, Brett reminded me a lot Reid in Tammara Webber's BETWEEN THE LINES series, and his character's role in this novel played out in much the same way. Even the budding actress/main character shares the same given name. I really enjoyed that series, so it's no surprise that I loved this novel so much. However, I think I liked this one just the tiniest bit more because it showed the more technical side of acting: all the time spent in the makeup chair, the drama on set and the director's reaction, the last minute changes to the script, etc. I think including those aspects made this book that much more realistic, and it's my favorite so far in what I'm now going to coin the "bringing Hollywood to the page" subgenre.

Pretty much, I really just liked Emma and Jake and what it took to get those two together. The side characters all seemed pretty one-dimensional and none of them really stand out in comparison. I'd kind of like to see their stories expanded on in subsequent novels, though, much like the series I've already compared this book to. However, I will say that I truly enjoyed how important family was to the main characters in this story. They both craved some kind of normalcy, and we all know how easy it is for family to knock you off your pedestal and bring you back down to earth. Emma's and Jake's family situations were completely different, but they were still similar in that this was what kept each of them grounded, made it so that they continued to pursue their dreams but did so with level heads.

Not in the Script was a clever, humorous read, and though the characters are out of high school and living on their own, nothing explicit or untoward happens, so it's still perfect for a YA audience. Labeling it as a new adult novel might change some opinions toward the book prematurely, but it's new adult in the way that Fangirl was new adult, if that makes sense. I liked how the author approached the growing-up situations and did so without becoming preachy or making a lesson out of the story. She let her characters make mistakes but expressed through them how easy those mistakes were to fix if one relied more on open communication. That's a biggie for me.

Actually, now that I think about it, Not in the Script wasn't kind of adorable...it was unbelievably adorable. I pretty much wore a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. It was kind of light and fluffy, but while it wasn't silly, it also didn't deign to take itself too seriously. All in all, it was exactly my kind of read. The slow-burn of a romance itself is worth giving this book a try. Like Emma, you'll be caught off guard by Jake's genuine charm before you know it!

GIF it to me straight:

No, it's not in there...this kind of love can't be scripted! =)

[Nasty Lady MJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

To see review with gifs click here.

Confession: I like cheesy celebrity YA books. I can’t help it. Maybe it’s because these books provide the only decent excuse for having the love interest look like one of the Hemsworth’s long lost but hotter brothers, but I lap these books up like they’re princesses books. Sad thing is, often they are kind of bad.


Good news though: there’s a thing called the library. And that’s where I picked up Not in the Script.

Let me be frank, in any other genre in the age group it probably would’ve been a complete flop. But as a Hollywood book it’s kind of meh. The book isn’t the worst of it’s kind. But it sort of had the cliches that make me weary to actually buy these books. Therefore, when contemplating the format of this review (because you know I do that). I decided that I was going to write a How To guide using Not In the Script as my go to source material. Note, this how to guide reflects my opinion only and should viewed at best as supremely bad satire. At worst…well, a sad how to guide. Amy Finnegan had nothing to do with it. I’m just using her book to illustrate what frustrates me about this sub-genre of books.

MJ’s Guide to How to Write an Extremely Cliche Hollywood Centric YA Book

Introduction:

Ever wish you could create that on screen magic with five thousand cliches and readers who can predict your every twist? Look no further, this blog post is your guide. Using illustrated examples from pristine cliche novels, I will show you How to Write a Cliche Hollywood Themed YA Novel.

Ingredients:

A drippy main character (pouty lips are a must, hair color can vary, she must be cute but not overtly sexy)

A leading man who rivals the Hemsworth brothers. Bonus points, if they poised in their underwear for
Armani like Beckham-note, it’s no longer Bend it Like Beckham it’s Pose it like Beckham.

A new hit TV show or movie that looks like it’s a cross between One Tree Hill, Save by the Bell, and The O.C.

Side characters whose personality is like cardboard.

A plot that looks like Lifetime could handle it.

Procedure:

1) Introduce Drippy Main Character: Make sure she’s relatable by making her a non-smoking, non-drinking, non-personality virgin. Props if she has a non-existant cruddy romantic life.

2) She gets a big break. If you’re trying to be original like Amy Finnegan (author of our go to piece) did then you’ll have your star be semi-established and have the male lead be new. Otherwise, have a complete neophyte get their big break.

3) Have a momager side plot that goes nowhere other than adding a bit to the family dynamics which makes you cool because….side plot.

4) Have a director/producer character that might as well be Rumpelstiltskin from Once Upon a Time sans the leather pants or you know any big Hollywood type that you’re wild about working with. Have this guy be known as ruthless because all producers/directors who are big are and then have him just shrug whenever you have teenage angst.


5) Throw in the Long Lost Hemsworth brother, and boring side characters as costars. Bonus points if you make one of these costars a really hot guy so you can have a loooove triangle ’cause you know love triangles are the best plot device ever since Bella gave birth.

6) Have crush on no personality hot guy while develop the relationship with the Hemsworth brother.

7) Have character wise up to who she truly loves….but it it too late?

8) Have some incoherent mess that’s ridiculous occur so we can get a climax in this. Include an almost career disaster, everyone hating Ms. Drippy and have it miraculously resolve with no music-becuase this is a book.

9) And they all live happily ever after.

Those are the essential plot elements to having a successful Hollywood themed book. Don’t worry about originality, character development, or annoyed readers who wonder….why? Why? Why can’t the author add anything remotely original to a subject matter that could be interesting.

Protips:

1) If you give your character any sort of backstory remember we want her to be America’s sweetheart all those starlets who drink, have premarital sex are EVIL. Your character should not suffer from the usual problems that someone with so much freedom and money at a young age would.

2) Have that best friend be jealous and proceed to slut slam her, so that it’s okay that the main character decided to go for the guy she knew her friend had the huge crush on.

3) Have a love triangle even though the book is written in two points of view and it’s obvious who’s going to win.

And Now Back to Our Regular Review….

Okay, so my how too gave away the very boring plot. But to be honest, it was pretty predictable. There was nothing original about this book and I think that’s one of the reasons I almost didn’t finish it. With this genre of books, I think you have to do something original and have really compelling characters. Unfortunately, Not in the Script had neither.

One of the things I will say about Not In the Script was that for the most part it was so vanilla it didn’t offend me. So, that’s good I guess.

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully sweet, light, and utterly adorable YA read, Not in the Script was absolutely fantastic. It was fun, romantic, and entirely enjoyable from start to finish. Loved it!

Emma was a wonderful heroine, one that was easy to relate to. She was kind, smart, and a truly likable character, but with a flaw that made her more realistic: she had a tendency to people-please. She thought of everyone else's happiness first and her own last, which caused a few problems for her. But, over the course of the book, she learned to go after her own happiness and became stronger. I thought she was a great heroine.

Jake was ADORABLE! Ooh, I just loved him! More inclined to the workings of business than show business, he took the modeling and acting jobs to care for his family and it was obvious that he was deeply loyal to them. And he cared about Emma enough that he was willing to wait for her. He was just wonderful and I adored him.

The romance was just lovely. Emma and Jake were so sweet together and the chemistry between them led to some swoon-worthy moments. Despite all the obstacles that they had to work out, they were a perfect couple.

The plot moved quickly and I was hooked the entire way through. I really liked how the acting component was included. It wasn't all glamour, but also hours of work and I liked that it showed both sides. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.

Not in the Script was a fantastic YA contemporary romance that I totally loved. It was light, sweet, and an absolutely delight. YA lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Laurie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this fun teen romance! The setting is, literally, a set, as the story takes place mostly during the filming of a major Hollywood TV series. This exotic backdrop is brought to life with rich details and specialized vocabulary that makes you feel like you're there with the teen main characters, who are all the stars of the show. As if being a teen isn't hard enough, try being one with the paparazzi following, photographing, and reporting on your every move--with varying degrees of truthfulness! Plus, there's the challenge of trying to figure out when the people around you are acting and when they're actually being real. The plot is revealed through the alternating viewpoints of the male and female main characters, which is an interesting peek inside a "he said/she said" relationship and keeps the story moving along at a perfect pace. The setting, plot, and characters in this book all felt very believable and realistic to me, and it's a good, clean, fun romance that you can safely hand to any teen reader (or keep for yourself!).

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read, I enjoyed the sense of humour! Because I work in the film business I appreciate a book that gets it right! Reading this felt like I was really on a TV set. I loved how the characters felt real and I liked that it wasn't the cliche teenage love triangle you find in most young adult rom coms! What a fresh take on teenage love!

[Melanie Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is easily the cutest book I've read all year. I even giggled aloud a couple of times. Super fun. Warnings: NONE. Give it to your daughters, your young women, whoever. This book is just a good time.

[Jennifer Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and adorable! Can't wait to share this with my daughter!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

so CUTE but I desperately need an epilogue

I’ve read quite a few books that deal with the emotional price of fame and the lack of privacy that goes alongside it. Not in the Script really allows the reader to experience both the ups and downs of like in the public eye while weaving in one of the dreamiest romances :) I’ve been concentrating on how books promote empathy in my library lessons, Not in the Script does this brilliantly. The dual narrative allows an additional connection to understanding the characters emotions, actions and interactions.

Emma has been acting since she was 12. Growing up fast, leaving home to live with her Aunt during filming, she is very independent. At the same time, Emma has retained her compassion (I love Emma she is quiet, reserved, intelligent and kind). Her feet are firmly planted on the ground, she studies while simultaneously maintaining her passion for acting. She is insatiably curious about the world around her and shies away from celebrity gossip. While she is eternally grateful for her success, Emma also feels guilty that her best friend, Rachel, hasn’t had the same luck as she has. Emma continually strives to compensate for her success with Rachel, opening doors for her and buying her things. Emma also has to navigate the rocky path of having her mother as her manager, examining where the line is between both roles.

Rachel is the opposite of Emma in every way; for me she appeared very self-absorbed and shallow. Something that only became more prevalent as the story progressed. Both Rachel and Emma have celebrity crushes (yes even the famous can have a celebrity crush), in an ironic twist of fate, Emma finds herself in the position of working with both of their crushes. However, the reality is completely different from the daydream, yet misunderstandings still occur based on previous fantasies. Personalities in real life alter the fantasy.

I loved all the characters in this story, the peripheral characters balance the plot beautifully and show the different ways in which fame or even the pursuit of fame can affect you. The behind the scenes look at TV/Media and the way in which they can manipulate situations and spin people was eye-opening. It takes a lot of trust and faith in the other person in order to make a relationship work while living in the public eye.

Jake is perfect for Emma. He also has his feet firmly planted on the ground, having fallen into modelling and then acting by sheer luck. His natural talent has been rewarded but it isn’t what makes him happy. He is grateful of the money he makes as it helps him take care of his mother *swoon* He is really down-to-earth and very accepting of people. His traits and Emma’s combine beautifully. Although, Jake is still a relative newbie to the fame game as modelling does provide a degree of anonymity acting doesn’t. Both Jake and Emma are genuinely lovely people who keep getting caught in the web of other peoples drama. I loved every second of their progress together and desperately want an epilogue. I’d also like to see the other characters get their own stories *crosses fingers*

Not in the Script cleverly combines the highs and lows of life in the public eye while still maintaining a personal life and relationships. The strain the media puts on you both professionally and personally. Ultimately what price does fame cost.

