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Off Script
Fake dating your best friend to save the school play? Easy.
Falling for him in the process? That was never part of the script.
When a video of Athene and Roman’s rehearsal goes viral, they agree to pretend to date to keep the attention, and the ticket sales rolling in. Roman plays the perfect boyfriend, complete with jealous stares and dates. Because for him, none of it is fake.
Athene doesn’t see him as anything more than a brother…
until one day she discovers something and suddenly everything feels real
Falling for him in the process? That was never part of the script.
When a video of Athene and Roman’s rehearsal goes viral, they agree to pretend to date to keep the attention, and the ticket sales rolling in. Roman plays the perfect boyfriend, complete with jealous stares and dates. Because for him, none of it is fake.
Athene doesn’t see him as anything more than a brother…
until one day she discovers something and suddenly everything feels real
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2025
10 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 10, 2025
✨ ARC Review: OFF SCRIPT by Gabby Smuts ✨
"To all the girls who can't wait to fall in love, and to those who are scared to...I wrote this for you."
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Off Script by the wonderfully talented young author Gabby Smuts (@gabbyauthorofficial) — a complete change of genre from Limitless, but one where Gabby sounds more confident and comfortable than ever. This rom-com is filled with her passion and excitement, and it’s utterly charming — the kind of story that makes you smile at your book and hug it to your chest when you’re done.
🖤 What is it about?
Athene and Roman are best friends… until a rehearsal video for the school play goes viral and suddenly they’re “dating.” It’s all for show — to save ticket sales and keep the buzz going — but Roman plays the perfect boyfriend a little too well. And while Athene swears it’s nothing more than an act, one moment changes everything.
📚 What I loved about Off Script
Athene is such a vibe — a little icy, effortlessly cool, with that “black cat” energy that makes you want to know her. Roman? Complete heartthrob material. He’s the perfect mix of boy-next-door and “I’d walk through fire for you” devotion. Their banter and chemistry are so much fun to read, and Gabby delivers exactly what you want from the fake dating trope (and more).
I adored the song lyrics at the start of chapters, the moments of softness between the comedy, and Roman’s heartfelt letters. While this is a very different genre from Limitless, you can see Gabby’s growth as an author — the writing is confident, engaging, and it pulls you in straight away.
⚔️ A few things I wanted more of…
The romance felt a bit rushed — and because I adore fake dating angst, I would have loved a couple more “pretend” moments, lingering almost-kisses, and playful public displays before the feelings fully bloomed. I also wish we’d had more of the play itself, especially the final performance — plus a few extra scenes of other characters reacting to Athene and Roman’s “relationship” with surprise or gossip. And while both Athene and Roman’s exes seemed to play large roles in their pasts, I wish the story had leaned into that even more — exploring how those relationships shaped them, and letting the exes stir up just a little more drama.
🌙 Some of my favourite quotes
“This girl is mesmerising to me. And she has dimples”
“Boy’s don’t just kiss girls when they feel bad. They kiss girls they actually want.”
“I wondered if she knew that I’ll never be able to stand the taste of someone else’s lips on mine, or the feel of anyone else. That she will be the very thing that consumes my thoughts until I die.”
✨ In short: Off Script is a feel-good rom-com full of heart, charm, and characters you’ll want to be friends with. For a 14-year-old author, this is such an impressive piece of writing — proof that Gabby Smuts has huge potential and a bright future ahead. It’s another step forward in her journey, and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
"To all the girls who can't wait to fall in love, and to those who are scared to...I wrote this for you."
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Off Script by the wonderfully talented young author Gabby Smuts (@gabbyauthorofficial) — a complete change of genre from Limitless, but one where Gabby sounds more confident and comfortable than ever. This rom-com is filled with her passion and excitement, and it’s utterly charming — the kind of story that makes you smile at your book and hug it to your chest when you’re done.
🖤 What is it about?
Athene and Roman are best friends… until a rehearsal video for the school play goes viral and suddenly they’re “dating.” It’s all for show — to save ticket sales and keep the buzz going — but Roman plays the perfect boyfriend a little too well. And while Athene swears it’s nothing more than an act, one moment changes everything.
📚 What I loved about Off Script
Athene is such a vibe — a little icy, effortlessly cool, with that “black cat” energy that makes you want to know her. Roman? Complete heartthrob material. He’s the perfect mix of boy-next-door and “I’d walk through fire for you” devotion. Their banter and chemistry are so much fun to read, and Gabby delivers exactly what you want from the fake dating trope (and more).
I adored the song lyrics at the start of chapters, the moments of softness between the comedy, and Roman’s heartfelt letters. While this is a very different genre from Limitless, you can see Gabby’s growth as an author — the writing is confident, engaging, and it pulls you in straight away.
⚔️ A few things I wanted more of…
The romance felt a bit rushed — and because I adore fake dating angst, I would have loved a couple more “pretend” moments, lingering almost-kisses, and playful public displays before the feelings fully bloomed. I also wish we’d had more of the play itself, especially the final performance — plus a few extra scenes of other characters reacting to Athene and Roman’s “relationship” with surprise or gossip. And while both Athene and Roman’s exes seemed to play large roles in their pasts, I wish the story had leaned into that even more — exploring how those relationships shaped them, and letting the exes stir up just a little more drama.
🌙 Some of my favourite quotes
“This girl is mesmerising to me. And she has dimples”
“Boy’s don’t just kiss girls when they feel bad. They kiss girls they actually want.”
“I wondered if she knew that I’ll never be able to stand the taste of someone else’s lips on mine, or the feel of anyone else. That she will be the very thing that consumes my thoughts until I die.”
✨ In short: Off Script is a feel-good rom-com full of heart, charm, and characters you’ll want to be friends with. For a 14-year-old author, this is such an impressive piece of writing — proof that Gabby Smuts has huge potential and a bright future ahead. It’s another step forward in her journey, and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
Well done to the author!
I thought it was very will written for a debut teen-author! The relationship between Athene and Roman is very cute and had me smiling more often than not. If you are looking for a cozy romance that will have you giggling, smiling and feeling all warm inside then this is the book for you. Well done, Gabby!
I thought it was very will written for a debut teen-author! The relationship between Athene and Roman is very cute and had me smiling more often than not. If you are looking for a cozy romance that will have you giggling, smiling and feeling all warm inside then this is the book for you. Well done, Gabby!
September 5, 2025
Such a cute book loved how it was written. You’re such an amazing writer ❤️❤️❤️ honestly this book was like a something that I made up in my head and it was put to words. The characters were amazing and I like how you portrayed the FMC and I think that you pair the characters personality's so well. Loved reading it and can’t wait to see what you write next.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews