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Love Scene, Take Two
Debut author Alex Evansley delivers a sweet summer romance in this inventive novel about a young heartthrob and teen author falling in love.
Teddy Sharpe is kind of famous. He might actually be on his way to being really famous, especially if he'd nailed an audition for the lead role in the movie adaption of the newest bestselling young adult book series. There's just one problem: He totally blew the audition. And he's stuck in a tiny North Carolina airport. And his maybe-ex-girlfriend kind of just broke up with him.
The weekend isn't exactly looking good until Bennett Caldwell, author of the very book series he just auditioned for, takes pity on him and invites him to her family's lake house. Away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood for a few days, Teddy starts to relax . . . and somehow he and Bennett just click. But dating is hard enough when you aren't the subject of several dozen fanblogs, and the Internet is full of juicy gossip about Teddy and Bennett . . . gossip that Bennett might not be prepared to handle.
Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan’s young adult imprint Swoon Reads, Alex Evansley's debut novel, written from both Bennett and Teddy's perspectives, will have teens laughing, swooning, and falling in love along with these fantastically relatable characters.
Teddy Sharpe is kind of famous. He might actually be on his way to being really famous, especially if he'd nailed an audition for the lead role in the movie adaption of the newest bestselling young adult book series. There's just one problem: He totally blew the audition. And he's stuck in a tiny North Carolina airport. And his maybe-ex-girlfriend kind of just broke up with him.
The weekend isn't exactly looking good until Bennett Caldwell, author of the very book series he just auditioned for, takes pity on him and invites him to her family's lake house. Away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood for a few days, Teddy starts to relax . . . and somehow he and Bennett just click. But dating is hard enough when you aren't the subject of several dozen fanblogs, and the Internet is full of juicy gossip about Teddy and Bennett . . . gossip that Bennett might not be prepared to handle.
Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan’s young adult imprint Swoon Reads, Alex Evansley's debut novel, written from both Bennett and Teddy's perspectives, will have teens laughing, swooning, and falling in love along with these fantastically relatable characters.
362 pages, Hardcover
First published December 7, 2015
36 people are currently reading
2264 people want to read
About the author
Alex Evansley
2 books73 followersAlex Evansley holds a BA from one school and an MFA from another—neither of which taught her how to maintain a reasonable sleep schedule. LOVE SCENE, TAKE TWO is her debut YA novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
November 25, 2020
I was lucky enough to read this book in its original form, Between Takes, on Wattpad. I enjoyed it so much because it read kinda like an old fantasy of mine from my earliest writing days, in which my books got made into a movie with Chloe Bennet as the leading lady, and I got to date her. The difference being that Teddy Sharpe and Bennett Caldwell are more like Dylan O'Brien and Alex Evansley, but that's okay. The point is, even though this style of book is normally very much not for me, Alex's book was completely the opposite, so much up my alley and enormously lovable.
Now, she's got this new version of her book available for all of us to read, and I'll be damned if I don't get them not to stock it at the Stanford Bookstore where I'll make it yet another Staff Pick.
I did notice a few small changes in the road from BT to LS,T2. Like, for instance, the slight de-aging of both Teddy and Bennett. Teddy's now just a couple of months shy of 21 at the start of this book, so he can't just get a bourbon on the rocks when he boards the flight to Charlotte. And Bennett, she's 18 - so this one part where I remember, from the original version of the story, where Bennett muses about how her creative-writing professor criticized her a bit for writing as if Parachutes was already a movie with trailer-ready snappy dialogue. Or something like that. I'm honestly surprised my own creative-writing professors never went there with my own writing, but then again, they never read more than, oh, maybe twenty pages out of the hundreds I've created for my big old series. And they were far less critical than this one classmate who was just the biggest assbutt of them all...but I'm not affected by his nonsense at all.
I also don't remember much of Liz and Will from the original version, but I'm definitely not going to forget them as written here. Will is so much me - he's a queer guy (though gay, not quite like little bi me) surrounded by family who doesn't understand him in the slightest, and I wouldn't be surprised if my own family, were I ever to really be out to them, would out me to anyone and everyone they could just to embarrass me. The way Liz does, among other truly atrocious things that make her the most supremely unlikable character in the whole book. (And I thought Burt Bridges was the actual worst back in Between Takes.) On a lighter note, I actually have a friend named Liz whom I told about her namesake, and she and I agreed, this fictional Liz felt a little more like she got possessed by the spirit of Mihai, the worst neighbor in Bucharest (or so Romanian Duolingo would have us believe in this little running joke.)
But you know what? I'm very, very glad I went and bought myself this book, because I so badly need the lovely chemistry of #Shardwell5Ever in my life. By sheer coincidence, the week when Teddy and Bennett meet for the first time, in my real life, was marked by me trying an OKCupid date for the first time and getting totally stood up because I'm basically cursed to never be loved.
Yeah, Ted.
Mm-hmm. He's got me pegged.
But then there's Teddy and Bennett, who are almost exactly what I want in a relationship. A little insta-lovey, to be sure, and maybe a little too reliant on repetitive lines for laughs (like the "alphabet of hepatitis" bit, but then Bennett also comments on repetition of lines being literally Teddy's job, so there's that.) But the chemistry they have is Stonefield- or Melwood-grade beautiful and natural and I'm always there for that.
But then again, there's a reason why this book gets a fair few references in my own manuscripts, including a recently-written bit in Peppermint where I have Alex Snow mention two clubbers being a Shardwell couples cosplay. Not gonna lie, if I ever do break my relationship curse, get me a girl I can do this couples cosplay with. I'm pretty sure I resemble Dylan...sorry, Teddy enough to pull off that half already, lol.
