She writes the rules for television’s biggest stars. One night rewrites her own. And nothing goes according to script.
Kem Phillips is the powerhouse producer behind one of television’s highest-rated shows. On screen, she controls every detail. In real life, she keeps love firmly off the schedule. A discreet one-night stand with the leading man of her latest project feels safe enough. No promises. No complications. No repeats.
Brent McKenzie never planned to be temporary. The night they shared still lingers, and when an emergency sends Kem rushing home to Shreveport, Louisiana, he offers to go with her, stepping into a life she’s worked hard to keep separate.
As truths from Kem’s past surface and carefully built walls begin to crack, the connection she tried to keep casual refuses to stay contained. Now she must decide whether trusting Brent means losing control, or finally letting her life go off script.
In Hollywood, success follows a formula. Love never does.
Warning: This story contains not-safe-for-prime-time heat, a leading man who proves heroes exist off screen, and a woman discovering that the best love stories are never written in advance.
I don't really know where it's sitting for me, but I know it unfortunately isn't that high. I don't really know why, but I just couldn't connect with the characters, and because of that, I couldn't care any less about it. Also, I feel like it tried doing so many things at the same time, and while I don't think it's a bad book in itself, I do believe it could have been much more if developed a little better, maybe? I really don't know what else to say, I am sure others will love it way more than I did. Also, the audio is really great; it did basically all the heavy lifting, for me at least, and I would really recommend it!!
Biggest thanks to Libro.fm & Dreamscape Media for the ALC; all opinions are my own.
Thanks to netgally and dreamscape media for the arc! As a former theater kid the premise sounded so good. I absolutely loved the narration, but to be honest not much else worked for me. I love a spicy romance as much as the next romcom reader but spice at the 3% mark? Not for me. I thought the dialogue was extremely corny at times. And the constant pov changes in the inner dialogue were really confusing. The first spicy scene also didn't work for me because he just randomly goes down on her without asking for consent or any build up.
This is a romance between show writer Kem and the star of her show, Brent. The chemistry between them is immediate, and after attending a wedding, they end up spending the night together.
Kem is a strong, independent Black woman who can take care of herself and isn't looking for love. Brent, on the other hand, wants only her and has the patience of Job. They eventually fall in love, but we don't really get to experience the relationship developing. Instead, there's plenty of steam along the way. There are some family secrets and a scandal involving Brent, but that's the extent of the drama.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but I think the story could have had more depth if it had been longer than 5 hours and 33 minutes. The narration was done by the always-amazing Wesleigh Siobhan. If you like romances with lots of spice and very little drama, you might enjoy this one. It's a quick listen that can easily be finished in a day.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thank you, NetGalley, Shelia Goss & publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy. These are my opinions .
I oh soo loved this! Every single part! This had so much!
Instalove.. Instasex 🔥 Workplace Romance He falls first.. hard. Family Drama. Long lost parent. Secret baby… So much!
Wesleigh did an amazing job as always on narration! This is the third part of this series, and my favorite one!
The FMC is a control freak with daddy issues, her Beau works hard to break through her issues. Family tragedy brings them even closer until their perfect picture is hit with a ghetto ass boulder!
Also add miscommunication! The FMC seemed very immature but her career made her seem older. I definitely enjoyed this quick read!
Off Script by Shelia Goss (2026) previously published as Secrets Uncovered by Shelia M. Goss (2015) Women in Hollywood #3 5h 33m narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan, 215 pages
Movie Rating Equivalent: NC-17 for extra spicy scenes
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🎬⚜️
Juicy Drama and Cinemax Vibes
Off Script is part of a relaunch of the 2015 Women in Hollywood trilogy. While the series keeps its original titles and gets beautiful, updated covers, the story itself doesn't seem to have been revised for the relaunch and definitely could have used another pass in the editing process. I have read books where authors revisit their early work to make it punchier, but that does not seem to be the case here. The exposition is clunky, forcing you to reread sentences just to figure out if an action actually occurred or was merely suggested. The story features insta-sex that suffers from that exact same issue; it happens so fast I had to rewind just to piece together if they actually did it, while other scenes are highly descriptive with a blow-by-blow, Cinemax After Dark vibe.