[Stacie (Shy Book Nerd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! This is just what I needed, a cute chick lit kind of book plus some! I loved everything about this book from beginning to the very end. I couldn't keep my eyes off the book because it was that good. Also, it wasn't just about the romance. There was drama of course, but there were some life lessons to be learned that not everything is as it seems in the social media industry. We get an inside a look of what real life celebrities experience, and it left me feeling more compassionate towards them.

Right from the start I fell in love with Emma and Jake. Emma grew up in the movie industry since she was little. She's used to all the gossip, but she doesn't like that they never show the real her. Jake is new to the industry, but does not really want to be in it because it's not his true calling. He's doing it for his mother who had a stroke, and it's the only way of taking care of her. As they first met, things just click for them and the sparks started flying. Then once they started flirting, fireworks were flying off the pages between the two. I loved the chemistry between the two. They started off as friends gradually becoming more than that. I liked how they connected because it wasn't instant love, or because they were both good looking. They fell in love slowly because they got to know one another. They each told each other their hopes, dreams, and darkest secrets, and that is how their connection became so strong. They also had their swoony moments too! That Jake boy was super delicious and swoony at times, I had to fan myself. Their relationship was like magic.By far, they are one of my favorite couples.

I also enjoyed reading about the side characters: Brett, Kimmi, McGregor, Jake's friends and mother, and Emma's family. In the beginning of the story I did not really care for Kimmi because she was a major diva and thought she was better than everyone else. She tried stealing the spotlight at times that were not so good, but eventually she grew on me in a sort of weird way and tried to be a better person. Brett I liked and disliked. On one hand he was friendly and honest with Emma. Then on the other hand, he was a total obnoxious, womanizing jerk. I liked when he was open with Emma, but he wasn't completely honest with her and that's what held me back from completely trusting him. Then I really disliked Rachel, Emma's life long best friend. I felt she used Emma to get a way in the industry. I did not feel like she acted like a good friend at all, and she was completely rude to her at times that I did not like. I did like McGregor, the producer because although he was a bit odd, he knew his actors very well.

Overall, I loved this book to pieces. If I could I would read this book again and again. I was rooting for Emma and Jake to be together right from the start and did not want it to end until they were completely together. If you are in the mood for some light hearted, romantic times, then I would totally recommend this book. You won't want to stop until you have finished the book. Well, at least that's how I feel. This was a wonderful debut from the author!

[Christianna Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read this and many other reviews on my YA book blog The White Unicorn!


An Open Letter To Not In The Script,

Hey there book. You were a breath of fresh air on lots of fronts for me and you can count me as one of your fans. I liked how you humanized celebrities. So many books focus on the glamor and excitement of fame, and while you dabbled in that, at your heart you showed us what it's really like to be in the public eye, while still being hilarious. I like hilarious and I like real and you are both of those things, so, like I said before, I'm a fan.

-The White Unicorn

I'll just come right out and say it, I'm a big fan of Finnegan's debut. As we all know, I'm very picky with my YA Contemporary Romance novels, but this happens to be one of my favorite romances of the year. Not in the Script is everything a book like it should be. It's sweet, it's snarky and it's got issues that you can see coming from miles away. It's good mindless fun, but Finnegan also manages to do something that a lot of books that deal with fame and TV miss out on. She humanizes the business in a way that I think is very important. It gives the novel an extra edge that takes all the typical romance tropes and makes it mean a little something more than usual.

I love books that follow things that I know about and even though I can't say that I know about how a TV show is put together, I can tell you that I know a thing or two about acting and the way that the people you act with become a kind of family. A messy, messed up family, but a family none the less. Finnegan gets this and ends up throwing a group of people together that don't seem like they'd be friends in real life, but over the course of the book, things change. She really understood this and I could feel the sincerity in the characters interactions, no matter what they were. I guess you could say that's why I liked the book as a whole: it's sincere.

Emma and Jake are adorable together and I loved watching their relationship develop in such a stress inducing setting. All the lies from the media and the lies from the cast members and everything sometimes felt like they were a bit much, but it didn't affect my enjoyment level. It's interesting to see what Emma ends up doing for everyone around her. Good things happen wherever she goes, but it was also awesome to see her start to figure out that she needed to worry about herself as well and make her own life as good as the ones the people around her were living.

Over all I adored all the characters. Brett was a tool bag, but he was tool bag that was likable. Maybe not someone you should trust, maybe not someone you should make your best friend, but he was likable. Kimmi was the diva, but yet she still had her good points. Jake is extremely layered and has so many things going for him. I even liked the parental characters and I loved that Finnegan decided to make them such a big part of the story. I'm always a fan of books that don't forget that someone had to give birth to the characters inside of them.

All in all Not in the Script is the perfect rom/com and I highly suggest it to anyone who wants a romance that they can cheer for!

[Brandy Painter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.

Not in the Script is a book I was so excited to read because I love these types of story lines about people with lives so different from your own that seem glamorous and fun. I was also nervous because I like to feel like even when these stories are showing me a fantasy life, I want them infused with some realism. Also I didn't want to dislike the book because I think Amy Finnegan is a lovely person and that always gets awkward. Fortunately, I did like it and spent a wonderful afternoon soaking in all its fun fluffy romance (with some substance-just like I wanted)!