As for whoever's the lucky lady who gets to be my Bennett, well, all she's gotta do is make me a real sucker for a chick in a ball cap. (Not that I'm not already.) And the part I liked the best was how the Caldwell family was such a friendly and mellow bunch - the kind of family I wish I had. Certainly the kind that would've let me drink a little even while underage (as long as I didn't cut too loose, y'know). Or the kind that would've let me be openly bi in peace - seriously, Will got the wrong branch of this family tree. He deserves to be a Caldwell, sib to Bennett and Tanner both.
I remember Alex was working a bit on a sequel, titled Outtakes at the time, but I'm sure if she writes it now, it'll have a different title. I just hope it comes, though. I'm not sure I can handle a world where this is the only Shardwell tale we get! And though I'm not sure I'll get to publish my own books through SwoonReads, if I do, I know me and mine will be in great company with Alex and hers. (Which reminds me, I need to try and revive my SwoonReads account. It's been dead for quite a while.)
January 23, 2021
I have to admit, I loved reading this book on Wattpad (I read it twice there!). Literally so much fun & one of my favorite books on the site.
And I'm really happy to say that even after the revisions the book went through to get published, it still keeps so many of the same things that I loved about the Wattpad version, although geared a little more towards the book community's audience. Actually, it's kind of eerily similar as I can list all the differences on one hand:
- the hook & starting scene of the novel
- the end of the novel
- the protagonists' ages (they're younger now)
- small tweaks in 3 or 4 scenes due to age making certain backstories (Bennett writing the book in college) inapplicable
And honestly, that's about it. If you're worried about the lack of differences with the Wattpad book being a problem, don't be, because this book was fantastic when it was just a first draft on Wattpad. And it's just as awesome now.
This is the type of romantic comedy I have been looking for the past few weeks, and reading (or, well, rereading) this novel was still such a fun experience. I love the way the story arches, something that's not usually found in serial fiction but something Evansley did flawlessly even in the Wattpad version, and how it's short and sweet but still has enough angst to keep you entertained.
The entire premise is honestly just a ball of fun--I mean, a young adult author and the lead actor in her movie adaption falling in love? Isn't that the most adorable, fluffy thing you've ever heard of? Even though it might be a tad on the unrealistic side, it still makes a really fun read. Famous people is one of my favorite clichés, and Evansley does not let the reader down.
Something that I do think certain readers won't like is the fact that it's told through third person. I personally don't mind this--sometimes I honestly prefer books that way--but I know the young adult audience does have a tendency to favor first. I personally didn't find third person to jar the reader or make it hard to relate to the characters, but if you're someone who has a lot of trouble with that, you might want to read a couple chapters to see if this is something you'd be into.
My only criticism lies in the character Liz, who is Bennett's cousin and kind-of (but not really) friend. I felt like even though she was such a toxic and unhealthy character in general, I wish she hadn't been portrayed as desperately as she was because to me, it felt like she was being made into that girl. It's all the girl characters in the book vs. Liz. I wanted Liz to learn to be a better person in this book, rather than being left as the mean/toxic/ugh-her girl for the entire story.
But overall, I had such an amazing time reading this book! It was definitely really nice to be able to read it in print format, and it was such a lighthearted and enjoyable read. I definitely think this was a great end to my romcom contemporary kick as it was the perfect mix of sweet and angsty and tropey fun. I definitely recommend to anyone who is a fan of novels that are written with almost the same style as Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (the third person) and also anyone who just wants something light and fun to read!
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And I'm really happy to say that even after the revisions the book went through to get published, it still keeps so many of the same things that I loved about the Wattpad version, although geared a little more towards the book community's audience. Actually, it's kind of eerily similar as I can list all the differences on one hand:
- the hook & starting scene of the novel
- the end of the novel
- the protagonists' ages (they're younger now)
- small tweaks in 3 or 4 scenes due to age making certain backstories (Bennett writing the book in college) inapplicable
And honestly, that's about it. If you're worried about the lack of differences with the Wattpad book being a problem, don't be, because this book was fantastic when it was just a first draft on Wattpad. And it's just as awesome now.
This is the type of romantic comedy I have been looking for the past few weeks, and reading (or, well, rereading) this novel was still such a fun experience. I love the way the story arches, something that's not usually found in serial fiction but something Evansley did flawlessly even in the Wattpad version, and how it's short and sweet but still has enough angst to keep you entertained.
The entire premise is honestly just a ball of fun--I mean, a young adult author and the lead actor in her movie adaption falling in love? Isn't that the most adorable, fluffy thing you've ever heard of? Even though it might be a tad on the unrealistic side, it still makes a really fun read. Famous people is one of my favorite clichés, and Evansley does not let the reader down.
Something that I do think certain readers won't like is the fact that it's told through third person. I personally don't mind this--sometimes I honestly prefer books that way--but I know the young adult audience does have a tendency to favor first. I personally didn't find third person to jar the reader or make it hard to relate to the characters, but if you're someone who has a lot of trouble with that, you might want to read a couple chapters to see if this is something you'd be into.
My only criticism lies in the character Liz, who is Bennett's cousin and kind-of (but not really) friend. I felt like even though she was such a toxic and unhealthy character in general, I wish she hadn't been portrayed as desperately as she was because to me, it felt like she was being made into that girl. It's all the girl characters in the book vs. Liz. I wanted Liz to learn to be a better person in this book, rather than being left as the mean/toxic/ugh-her girl for the entire story.
But overall, I had such an amazing time reading this book! It was definitely really nice to be able to read it in print format, and it was such a lighthearted and enjoyable read. I definitely think this was a great end to my romcom contemporary kick as it was the perfect mix of sweet and angsty and tropey fun. I definitely recommend to anyone who is a fan of novels that are written with almost the same style as Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (the third person) and also anyone who just wants something light and fun to read!
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August 3, 2018
So just to be clear, I'm absolute trash for Hollywood romance. I don't know why--I guess it's just our culture's (oh yeah, that's right Kay, blame it on someone else) fascination with celebrities--but when I saw the blurb, saw that it was about a famous actor and an author, I was completely hooked. I had to read it.