I originally awarded a bonus half-star because both characters were from Shreveport, and another half-star when the plot actually took them there. But I immediately had to revoke it when the audiobook spammed the word "Shreveport" half a dozen times in less than 30 seconds, and then tried to convince the reader that A-list Hollywood actors were genuinely excited to stay at Sam's Town, touting it as if it were a five-star luxury resort. Of all the options in Shreveport, really, Sam's Town? I had to drop that bonus, although it did make me laugh out loud and call a friend to share the nonsense.
Some of the narrative feels like the author is just trying to hit a word count. However, right around Chapter 27 (55%), the story really started to get juicy. At that point, the writing style did not matter as much—it was all about the drama. Although there was a lot of forced, out-of-character miscommunication, I let it go because the chapters were short and moved so quickly. Unfortunately, it suffers from a bit of a "minute man" mentality. One minute they are flirting, the next they are putting their clothes back on, and the ending is just as abrupt. I thought I was in the middle of a scene when I got the announcement that the story was over, and I had to rewind to check if I missed something.
All in all, I still enjoyed the story. I am down for any book set in Louisiana, and I am rounding my 3½-star rating up to a four primarily because it made me smile and Da Boot gets a bonus. Even though it is a little clunky, I am definitely interested in reading the other two books in the series and would even read this one again.
Recommend to others: Sure, but not if you're looking for high literature. This is fast fiction with a sitcom plot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Women in Hollywood 1. Secret Relations (2015) aka Worth the Risk (2026) 2. Secret Liaisons (2015) aka No One Has to Know (2026) 3. Secrets Uncovered (2015) aka Off Script (2026)
Featuring: Wedding, Celebrities, Characters from the previous Books, Laguna Beach, California; Baldwin Hills, Television Producer, Actor, Shreveport, Louisiana; Sex, Tabloids, Social Media, Workplace Setting, Friendships, Family Dynamics, Secrets
Books and Authors Mentioned: Bayou Dreams series by Farrah Rochon
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!
We are dropped right into Kem and Brent’s love story, where things seem to be almost too easy. They navigate some hard times in Kem’s life together before eventually a complication arises in their relationship.
Let’s start with what I loved. First and foremost, Wesleigh Siobhan is an incredible narrator. This is the first time I’ve listened to her and she really brought the story to life. One of the side characters, Aunt Edna, was charming, funny, and exactly the sort of auntie everyone wishes they had in their lives. The story was fast paced and the Hollywood setting was so fun to listen to.
Overall, however, I would say this book wasn’t for me. I tend to gravitate toward deep character and plot development, and being dropped off in the abrupt start of a love story without knowing anything about the characters or their back stories made it hard to connect to them. While I do deeply appreciate a fast moving story, I found myself wishing the author explored more of the complicated and meaningful problems the characters were facing. Ironically, if this book had been twice as long, I think I would have absolutely loved it. I just wanted MORE from the characters and their problems, instead of things moving swiftly along from one thing to the next.
If you love to read about complicated family dynamics, the rich and famous lifestyle, some steamy romance, all with a no nonsense pace and Hallmark style feel-good vibes, I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy Off Script.
⭐ 3.25 Stars — Audiobook Review Narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced listening copy.
If Wesleigh Siobhan is narrating, I’m already listening. She always has such a great handle on character voices the emotion, the attitude, the little shifts that make you feel like you’re hearing a full cast when it’s really just her. She never disappoints.
This is a workplace romance where our girl Kem is a producer who’s in charge of every aspect of her life. She doesn’t let go of control easily, and she definitely doesn’t use men for anything more than what she needs… until Brent. Their dynamic is entertaining, messy in spots, and full of heat. Kem jumps to conclusions fast and communicates… selectively. Brent is patient enough to balance her out, and their chemistry stays strong from beginning to end.
Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook. It’s quick, spicy, and emotional in a couple of moments the kind of story you can finish in a day and feel satisfied with. It’s not groundbreaking, but it is fun, and it made me want to revisit the earlier books in the Women in Hollywood series.
If you like contemporary romance with workplace tension, a touch of drama.... this one will work for you.
This was a fast-paced, easy, spicy read that ultimately landed around 3 stars for me.