I really like both Emma and Jake. Emma is a focused actress and diligent student. She has made several poor choices in her dating life over the years, going out with guys who are egomaniacs and end up cheating on her. Unfortunately for her, her dating mistakes are broadcast all over the country courtesy of her being a famous actress. But despite haven a very grown up job, Emma is still only 18 and learning her way in the world. She grew up with the spotlight on her. She is down to earth and lives a fairly normal life with great parents who support her, but the Hollywood lifestyle still has its affects and makes her life difficult. Jake is a model who is taking on his first acting role so that he can stay in one place long enough to go to college. It's his life long dream to go into business. He is a devoted son, good friend, and genuine nice guy. He too has faults though, makes mistakes, and is young. I loved how genuine both of them are. They act exactly how I imagine kids their age who already have careers to manage and juggle with life would act if they were mature responsible human beings. It's great. Together they are even better. Often at ease with each other, but with exactly the right amount of sexual tension. It was lovely watching their relationship develop and seeing them come to terms with what they want. I also love the dialogue int his book and the easy banter between these two characters especially.

There is a fair bit of drama. This is to be expected. It's a story about actors after all. I think Finnegan did a masterful job of making this drama realistic and never too cliche. I particularly like how she handled the characterization of both secondary female characters and their relationships with Emma. I typically don't like stories where there is more than one guy romantically interested in the main female character, but felt Finnegan handled that aspect well too. I love that Emma, star though she was, also had the ability to be star struck. I also felt that Brett's level of manipulation was perfectly conveyed, but that even he wasn't completely a villain. All the characters here have nuance and substance.

This is a fun book. If you like contemporary romance, definitely pick it up.

I read an e-galley made available by the publisher, Bloomsbury Children US, on NetGalley. The release date for Not in the Script is October 7, 2014.

[Margarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just full of fun moments and captures the price people pay for being in the spotlight, especially those that go into it at a young age. I feel that Amy Finnegan really captured the true essence to each of her characters - realistic, likable and charming. I like a writer who can not only give us great details, but also amazing dialogue and chemistry. From the first page, I was deeply invested in each of the characters and very curious as to how their stories were going to unfold.

Emma has been America's TV sweetheart for quite a while now. There is no escaping the attention. She doesn't mind the attention, too much. She's worked long and hard to get where she is and being a public figure, she's always known that having any privacy would be a blessing. So having to deal with the paparazzi and the rumors and made-up stories that some of those paparazzo's like to make-up has become second-nature to her. It's not easy. But she's a pro at it by now. Especially after the last few mistakes that she's made - you live and learn. Emma's sworn to not go through anymore public humiliation and has decided to keep things on-set professional now - no more dating co-stars.
But things get tricky now that she's starring on a new TV show and the lead actor that the producers have chosen is the guy she's been crushing on since she was a tween. No matter what age you are/were, your first crush will always leave you tongue-tied and stupid. But Emma's determined to turn a new leaf, and no matter how cute and charming Brett is, she will find a way to deter herself from him.
And then we meet Jake. Jake, the billboard supermodel with killer abs. The cowboy supermodel who's posters are plastered all over Emma's BFF's bedroom walls. The guy who Emma promised her BFF that if she should ever meet him, she would introduce them. The guy who Emma could not possibly have any sort of attraction to... she's sworn off co-stars, plus, her best friend likes him. This isn't something that can happen right now. The timing is off. And, someone keeps tipping off the tabloids to bring attention to the new show.
It's getting harder and harder for Emma to keep her professional and personal lives colliding into a big mess.

NOT IN THE SCRIPT is character driven at its best! I really loved watching Emma grow stronger and stronger as the story went along - sticking up for herself and stepping up in all the things that she believed in and thought was right. She didn't let anyone tell her different and she puts up a really, really good fight. I really fell hard for Jake. He was so patient, understanding (most of the time) and really gave Emma the space she needed in order for her to do the things that she needed to do.
The other characters were, for lack of a better words to describe them, interesting, fun and entertaining! Great supporting cast!

NOT IN THE SCRIPT is full of fun, whit, and amazing chemistry!
A great teen-romance novel to dive into to get away from it all!


(*An ARC was sent to me from the publisher for the blog tour and an honest review.
All thoughts are my own.)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because:
(1)My copy of this ARC arrived in the mail today and (2) because my physics test tomorrow is completely overrated and (3) the whole theory of delayed gratification doesn't work when you have a really good book sitting right there (and don't tell me I could have hidden it because I did but that didn't work either)...I read Not In The Script by Amy Finnegan in one sitting. Like, literally ignored supper for my siblings and the sage warnings of my GPA and just read it.
And at the moment I am feeling quite pleased with myself.
I will admit, when I first tore open the lovely manila envelope I was a little surprised and hesitant to see the cover that greeted me. Did I really sign up for this book? Then I saw this was the third book in a series and wondered if I needed to drive to the library and get the other two before I read this one. I checked it out on Goodreads and determined that wasn't the case. So then I read the entire thing and followed up by liking most of the reviews of it. I really love Goodreads.
Anyway:

Plot
Emma Taylor is a successful actress starting a new TV show. And her new co-star? A long term celebrity crush! However, after dating a succession of bad boys, Emma's wised up. No more dating co-stars.
Jake is not her celebrity crush. However, he is one of Emma's new co-stars. Model-turned-actor, he's new to the Hollywood scene and trying to make enough to take care of his family. Falling for Emma is the last thing he has in mind...

Thoughts
The book has a lot of things going for it, including:
1. Swapped POVs
2. The whole actors/actresses thing. I'll admit, I'm a sucker (Sonny With a Chance was my favorite Disney show....though Jessie follows closely)
3. A teeny-bopper romance with NON-high schoolers. Its kind of nice, actually makes it more believable... or at least readable.
4. Good guys. I didn't fall for Jake, and I thought his jealousy thing was overrated, but I liked his friends and I'd say overall...guys are't entirely one dimensional. Which is nice.
5. Good characters in general. I liked the varying characters and attitudes. All quite likable and well drawn.
6. The writing! Super fun and addicting.

If anything, my biggest complaint is that there is so much fluff. There is lots of potential in this novel but it remains at base level a mediocre fluff teen novel. However, I like potential. I give stars for potential. So for the potential, this novel gets 4 because the writing and characters win the reader's heart. I look forward to more from Amy Finnegan...and I think I will go track down the first two books in this If Only series. (Except right now I am going to go study for that physics test, so I don't totally bomb it)

Thanks for the ARC, Bloomsbury! An unexpected delight.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads .

I've only read two books in the If Only... standalone series, but I've been totally taken with both of them. They're light-hearted young adult contemporaries with a ton of heart and little angsty drama. I can always count on them to give me smiles and swoons.

Not in the Script is Amy Finnegan's debut novel and I have to admit, I'm a fan. She definitely hit my radar with this novel. I'm a total sucker for Hollywood stories, but some of the ones I've read recently have fallen fairly flat. There's always a certain amount of predictability to a story like this, but it doesn't matter to me as long as I enjoy the characters and how they find their happy ending. Not only was this story fun, but it was sweet and swoony and the characters – or most of them, anyhow – were easy to like.

Emma was a great, song heroine. She was pretty level-headed and far from the diva you might expect a teen star to be. Her walls were up tight because she'd been burned in the past and she definitely believed all relationships with co-stars were off limits. Jake could be the one to break through, however. They had a ton of chemistry and he was far from the guy she thought he was originally. He was every bit as down-to-earth as she was. I adored them together. Their banter was great. The attraction was evident. They just made me smile when they were together.

The side characters in this story were interesting, too. They weren't as likable as I might have wanted, but they were well-written and a little more complex than I would have expected at the beginning of the story. Kimmi and Brett both grew on me in time. Emma's best friend Rachel, however, was a different story. I didn't like her one bit. She was far too self-centered for me. Bad friend alert.

While it might seem strange to call a Hollywood love story "realistic," I feel that's exactly what Not in the Script Was. Emma and Jake, despite their Hollywood star status, came off as normal teens who were trying to find their way in the world and falling for each other in the process. Each of them struggled with their fame and the situations they were put in. This book could have taken place just as easily in middle America, without the Hollywood connection, and I would have loved it just as much. It wasn't the setting that made me love this book, but the characters and their story.

I'll continue to look to the If Only... series and Amy Finnegan's upcoming work when I'm in the mood for a sweet, light young adult romance with well-developed characters. Any story that leaves me hugging my iPad with a giant, goofy grin on my face is a winner book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Madeline Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to keep this review short because there is not much to say but: I loved it!
I am a sucker for anything Hollywood related when it comes to YA books. It also helps that there was a hint of romance and drama involved in this book. This book wasn't that cliche concept of normal girl meets famous guy and they fall in love. Emma Taylor and Jake were both famous-albeit in different ways.
Emma was such a sweet character and at first, a little weak. Throughout the book, she grew tremendously as a character. She was able to stick up for herself and realize that nobody would love her like Jake would. I also am so relieved that she was able to stand up to Brett and Rachel. Unlike most Hollywood books, Emma was not egotistical. I liked that she was still a "normal" girl.
Jake....I loved Jake. He was so sweet, funny, and caring. Like where can I find a boy exactly like him. It was also great that he was hot too. What made him unique though was that he didn't care for the famous life. He was just trying to pay his way through college and care for his mom. Towards the end I could tell that he was growing to love his career. Jake was also so sweet to Emma. They were so playful together. When they finally officially got together, I was like "YAY FINALLY". I was cheering them on from the page they were introduced together.
Over all, this book was fun and light. It was an easy read that left me wanting more. I was in quite a reading slump and this book got me out of that.
A must read for anyone who loves YA, romance, Hollywood, or well-developed characters.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect. Loved it. Full review coming soon to both blogs.

WOW! This book was so much fun. I loved it. Amy does a fantastic job of giving the reader a glimpse of celebrity life. Emma is a fabulous character. Her head is in the right place when it comes to the Hollywood scene, but her heart and personal life needed work. She has been burned many times in the past, and is very cautious when she meets Jake (who is absolutely perfect for her). I instantly loved Jake! A down-to-earth guy who works hard, using his earnings for a good cause. He and Emma start hanging out "as friends". Emma's best friend stated for years that if she ever met "The Bod", he was hers. The Bod ended up being Jake Elliot, a co-star of Emma's. Emma feels guilty about the relationship.

I liked how this book was written with the point of view switches between Emma and Jake. It was great seeing each other's perspective on the events that take place. I felt bad for Emma at times with all she had to endure. Being a celebrity has a price. She is taken advantage of by so many, including someone very close to her. Emma puts up with a great deal. Jake was great for her in helping her see things differently, and just being a great friend. However, many things are thrown at them as they try to see if they can be together.

5 out of 5 stars. Not in the Script is a fun, clean book that you can give to your teens without worry. I can't wait for more from this talented author.

[Jennifer Bertman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read! A fun, light romance. I'd feel comfortable putting this book in any teenager or pre-teens hands. The attention to detail with the Hollywood setting was great--very convincing to believe you were behind the scenes of an actual show.