Anyways, what I noticed right off the bat was that the plot was extremely contrived. To give you the set up of the book real quick: the entire plot basically happens because:
1. Teddy Sharpe starts having a conversation with this random girl Bennett next to him on an airplane (idk I feel like this is contrived like would that really happen? but that could just be because I'm socially awkward so you decide)
2. Inclement weather gets him stranded at the airport
3. The random girl he was talking to at the airport decides to invite him to her home to stay the night instead of just getting a more convenient and close hotel (stranger danger kids!)
4. Random girl's family immediately loves him and he stays there with this random family for the entire weekend. (how does nobody feel uncomfortable about this situation???)
Also let's just get out there that this girl Bennett published a huge bestseller in her sophomore year of high school that seems extremely not realistic but also I applaud you girl that's amazing. Also there's this plot point where someone had to get a whole new phone to avoid someone constantly texting and calling and I was like ok but have you heard of blocking the number?
ALSO, what felt the most contrived of all to me was
I feel like a lot of this book is banking on it being a fluffy romance, and it was really cute, but also it felt pretty dysfunctional and it wouldn't work? For one thing, there's a bit in the beginning that is sort of, kind of, like cheating, and I'm really unsure about how I feel about that because let me tell you, I am definitely not here for cheating. See how much I hated Anna and the French Kiss because of the cheating haha. Then, there's the fact that for some literal 2/3 of this book Teddy and Bennett seemed to be fighting over some stupid thing, and I kind of wanted to bash my head into the wall because why. I mean, I love angst will they won't they ahh romance, but this was just like, please. Stop being so immature. And finally, I feel like the love here was really, definitely instalove in its purest form.
WITH THAT BEING SAID...
I feel like with everything and all these points I really should hate this book. Objectively, it's just not that good. BUT... like I said above, I'm trash for these kinds of books.
The romance here is, like I said, pretty dysfunctional, and tbh, in real life I don't think they would work as a couple. But here, in my fluffy imagination, I was totally swooning. They had some moments that were just so cute together! And some great make out scenes ;) I thought this was definitely more explicit than most YA (although this def read like New Adult, not Young Adult!).
The beginning half of the book also takes place over this weekend spent out on a lake hanging out ft. swoony Bennett x Teddy moments and it just made me so happy. I don't remember when it takes place but it definitely felt like an amazing Morgan Matson-esque summer fun contemporary that I absolutely loved!
Bottom line: objectively, this is really not that good. But if you're looking for a good guilty pleasure this is A++
Anyways, what I noticed right off the bat was that the plot was extremely contrived. To give you the set up of the book real quick: the entire plot basically happens because:
1. Teddy Sharpe starts having a conversation with this random girl Bennett next to him on an airplane (idk I feel like this is contrived like would that really happen? but that could just be because I'm socially awkward so you decide)
2. Inclement weather gets him stranded at the airport
3. The random girl he was talking to at the airport decides to invite him to her home to stay the night instead of just getting a more convenient and close hotel (stranger danger kids!)
4. Random girl's family immediately loves him and he stays there with this random family for the entire weekend. (how does nobody feel uncomfortable about this situation???)
Also let's just get out there that this girl Bennett published a huge bestseller in her sophomore year of high school that seems extremely not realistic but also I applaud you girl that's amazing. Also there's this plot point where someone had to get a whole new phone to avoid someone constantly texting and calling and I was like ok but have you heard of blocking the number?
ALSO, what felt the most contrived of all to me was
I feel like a lot of this book is banking on it being a fluffy romance, and it was really cute, but also it felt pretty dysfunctional and it wouldn't work? For one thing, there's a bit in the beginning that is sort of, kind of, like cheating, and I'm really unsure about how I feel about that because let me tell you, I am definitely not here for cheating. See how much I hated Anna and the French Kiss because of the cheating haha. Then, there's the fact that for some literal 2/3 of this book Teddy and Bennett seemed to be fighting over some stupid thing, and I kind of wanted to bash my head into the wall because why. I mean, I love angst will they won't they ahh romance, but this was just like, please. Stop being so immature. And finally, I feel like the love here was really, definitely instalove in its purest form.
WITH THAT BEING SAID...
I feel like with everything and all these points I really should hate this book. Objectively, it's just not that good. BUT... like I said above, I'm trash for these kinds of books.
The romance here is, like I said, pretty dysfunctional, and tbh, in real life I don't think they would work as a couple. But here, in my fluffy imagination, I was totally swooning. They had some moments that were just so cute together! And some great make out scenes ;) I thought this was definitely more explicit than most YA (although this def read like New Adult, not Young Adult!).
The beginning half of the book also takes place over this weekend spent out on a lake hanging out ft. swoony Bennett x Teddy moments and it just made me so happy. I don't remember when it takes place but it definitely felt like an amazing Morgan Matson-esque summer fun contemporary that I absolutely loved!
Bottom line: objectively, this is really not that good. But if you're looking for a good guilty pleasure this is A++
June 2, 2018
An arc of this book was sent to me by Swoon Reads (Macmillan) in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
AGH! I binged this book faster than any other book this year.
I quickly fell in love with this story; the witty banter between Bennett and Teddy, the fun, fast-paced plot, the plot!!!! I just adored it so much! The idea of this story is amazing and it was so addicting. I found it just so adorable. As much as it was predictable at times, I just couldn't put this book down! AND Teddy?!? *heart-eye emoji goes wild here*
My only slight complaint is that it ended way too soon. I am far too attached to Bennett and Teddy. I sincerely hope that there will be a sequel (if there is, when and how can I get an arc? lol I am so desperate).
AGH! I binged this book faster than any other book this year.
I quickly fell in love with this story; the witty banter between Bennett and Teddy, the fun, fast-paced plot, the plot!!!! I just adored it so much! The idea of this story is amazing and it was so addicting. I found it just so adorable. As much as it was predictable at times, I just couldn't put this book down! AND Teddy?!? *heart-eye emoji goes wild here*
My only slight complaint is that it ended way too soon. I am far too attached to Bennett and Teddy. I sincerely hope that there will be a sequel (if there is, when and how can I get an arc? lol I am so desperate).