Right off the bat, I liked the premise and the Hollywood setting. But I never totally connected with Kem and Brent or their relationship. There was plenty of physical chemistry, but I wanted more tension and build-up outside of that.
I think part of that came down to the writing style. At times, everything felt a little too spelled out for me. I always understood what the characters were doing and feeling, but I wanted a little more room for the tension and emotion to build on their own. Even when the story got into some of the heavier family dynamics, I still felt a little removed from the characters.
I did really enjoy the audiobook narration! Wesleigh Siobhan brought so much personality to the side characters, and I especially loved her Brent voice. The narration definitely elevated the experience for me.
Overall, this was a quick, easy listen with lots of spice. I just personally wanted a little more emotional depth and build-up from the romance.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Sheila Goss for the ALC!
Thank you Netgalley and for this opportunity to review this ALC. This is my honest opinion.
Wesleigh Siobhan as narrator guarantees that the story will be delivered with emotion and theatrics that bring the characters to life. As usual, she did not disappoint.
This workplace, forbidden romance between a producer and actor was entertaining. The reluctant FMC, Ken, was quite challenging. Her lightning quick jumps to conclusions and lack of communication were tiring to say the least. Thank goodness for the MMC, Brent's, persistence and patience. Their relationship is tested a couple times and they both have to prove that they know how to stick around when times get hard. They have an immediate physical attraction and the heat never dies. This is a spicy read, about 3-4 chili peppers. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook. It was a quick one that I completed in a day. It's 5hrs 33 mins long. I did get a little teary a couple times but I blame that on Wesleigh Siobhan. I would recommend this book for lovers of contemporary romance with a touch of drama, a redemption arc and lots of spice.
Quick, frustratingly entertaining Hollywood romance narrated by the one and only Wesleigh Siobhan.
So hard to avoid spoilers, so I’ll just say Brent was a great book boyfriend despite his little flaw. And Kem, well whew chile needs a little bit of therapy.
Cute banter and great chemistry. And that medium type of spice where you’d take a little sip of water after like the 3rd or 4th wing.
Wesleigh brought this story to life and made it entertaining even when parts were a little annoying. I’m looking at you Kem girl.
Overall, an easy, cute, quick listen with some great side characters and romance. I do wish the ending was a bigger moment and there was an epilogue.
Thanks NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley for review purposes. Overall, I would recommend this for fans of Kennedy Ryan. This is a short book that focuses on a steamy open-door romance between a female producer and a male actor. Though they've worked together for a couple years, once they finally explore their romantic connection, the instalove seems to take right off. Given the nature of their professional relationship, something feels a bit forbidden as they try to keep their romantic relationship under wraps. Slight spoiler: when a scandal tests their bond, Kem drops Brent without giving him a chance to explain which is one of the more infuriating miscommunication ways for a third act breakup to play out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this book.
Kem is a producer of a tv show that consumes the majority of her life. She also has a small circle of good friends she holds very dear. Brent is a lead actor on Kem’s tv show and he is very attracted to her. They two have strong chemistry and Brent falls hard. It takes Kem a little while to catch up to his feelings. Things happen and their relationship is tested. In the end the two wind up stronger than ever and get their happy ending.
This was a quick-paced book. The narrators did a good job with the characters. The book was lacking some depth and was predictable, but okay.
This book was not for me. It starts into the spicy stuff within the first few pages. Then the heroine is fighting the relationship and the hero is pushing for it. Maybe it is someone else’s style, it just isn’t mine. I couldn’t even finish the book, which is rare for me. I also didn’t like the writing style. It was like the author described the wrong things to set the scene or mood. It read more like an outline for a novel to be written, not the novel itself.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for the alc. I am sorry I didn’t like this one and have better feedback for you. I hope the next one is better for me.
Off Script was a solid listen for me, with Wesleigh Siobhan’s narration being the standout. She did an excellent job bringing the characters and story to life, and her performance kept me engaged throughout.
The story itself was a mixed experience for me. There were definitely moments I enjoyed, but it didn’t completely pull me in the way I hoped it would. That said, the audiobook experience was elevated by the narration.
Overall, I’d give Off Script 3.5 stars. If you enjoy romance audiobooks, especially ones narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan, this may be one to add to your listening list.