[Hazel (Stay Bookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY HEART. I NEED MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS ONE. <33333 Watch out for my review at staybookish.net!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, I have so much respect for authors who can pen believable romance—which is just what NOT IN THE SCRIPT, Amy Finnegan’s debut novel, is. But it’s also so much more. Think real romance—the kind that’s messy, overwhelming, hilarious, and not about to be stopped—and then think of hiding that kind of a romance from your friends, coworkers, and a whole lot of nosy paparazzi, and you’ve got a fingertip on the fast-moving and completely enjoyable story that is NOT IN THE SCRIPT.

Emma Taylor is a successful young actress, but she has been less than successful in dating. Since she has only ever dated her costars, it’s a no-brainer for her to vow, after her last disastrous break-up, never to fall for another actor again. Cue model-turned-television actor, Jake Elliot. Jake is everything Emma’s past boyfriends have never been: kind, devoted, and determined to get out of the film industry and into college as soon as possible. Emma already completed two years of college before graduating from high school, but she, too, has goals she’d like to reach, including starting a charitable foundation and getting out from under the thumb of her mother, who also happens to be her manager. Emma and Jake are a perfect match, but Emma is determined never to have her heart broken again. Nor does she want to hurt her best friend, Rachel, who has always been on the sidelines and who has nurtured a longtime crush on Jake—at least, on the glossy-magazine-supermodel version of Jake (which, in Emma’s opinion, pales to the real deal). Throw in some overblown celebrity tabloid “scoops” that have Emma and Jake doubting each other’s feelings for the other, and you have a romance that also managed to have me biting my nails with suspense.

NOT IN THE SCRIPT moves back and forth between Emma’s point of view and Jake’s, and Finnegan does a perfect job with her characters’ voices. They—and all of the other characters in the books, whether major or minor—are all distinct and easily identifiable, simply by the manner in which they talk, banter with other characters, or gush. The story clips along (definitely a stay-up-all-night-reading kind of book), and the wit is laugh-out-loud funny. But the emotions are deep, too. And the wit! Have I mentioned the wit? Finnegan writes some absolutely hilarious stuff, from her one-liners to the awkward and totally funny situations in which her characters often find themselves. Here are a few examples of my favorite witty lines:

*Please note that some readers may consider these lines to be slight spoilers.

Emma to her friend Rachel, in regards to Jake, whom neither Emma nor Rachel has met, but whom Rachel has crushed on for a long time: “If a boy looks like he belongs in a museum, there’s a pretty good chance his head is solid marble.”

Jake, when he’s hinting to his super cool mom that she should take off so he and Emma can have some alone time, together: “Isn’t Star Trek on tonight?” I ask Mom. She loves watching reruns of old TV favorites, and I need to take advantage of that. I check the time. “Yep, liftoff is any minute now.” “Jake, dear,” Mom says, “please don’t confuse a space shuttle with a starship.”

Oh, yes, the wit is there. But there’s other great stuff, too! There are a lot of “hooks” presented right away in the story that, if you aren’t totally absorbed by the wit or the heart-thumping romance (you will be), are sure to keep the reader reading. These hooks foreshadow conflicts in the characters’ lives that must be resolved in order for the characters to grow. The best part is that the foreshadowing is never heavy-handed. Even the minor characters are thoroughly fleshed-out. They could each have their own book, in my opinion! Ooo...I’d love to see that... Anyway, each character has his or her own “back story”—even if it’s only hinted at on the page—and each has his or her own “future story” somewhere just beyond that last page. I love a quote by the award-winning author Richard Peck, who said (in a nutshell) that quality books for young people end up leaving the reader with the belief that the characters have lives full of possibilities yet to live. Finnegan’s characters fairly leap off the page with possibility—even Emma and Jake, whose “story” is told through NOT IN THE SCRIPT.

Finally, a word about research: It’s obvious that Finnegan has done a lot of it in order to get the film industry facts right in NOT IN THE SCRIPT; and yet, there is no “info-dumping.” I finished reading the book feeling like I understood how television series were created and filmed, and I ended up having a lot more sympathy for those actors whose faces we frequently see plastered on the tabloids accompanied by headlines such as, “Two-Timer,” “Heart Breaker,” and “Raging Diva.” Certainly there are actors whose real-life characters fit the aforementioned descriptions, just as there are non-celebrities who fit the same bill...but it was nice to finish reading a book feeling like I understood that celebrities’ lives were as real as mine—they just get more publicity.

I recommend this book to lovers of love, fast-paced plot enthusiasts, and people who want to cry. Did I mention that I cried the third time that I read this book? And the first and second times, too? Maybe I’m just a sob-fest...but this story touched my heart. Over and over again. It’s going on my “Favorite Books” shelf, for sure. And if you want to borrow a copy, I might let you: I have two.

Market: YA contemporary fiction/romance
Violence: Mild (allusions to a violent experience in Emma’s past in which she was a victim; a fistfight)
Language: Mild (a little bit of slangy-type name-calling, but no actual curse words)
Sensuality: Mild + (lots of physical attraction between characters, but it never goes beyond kissing; some allusions to a few characters’ promiscuous behavior)
Adult Themes: harassment, abuse, lies, romance, physical disability, betrayal, the yearning for independence, being misunderstood, forgiveness, bravery

[Jenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 lucrative 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 finally start school; and plenty of time with the smart and irresistible Emma Taylor . . . if she would just give him a chance.

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 who may or may not be as evil as she seems, and the production of Coyote Hills heats up in unexpected—and romantic—ways.