June 15, 2018
Teddy is a rising young star who has just auditioned for the movie role of his lifetime – and blown it. On his flight home, he meets Bennett, the young author of the book the movie is based on and somehow manages to get himself invited to stay at her lake house for a few days. While his manager thinks it’s a good opportunity for networking, Teddy finds himself thinking of other things entirely. Throw into the mix a jealous cousin and her star-struck brother, and it’s beginning to look like a fun weekend! Then, add one ex-not-ex-girlfriend, a shared movie set, and a publicity stunt, and things are starting to get even more complicated. Misunderstandings abound. Will this cute couple ever end up together - for real?
Even though Teddy and Bennett are both famous in their own right, they are really just people like us. I love Teddy’s humor and immaturity and Bennett’s vulnerability and insecurity. They are both extremely likable, cute, and funny. And they make the perfect couple. The author has a real talent for portraying the dialogue and behavior of these 18- to 20-year-olds, probably because she is one herself.
The first half of the story is told from Teddy’s point-of-view, followed by Bennett’s point-of-view during the filming of the movie. I enjoyed the first part so much more than the second. The author has chosen to use third person present tense, which feels a bit awkward. It would have been better written in the first person or third person past tense.
An impressive debut by a talented young author.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, underage drinking.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
Even though Teddy and Bennett are both famous in their own right, they are really just people like us. I love Teddy’s humor and immaturity and Bennett’s vulnerability and insecurity. They are both extremely likable, cute, and funny. And they make the perfect couple. The author has a real talent for portraying the dialogue and behavior of these 18- to 20-year-olds, probably because she is one herself.
The first half of the story is told from Teddy’s point-of-view, followed by Bennett’s point-of-view during the filming of the movie. I enjoyed the first part so much more than the second. The author has chosen to use third person present tense, which feels a bit awkward. It would have been better written in the first person or third person past tense.
An impressive debut by a talented young author.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, underage drinking.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
June 11, 2018
Get ready to swoon! Love Scene, Take Two is so adorably sweet and swoony, funny and romantic, that you’ll want to read it in one sitting.
After a meet cute on a flight from L.A. to North Carolina, poised-for-acting-stardom Teddy and teen-author-turn-screenwriter Bennett spend a weekend together and make a real connection. Unfortunately bad timing, bad circumstances, and a misunderstanding end things before they can really begin. Months later, they’re thrown together on a movie set and the sparks are still there. But Teddy can’t get Bennett to take another chance on him, and Bennett’s not sure what’s real and what’s just for publicity.
Told from both Teddy’s and Bennett’s perspectives, Love Scene, Take Two follows these two utterly likable characters as they deal with ex-girlfriends, family issues, friendships, paparazzi, and social media, all while navigating a new relationship. Teddy is positively dreamy and Bennett, while sometimes frustrating with the way she runs hot and cold with Teddy, has insecurities that make her relatable to every girl.
Love Scene, Take Two is published by Swoon Reads, a YA publisher, and is marketed as a young adult romance, but I will say that the character’s ages threw me at first. Bennett turns 18 during the course of the story and Teddy is 20 - older than typical YA leads. This makes Love Scene, Take Two perfect for a slightly more mature YA audience. With flirty banter, great humor, and some first-love angst, this is the epitome of swoony rom-com.
Final thoughts: Love Scene, Take Two was an absolute delight!♥
After a meet cute on a flight from L.A. to North Carolina, poised-for-acting-stardom Teddy and teen-author-turn-screenwriter Bennett spend a weekend together and make a real connection. Unfortunately bad timing, bad circumstances, and a misunderstanding end things before they can really begin. Months later, they’re thrown together on a movie set and the sparks are still there. But Teddy can’t get Bennett to take another chance on him, and Bennett’s not sure what’s real and what’s just for publicity.
Told from both Teddy’s and Bennett’s perspectives, Love Scene, Take Two follows these two utterly likable characters as they deal with ex-girlfriends, family issues, friendships, paparazzi, and social media, all while navigating a new relationship. Teddy is positively dreamy and Bennett, while sometimes frustrating with the way she runs hot and cold with Teddy, has insecurities that make her relatable to every girl.
Love Scene, Take Two is published by Swoon Reads, a YA publisher, and is marketed as a young adult romance, but I will say that the character’s ages threw me at first. Bennett turns 18 during the course of the story and Teddy is 20 - older than typical YA leads. This makes Love Scene, Take Two perfect for a slightly more mature YA audience. With flirty banter, great humor, and some first-love angst, this is the epitome of swoony rom-com.
Final thoughts: Love Scene, Take Two was an absolute delight!♥
October 5, 2019
After tanking his audition (or so he thought) for the next biggest YA movie franchise, Teddy serendipitously connected with the author of the series, and was invited to her lake house, when his connecting flight was canceled. Sparks flew, and the two seem to be interested in more than friendship from each other, but the weekend ended badly, until fate intervened to give Bennett and Teddy a second take. Would they be able to forget the first take on this romance, and see what the future had in store for them?
All relationships come with their challenges, but Teddy and Bennett had to deal with the celebrity factor as well. It always astounds me, the way that the fans think they are the third party in a celebrity coupling, and this phenomena was especially challenging for our young couple.
Fame can be a tricky beast, and make one wonder if someone wants them or their celebrity. Though both Bennett and Teddy worried about this, Bennett had actually experienced it with a past boyfriend, and this caused her to erect a wall, which Teddy was going to have to take down, brick by brick.
However, Teddy being as sweet and wonderful as he was, persisted. I felt like he really wore his heart on his sleeve, and he did not easily give up on Bennett. I can say, that I was rooting for him the whole time, because it was easy to see that he and Bennett belonged together. Just be prepared for a lot of push and pull.
What I also liked:
• Both Bennett and Teddy were so likable, I couldn't help but want them to succeed.
• The lake house was a fantastic setting for the first part of the book. I loved that we weren't just at the lake house, but we enjoyed boating, cooking out, and other lake activities.
• Bennett's mom, dad, and brother were fabulous. I had such a nice time with them at the lake, and looked forward to them coming on set, later in the story.
• Bennett's team on set, Olivia and Emmy, were wonderful supporters and friends, and I loved what they brought to the story.
• It was fun being on the set, and I enjoyed the bits of Bennett's books, that were revealed to us as they filmed.
• There were quite a few sweet and swoony moments, as well as many humorous and smile inducing ones. These are all things I look for in a story, and was glad it was ever present in this book.
Overall, I had a lot of fun watching this love match happen. I smiled, laughed, swooned, and cheered as I read this book, and I am looking forward to enjoying more from Evansley.
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All relationships come with their challenges, but Teddy and Bennett had to deal with the celebrity factor as well. It always astounds me, the way that the fans think they are the third party in a celebrity coupling, and this phenomena was especially challenging for our young couple.
Fame can be a tricky beast, and make one wonder if someone wants them or their celebrity. Though both Bennett and Teddy worried about this, Bennett had actually experienced it with a past boyfriend, and this caused her to erect a wall, which Teddy was going to have to take down, brick by brick.
However, Teddy being as sweet and wonderful as he was, persisted. I felt like he really wore his heart on his sleeve, and he did not easily give up on Bennett. I can say, that I was rooting for him the whole time, because it was easy to see that he and Bennett belonged together. Just be prepared for a lot of push and pull.
What I also liked:
• Both Bennett and Teddy were so likable, I couldn't help but want them to succeed.
• The lake house was a fantastic setting for the first part of the book. I loved that we weren't just at the lake house, but we enjoyed boating, cooking out, and other lake activities.
• Bennett's mom, dad, and brother were fabulous. I had such a nice time with them at the lake, and looked forward to them coming on set, later in the story.
• Bennett's team on set, Olivia and Emmy, were wonderful supporters and friends, and I loved what they brought to the story.
• It was fun being on the set, and I enjoyed the bits of Bennett's books, that were revealed to us as they filmed.
• There were quite a few sweet and swoony moments, as well as many humorous and smile inducing ones. These are all things I look for in a story, and was glad it was ever present in this book.
Overall, I had a lot of fun watching this love match happen. I smiled, laughed, swooned, and cheered as I read this book, and I am looking forward to enjoying more from Evansley.
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April 4, 2018
This was a super cute read.
June 18, 2024
Dare I say this is one of the cutest, most fun contemporary novels I’ve ever read?
July 6, 2018
LOVE SCENE, TAKE TWO is a super cute upper young adult/new adult romance. Sort of famous actor, Teddy Sharpe, is trying out for the lead in the latest young adult book-to-movie adaptation. Bennett Caldwell is a young adult author whose book has been optioned for a movie. Bennett and Teddy end up on the same flight to North Carolina and immediately hit it off, launching a 72-hour romance that ends with hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and maybe a little something more.
When these two inevitably meet again on the set of the movie, things are bound to be awkward. Throw in an overzealous producer, a meddling cousin, and a rabid fan base, and things are going to get all kinds of interesting.
Plot
This is a straight-up contemporary romance with little to no subplotting, but because the plot works so well, that’s easy to overlook. The story follows a fairly predictable path of the ups and downs of a young romance, with lots of angsty emotion. But while the formula may be familiar, the execution is not. The author’s clever dialogue, unique settings, and vivid characters make this more than your average romance.
The Characters
The characters are delightful. Teddy is sweet, loyal, and funny, although he lacks a backbone in the beginning, he more than makes up for it later. Bennett, nearly three years younger, showed a lack of maturity that was frustrating at times, but her wittiness and vulnerability won me over.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About LOVE SCENE, TAKE TWO
1. Book Adaptations. Any author who tells you they don’t dream about seeing their book made into a movie some day is lying to you!
2. Teddy. All kinds of adorable.
3. Family Drama. I’m not big on my own family drama, but reading other people’s is always entertaining.
4. Olivia. As the female lead in the movie, she could easily have turned into a romantic rival, but instead, as Bennett puts it, she’s effing amazing.
5. Bennett. She ran hot and cold so much, it was hard to keep up with her feelings for Teddy, but her sense of humor and snark made her easy to love.
Bottom Line
Fun contemporary romance with a Hollywood twist.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When these two inevitably meet again on the set of the movie, things are bound to be awkward. Throw in an overzealous producer, a meddling cousin, and a rabid fan base, and things are going to get all kinds of interesting.
Plot
This is a straight-up contemporary romance with little to no subplotting, but because the plot works so well, that’s easy to overlook. The story follows a fairly predictable path of the ups and downs of a young romance, with lots of angsty emotion. But while the formula may be familiar, the execution is not. The author’s clever dialogue, unique settings, and vivid characters make this more than your average romance.
The Characters
The characters are delightful. Teddy is sweet, loyal, and funny, although he lacks a backbone in the beginning, he more than makes up for it later. Bennett, nearly three years younger, showed a lack of maturity that was frustrating at times, but her wittiness and vulnerability won me over.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About LOVE SCENE, TAKE TWO
1. Book Adaptations. Any author who tells you they don’t dream about seeing their book made into a movie some day is lying to you!
2. Teddy. All kinds of adorable.
3. Family Drama. I’m not big on my own family drama, but reading other people’s is always entertaining.
4. Olivia. As the female lead in the movie, she could easily have turned into a romantic rival, but instead, as Bennett puts it, she’s effing amazing.
5. Bennett. She ran hot and cold so much, it was hard to keep up with her feelings for Teddy, but her sense of humor and snark made her easy to love.