This novel in the deliciously fun If Only romance line proves that the best kinds of love stories don’t follow a script.

Wow. Amazing, Beautiful, Sweet.

Have you ever come across a novel that once you read it, was hard for you to believe it was a debut novel? You found yourself smiling halfway through the book and rooting for the characters? Not In Script was that book for me. The writing was beautiful, most of characters lovable. Even the ones that you didn’t like at first, you found yourself loving towards the end. You could actually see yourself being friends with characters like these in real life. It felt real. I had always loved to read books that dealt with celebrities, television. I have read another one before. Not In Script in a way gave me a glimpse of what actors might go through on daily basics. I’m not actresses but I heard about it from others who acted before. The moment that I read the descriptions of the novel, I was already hooked to the story. That was not compared to the actual story that I read, it was addictive from the first page to the last. I did not want to put the book down. There was always something happening. I loved it. Even after I finished the novel, found myself wondering what would happen with them next. It’s a book that you can’t forget.

Writing was beautiful. The descriptions, how she portrayed both Emma & Jake’s emotions when they got closer. I even couldn’t seem to dislike Brett & Kimmi. One person I wasn’t too fond of was Emma’s mother, who did act like her manager instead of her mother when she need her mom. Whenever Emma did something, was seen together with Brett. Her mother’s first thought was, what would other people think? How would that make you look? It was always business with her. It’s no wonder that Emma didn’t want to tell her what was going on with Jake, how she felt about him. To me, it felt like Emma seemed to care about others feelings before her own. She set up Jake with Rachel to the premiere though she really liked him. I can only imagine how much it hurt her, to see him with her. I think she should told Rachel how she felt about Jake earlier, from the start and maybe all of the drama that had happened, could be avoided. She should be more concerned of how she feels, not how it make everyone feel.

Of course I loved Jake & Emma, how could I not? I loved that the book was both from Emma & Jake’s POV. It gave the readers a better glimpse of the both of the characters, what they were thinking, how they were feeling. The reader could also tell how the characters changed by the end of it all. There was chemistry between the two of them, from the moment that the two of them met, even if Emma tried to deny it. Only reason she even tried stay clear of him, was because of Rachel and because they worked together, that could complicate things if it didn’t work out. I can’t really blame her, considering how her other relationships in the past ended up. But it wasn’t long before I figured out how much they cared for another, when they were together, they were happy. The both of them were. The scenes between two of them always had me smiling. I was rooting for them all the way through. Rooting for their happy after. Of course I was smiling towards the end.

Not In Script was a amazing debut. Amy Finnegan is an author to look out for. I’m eager to see what story she will come with next.

[Alison (AlisonCanRead) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in awhile, a book comes out that makes you question whether an author has a direct connection to your mind in order to write a book geared entirely to you. I love contemporary YA romance. I particularly like the fun, fluffy kind where you know that everything will basically be wrapped up in a neat bow by the end. More specifically, I love books about Hollywood and the whole celebrity scene. Either ones that are about established actors or are about people new to the acting world.

Not in the Script ticks every one of my must read boxes. So much so that it was the first book I read after BEA. The book is just as good as I hoped it would be.

The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Emma, the acting veteran, and Jake, the acting newbie. The characters are similar in a way. Both are very "good." I don't mean that they are unrealistically perfect, but more in the way that they are the type of people you'd want to introduce to your parents. She's sweet, he's charming.

Moreover, they are both looking to be something more. Emma is looking to escape from the bad boy decisions of her past and find a way to help people. Jake has a hot bod, but views modeling and acting more as stepping stones to a real career. The easy, jokey chemistry between them is immediately palpable, and it's understandable that they would be attracted to each other. Even more understandable as you get to know them.

It would be easy to write Emma and Jake as one dimensional perfect characters, but Amy did a great job of fleshing them out. As events of the book unfold, we see realistic flaws arise. Jealousy, indecisiveness, leaping to conclusions, and fear of hurting people they love.

I really enjoyed the side characters, especially Jake and Emma's costars Brett and Kimmi. They both seem like smarmy stereotypical starlets, which they are, but they are hints of decentness. I found their antics really amusing. Jake and Emma's families and friends were a tale of opposites. Emma's mom is a loving person, but has become so obsessed with being her manager that she's forgotten to be a mom. It's obvious to everyone but Emma that her best friend Rachel's jealousy over Emma's successful career has largely overtaken their friendship. Contrast that with Jake's saintly, health challenged mom and his cool, normal friends Sophie and Devin. They provide a level of grounding for Jake that Emma could use.

The story is more of a will-they-or-won't-they tale than a smexy times book. You can feel the heat between Emma and Jake, but everything is very innocent - especially considering they are older than most YA characters. About 18 and 19, give or take a year (can't remember exactly). I'm generally more interested in the drama of people getting together than I am in reading loads of steamy make out scenes, so I was happy.

Although it does lead in to my sole complaint. The book is innocent. No swear words. No questionable situations. It's appropriate for younger teens. That's great that there are books out there like this. But...at one point, Emma says "there will be heck to pay." Heck? I cannot imagine a scenario where a seasoned Hollywood actress would say that. It took me completely out of the moment. I don't consider "hell" to be a swear word, and many "clean" YA novels use that as a "safe" word. Just use "hell to pay" or change the sentence to avoid that phrase. Rant over now.

Apart from that, the book was very well written. The alternating voices established each character well. It's a very quick read. The prose flows smoothing, and the pacing was good.