Bottom Line
Fun contemporary romance with a Hollywood twist.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2018
A wonderfully charming, adorably funny, and beautifully written debut novel, Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley had me positively captivated. It was just so fun and cute and endearing that I never wanted the story to end. I definitely know without a doubt that this book will be one of my favorite YA contemporary reads this year.
I’m very impressed with Evansley’s writing style that I quickly fell in love with this story. Her writing is genuinely realistic, beautiful, and delightfully engaging. It was easy to read that I was able to connect with the characters from the very beginning. Even though the story was written in third-person, it felt like I was actually reading in first-person from Teddy and Bennett’s POVs. I felt what they felt and really cared about what happened to them. I was emotionally invested and satisfyingly engrossed that I could not put the book down.
I loved the premise of this book so much! I thought it was sweet and just the cutest and yeah…. I was definitely addicted. The plot was so amazingly well-developed, entertainting, and hilarious. There were so many moments that made me smile, laugh, and swoon. Honestly, I don’t even know how my heart is still whole cause it melted over and over again. I’m just so in love with this story and Teddy and Bennett and Emma and Oliva and pretty much everything about this beautiful novel.
The characters were all quite charmingly interesting and ridiculously lovable. Yes, even the ones you want to hate, you really can’t cause they’re part of what made the story a success. And as frustrating as they were sometimes, they were realistic and had this vulnerabily that made them so relatable. I wouldn’t change anything at all even if a certain character did really annoy me.
I Loved Loved Loved Bennett and Teddy so much. They were so stinkin’ cute together! Bennett was smart, witty, and passionate while Teddy was all kinds of swoons and sweetness. They definitely had some fun witty bantering, heart melting scenes, and their sarcasm too damn adorable. Their chemistry was EVERYTHING and I honestly cannot get enough of them. I think I have a new favorite OTP and an absolutely dreamy and swoon-worthy book boyfriend to add on my list.
Love Scene, Take Two is delightfully sweet, incredibly funny, and absolutely swoony. With so much heart-melting FEELS, intriguing family drama, great friendships, and cute romance, this book is the perfect rom-com story you’ll want to read this summer. I smiled so much and swooned so hard that I know this fantastically fun book will always have a special place in my heart. I definitely cannot wait to read more books from this author.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and for participating in a promotional Blog Tour hosted Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m very impressed with Evansley’s writing style that I quickly fell in love with this story. Her writing is genuinely realistic, beautiful, and delightfully engaging. It was easy to read that I was able to connect with the characters from the very beginning. Even though the story was written in third-person, it felt like I was actually reading in first-person from Teddy and Bennett’s POVs. I felt what they felt and really cared about what happened to them. I was emotionally invested and satisfyingly engrossed that I could not put the book down.
I loved the premise of this book so much! I thought it was sweet and just the cutest and yeah…. I was definitely addicted. The plot was so amazingly well-developed, entertainting, and hilarious. There were so many moments that made me smile, laugh, and swoon. Honestly, I don’t even know how my heart is still whole cause it melted over and over again. I’m just so in love with this story and Teddy and Bennett and Emma and Oliva and pretty much everything about this beautiful novel.
The characters were all quite charmingly interesting and ridiculously lovable. Yes, even the ones you want to hate, you really can’t cause they’re part of what made the story a success. And as frustrating as they were sometimes, they were realistic and had this vulnerabily that made them so relatable. I wouldn’t change anything at all even if a certain character did really annoy me.
I Loved Loved Loved Bennett and Teddy so much. They were so stinkin’ cute together! Bennett was smart, witty, and passionate while Teddy was all kinds of swoons and sweetness. They definitely had some fun witty bantering, heart melting scenes, and their sarcasm too damn adorable. Their chemistry was EVERYTHING and I honestly cannot get enough of them. I think I have a new favorite OTP and an absolutely dreamy and swoon-worthy book boyfriend to add on my list.
Love Scene, Take Two is delightfully sweet, incredibly funny, and absolutely swoony. With so much heart-melting FEELS, intriguing family drama, great friendships, and cute romance, this book is the perfect rom-com story you’ll want to read this summer. I smiled so much and swooned so hard that I know this fantastically fun book will always have a special place in my heart. I definitely cannot wait to read more books from this author.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and for participating in a promotional Blog Tour hosted Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2018
Received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Actual stars...4.25
This was fun. No two ways about it.
This review may include spoilers so please stop reading now if you don't want the story spoiled!!
What I loved: I loved that this story was about Bennett getting out of her own head. The biggest challenge she faced was all in her head. And Teddy wasn't going to let that get in the way. I loved that. I don't think all YA needs to have some huge catastrophic event that separates the couple. Sometimes, it just needs to be the catastrophic event that plays out in our minds.
What I liked: The dialogue felt genuine.
What I hated: Hmmm...not sure I hated anything about this one. Maybe at times I just wanted Bennett to get out of her own head! (coming from someone who spends too much time in their own head).
This is a fairly clean YA novel. There is underage drinking and underage drinking allowed by parents. Could be a deal breaker for some younger readers.
Overall: Anxious to read more from this author!!
Actual stars...4.25
This was fun. No two ways about it.
This review may include spoilers so please stop reading now if you don't want the story spoiled!!
What I loved: I loved that this story was about Bennett getting out of her own head. The biggest challenge she faced was all in her head. And Teddy wasn't going to let that get in the way. I loved that. I don't think all YA needs to have some huge catastrophic event that separates the couple. Sometimes, it just needs to be the catastrophic event that plays out in our minds.
What I liked: The dialogue felt genuine.
What I hated: Hmmm...not sure I hated anything about this one. Maybe at times I just wanted Bennett to get out of her own head! (coming from someone who spends too much time in their own head).
This is a fairly clean YA novel. There is underage drinking and underage drinking allowed by parents. Could be a deal breaker for some younger readers.