Oh, one other complaint. The book should have been set in Phoenix. Phoenix is far superior to Tucson. :-)

I adored this novel. Hollywood. Sets. Celebrities. I was in heaven. Plus, nice leading characters who I immediately rooted for and well drawn side characters. A sweet, relatively simple romance and a strong plot. What more could you want? This is a feel good novel, and that's exactly what I wanted. Amy Finnegan has become an auto-buy. I can't wait to see what she does next.

Recommendation: Buy (especially for fans of Jen Calonita and Joanna Philbin)

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super, super cute. So cute. I've heard some reviewers compare this story to a Disney channel movie, and that is how it plays out. Sure, it is maybe a little cheesy, but sometimes you are just in the mood for cheesy, and this is a sweet story to feed your need for cheese, if you're so inclined. It is a sweet and innocent little story that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Emma is a Hollywood star who has just been cast in a brand new television series. Also starring in this series is Brett, another Hollywood star who Emma has crushed on from afar for years. They are joined by Kimmi, pretty much a diva (who may or may not have more to her than what appears), and Jake, a successful model who is making a move to acting. These four make up the principals of this story.

I will say this ... I would never want to be famous after reading this story. Constantly followed by paparazzi who twist your life to fit into their need for scandal would be a nightmare. Even though Emma is used to the scrutiny and hassle of it, it still can have a huge effect on her life. In so many ways her life is not her own. Her relationships have to be managed. It can be hard to tell who is genuine and who is playing a role. Everyone has an angle, and it would be hard to trust anyone. It is hard not to feel bad for some of the stuff that these actors have to deal with at times.

There is not a love triangle in this book. It is obvious from the beginning that Jake is the one who Emma will fall for, and vice versa. But that doesn't totally fit into the narrative the production company wants to spin, so it can't be public. Brett is the one who is supposed to be the love of Emma's life, except Brett is kind of a jerk when it comes to women ... or is he? On top of that, Emma's best friend, Rachel, has LOVED Jake forever, and by "loved Jake" what I really mean is that Rachel has fantasized about "The Bod," an idea of Jake she has formed after collecting picture after picture after picture of his modeling shots and stalking him online. This is obviously ridiculous, but for some reason Emma wants to protect Rachel from being hurt, so she can't admit any relationship to her. Throw on top of this a good helping of past relationship fails to keep Emma from wanting to date fellow cast members, and you have lots of reasons that Jake and Emma can't be together even though they click.

So, yes, this is a relationship story, and that relationship is beyond adorable. I like Jake and Emma together. I like the genuine feel of their friendship. I like how they can be their true selves around each other, and I like how they help each other to be their best. Super sweet. But this is a bit deeper than just a love story. This is also a story about Emma learning to stand up for herself to everyone. She has to learn how to be okay if others are not happy. She can't please everyone. Her relationship with her mother/manager and her friend, Rachel, were interesting to read, and it would have been nice to see maybe a little more depth explored in those relationships because of how it illustrated the growth of Emma's character.

Still, this is ultimately a YA romance, and it hits the mark. It is marketed as a book for a 12-17 year old reader, and I agree that it is entirely appropriate for that age group. This is a sweet, innocent story with a great happy ending. Even though I am way older than the target audience, I still liked it a lot. Four stars!

[Jasprit · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Famous in Love a few months back, I really wanted to read a book which dealt with characters who were actors, and more on how it was like for them being famous and under the radar all the time, and so when Nick suggested giving Not in the Script a go, I was hoping that it was exactly what I was after.

Emma was an easy character to relate to, she was a famous actress, however despite having all this great success, there was always something bringing her down, lately it had been her bad string of boyfriends, who also tended to be actors. The paparazzi’s as usual blow things out of proportion when things go down with her boyfriends, without even knowing the truth about what really has gone down. Emma’s last relationship didn’t end in the best way, but she decided to keep headstrong about things and feels the only way she can move away from this image the press has created about her is not to date another co-star. However this becomes one heck of a test when Emma ends up landing a role alongside long term crush Brett and relative unknown Jake who her best friend Rachel has had the hots for.

What I liked about Not in the Script was how Finnegan threw the assumptions and ideas you had of a person on their head. I honestly thought that I had these characters sussed out within the first few pages, but I was taken with how much they went on to surprise me. For example take Brett, this big star and icon; I assumed that as Emma had this crush on him, it would be cute to see him and Emma get together, isn’t it always every girls dream to end up with her crush? And even though Emma had sworn off her co-stars, Brett did genuinely come across as the guy that could look after her, he was a funny guy and took care of her when her past had come back to haunt her. But Finnegan went on to show that what you see with everyone is not what you get. It’s always a knock to your confidence when you make this mistake with a person in real life, but when you’re an actress and don’t have that many real friends around you or your family are faraway, who can you really trust? Let me say that I was wrong about a lot of characters in this book, some really ended up surprising me in the end, where as others I wanted to smack upside the head multiple times. I’m glad we had this nice balance of some genuinely nice characters coming through and making up for the self absorbed egotistical ones. Not in the Script had a lot of things to offer; it provided a detailed story of how the life of an actress/actor could be, the whole series that Emma was taking part in had such a authentic feel about it, that I found myself invested in Emma’s real life but also her character’s story are in the show Coyote Hills. The sort of love triangle/square really didn’t come across in this way at all, when our two characters met on set, I kind of knew that I wanted them to be together in the end despite the numerous obstacles and crossed wires that got in the way. Finnegan knew how to create one gorgeous irresistible character honestly; he had me melting in all the right places!

Overall Not in the Script was a super cute read, when in the mood for something fun which will bring a smile to your face, give this book a go.

This review can be found on: The Readers Den