Overall: Anxious to read more from this author!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2018
This novel is d me rooting for Caldwell and Buzz! The first half was much more enjoyable than the last part as some scenes felt rushed---final few chapters, or didn't make sense (why was Buzz acting weird at the hospital?). The language could have been toned down a lot and the dialogue would not have suffered at all. I appreciated that this novel was not sexually explicit. I loved how much family played into the plot. Very plausible storyline and I look to read more by this author. Thank you netgalley for the advance read copy .
August 10, 2018
Totally loved this book from beginning to end!! Bennett has a lot of the same qualities I have like anxiety at social situations and no real basis for knowing a true love setting. But when she’s the writer of a major new YA book franchise, and she’s sitting in on auditions for the first film, she gets the chance to see Teddy Sharpe, and she gets major heart palpitations. Doesn’t help that they get stuck on a flight from LA to North Carolina and she reveals she’s the author of the book he is trying to start. But the feelings of romance start blooming during a short stay at her parents lake cabin and before long kissing.
What I liked was how things didn’t automatically start going to the kissing and physical stuff. It took its time because of Bennett’s anxiety and the fact that it was totally new territory for her. I also liked how we learn the reason for her anxiety is in large part to her cousin Liz who makes it her goal to ruin things and take the spotlight away from Bennett at any chance.
Best part is when they get their revenge, but then solidify their relationship in the best way possible.
So many insights into how filming is done and all the drama that happens after the cameras are off.
Totally worth a read and you will have such a great time with Bennett and Teddy and the others, you hate reading the last page because the characters aren’t with you any more.
What I liked was how things didn’t automatically start going to the kissing and physical stuff. It took its time because of Bennett’s anxiety and the fact that it was totally new territory for her. I also liked how we learn the reason for her anxiety is in large part to her cousin Liz who makes it her goal to ruin things and take the spotlight away from Bennett at any chance.
Best part is when they get their revenge, but then solidify their relationship in the best way possible.
So many insights into how filming is done and all the drama that happens after the cameras are off.
Totally worth a read and you will have such a great time with Bennett and Teddy and the others, you hate reading the last page because the characters aren’t with you any more.
July 26, 2018
This was a beautiful read. I enjoyed every page of it. It was a picture-perfect romance. You have this famous actor whose auditioning for this movie, and then there's the author of a book that's being translated into a movie, and she witnesses his audition. They get stuck on the same plane, and when the actors plane is delayed for the day, the author offers her house for him to stay in. They spend an extended weekend together, and the actor gets to see the girl's family, and there is an undeniable spark occurring. The girl is hesitant with love. The actor's ex-girlfriend breaks up with him over the phone, but then misses him and tries to get him back by surprising him at the airport. This makes the author move away even more. It's like a love triangle. The actor knows what he wants, but he spends the novel trying to convince the author to be with him, with all strings attached, like how media will always capture everything they do together, and there will always be haters online. I liked it because it's very relevant to the modern day, with everyone shipping each other online, and the media overexposing celebrities, the lack of privacy for famous people, and we got to see the inside effects- how it can negatively effect new relationships, which is why a lot of hollywood couples don't even admit they are dating until they are engaged, because they know how easily media can ruin everything. It was an interesting perspective. I also liked how some pages were full of text messages, or twitter replies, because it made the book a bit more interactive and unique. I'm surprised this was the author's first book, because it's so expertly written. I tried to read it slowly but I was so addicted I just couldn't stop, and I sped right through it.
June 16, 2018
3.5 stars. This was a fun read. It starts out with Teddy, who is auditioning for the next big YA film series. He thinks he did a bad job but gets a second chance when he ends up on the same plane as the teen author. He ends up spending the weekend with her and her family and makes a big impression. What comes afterwards is a series of miscommunication, angst, some pining, and great entertainment. Teddy makes a great leading man and is charming, to say the least. I enjoyed reading from Bennett's POV as well. Her take on watching her movie being filmed was fun to read, even with all the drama involved. I thought I wouldn't like Olivia, especially with the first impression we were given but I quickly figured it was done on purpose. Emmy made for a great assistant as well as friend and I like that dynamic. Bennett's extended family was a piece of work with the exception of Will. Liz was easy to hate and was a classic bitchy teen, thinking the world revolved around her. Watching the ups and downs of Teddy and Bennett had me zooming through the pages. Sure, some things could have improved, including the timeline of how it all played out. I works have like to see more Teddy interaction with Bennett but there had to be a balance somewhere. This is a perfect summer read
August 5, 2018
3.75
Adorable.
Adorable.
May 5, 2023
I just don't even know what to say. This book was perfect. It was everything I needed.
July 31, 2018
To be fair, this is probably more like a 2.5-star, but in the end I just couldn't truly say that I enjoyed this book. Which is sad, because I really wanted to.
The beginning made me think I was going to love this book. It was cute and funny, and I was interested in both Teddy and Bennett and getting to know them better. Unfortunately, I feel like that never happened.
That's where this book fell flat for me. I know it's meant to be a romance, but I felt like it lacked in substance. I wanted more than just a romance, and by the end of the book, I was completely over Teddy and Bennett's back-and-forth. They're constantly flirting, then mad at each other, then flirting, then mad again, and on and on. It was so exhausting that by the end of the book I didn't even care if they were together or not as long as I didn't have to read about it anymore.
Again, I know this a romance, but at the end of the book I still felt like I didn't really know or understand Teddy or Bennett as individual characters. Neither of them has much of a storyline outside of their relationship with one another, and their backstories are never explained. For example, one thing that really bothered me is that Bennett is an author but the book NEVER goes into detail about her writing process or even the book series that brings her and Teddy together. She had a book published at sixteen, which takes a lot of both determination and luck, but we never hear about how Bennett made this happen. She doesn't talk about how she had the idea for the book, what her writing process was like, how she got published, nothing. Maybe this only bothered me because I'm a writer myself, but I thought it was really strange to say that Bennett is a writer but then never really show or explain it. Another example of this is that Bennett is supposed to be working on her third novel, and it's hinted at several times that she's having trouble writing it, but it's never explained. There's no discussion of writer's block or lack of inspiration or anything. Again, the reader is supposed to buy this idea of her as a writer without ever seeing her actually write anything. We never even get a very detailed explanation of what her book series is about or what makes it so popular.
The same thing happens with Teddy. We get a little bit of information about projects he's worked on before this movie, but other than that, there's no information as far as what inspired him to be an actor or what he loves about it. I ultimately felt like neither he nor Bennett was even close to fully fleshed-out, and therefore I never felt very invested in either of them or in their relationship.
I feel like this is such a ranty review, and I feel bad because I don't think this is a terrible book. I can definitely see why people love it. There are moments I liked; even though there wasn't much discussion of how Teddy and Bennett's careers came to be, I did enjoy reading about their lives on a movie set. I'm not sure how realistic all of it was, but it was a fun and unique setting. I also like Evansley's writing. Even though I felt that her characters were lacking, she wrote them in a way that's accessible, and a lot of their moments are very cute and/or funny.
To wrap this up, I'll say that I could have loved this book, but it was lacking some very essential components for me. By the end of the book I was almost skimming because I just wanted to be done with the characters' juvenile behavior. I would recommend this if you're looking for nothing more than a cute, fluffy romance, but if you want something with more depth, I'd pick something else.
The beginning made me think I was going to love this book. It was cute and funny, and I was interested in both Teddy and Bennett and getting to know them better. Unfortunately, I feel like that never happened.
That's where this book fell flat for me. I know it's meant to be a romance, but I felt like it lacked in substance. I wanted more than just a romance, and by the end of the book, I was completely over Teddy and Bennett's back-and-forth. They're constantly flirting, then mad at each other, then flirting, then mad again, and on and on. It was so exhausting that by the end of the book I didn't even care if they were together or not as long as I didn't have to read about it anymore.
Again, I know this a romance, but at the end of the book I still felt like I didn't really know or understand Teddy or Bennett as individual characters. Neither of them has much of a storyline outside of their relationship with one another, and their backstories are never explained. For example, one thing that really bothered me is that Bennett is an author but the book NEVER goes into detail about her writing process or even the book series that brings her and Teddy together. She had a book published at sixteen, which takes a lot of both determination and luck, but we never hear about how Bennett made this happen. She doesn't talk about how she had the idea for the book, what her writing process was like, how she got published, nothing. Maybe this only bothered me because I'm a writer myself, but I thought it was really strange to say that Bennett is a writer but then never really show or explain it. Another example of this is that Bennett is supposed to be working on her third novel, and it's hinted at several times that she's having trouble writing it, but it's never explained. There's no discussion of writer's block or lack of inspiration or anything. Again, the reader is supposed to buy this idea of her as a writer without ever seeing her actually write anything. We never even get a very detailed explanation of what her book series is about or what makes it so popular.
The same thing happens with Teddy. We get a little bit of information about projects he's worked on before this movie, but other than that, there's no information as far as what inspired him to be an actor or what he loves about it. I ultimately felt like neither he nor Bennett was even close to fully fleshed-out, and therefore I never felt very invested in either of them or in their relationship.
I feel like this is such a ranty review, and I feel bad because I don't think this is a terrible book. I can definitely see why people love it. There are moments I liked; even though there wasn't much discussion of how Teddy and Bennett's careers came to be, I did enjoy reading about their lives on a movie set. I'm not sure how realistic all of it was, but it was a fun and unique setting. I also like Evansley's writing. Even though I felt that her characters were lacking, she wrote them in a way that's accessible, and a lot of their moments are very cute and/or funny.
To wrap this up, I'll say that I could have loved this book, but it was lacking some very essential components for me. By the end of the book I was almost skimming because I just wanted to be done with the characters' juvenile behavior. I would recommend this if you're looking for nothing more than a cute, fluffy romance, but if you want something with more depth, I'd pick something else.
July 15, 2018
I. Love. It.
I've always been in love with books starring actors or writers. This time, Alex takes both in one story and I've never been more happier. Definitely recommending it.
I've always been in love with books starring actors or writers. This time, Alex takes both in one story and I've never been more happier. Definitely recommending it.
September 9, 2018
Overall: 4.5/5 Stars
Characters: 4.5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Plot and Themes: 4.5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4.5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Love Scene, Take Two is an absolutely adorable, fluffy contemporary romance that you will fall head over heels for.
“There are few things in life of which Teddy Sharpe is absolutely certain, and he’s absolutely certain this audition is going to be a train wreck. ”
Blog || Tumblr|| Bookstagram || Twitter
- Premise -
Love Scene, Take Two is told from two different points of view, the first being that of actor Teddy Sharpe. Getting the lead in the movie adaptation of the bestselling Parachutes book series could be his Hunger Games and skyrocket his career, except he is convinced he blew his audition. Bennet Caldwell is the young author of the Parachutes series, and when Teddy is stranded at the airport due to weather, she invites him to stay at her family's house for the weekend. As the two start to fall for each other, Bennet has to figure out if she can handle the internet gossip and tabloids that a relationship with Teddy brings.
- Setting -
The majority of this book takes place at Bennet's family's lakehouse and on the movie set, and while I liked the quaint lakehouse setting, it was the movie set that I found the most fascinating. This book gives a great glimpse into more than just the drama behind the scenes, but also the technology, the people needed, the stress, and the work that goes into creating a blockbuster. Every scene on the set was absolutely captivating. While the "Hollywood contemporary romance" concept isn't new, this is definitely one of my favorite depictions of life in the spotlight.
- Writing -
The writing in this novel has a humorous feel, with plenty of sarcasm and quips, making this a light and fun read. The prose is straightforward and simple, while the dialogue is entertaining and fun.
- Plot-
One important thing to expect in this book is some hard to believe scenarios. It's unavoidable. You definitely have to suspend your disbelief over certain characters and events that occur. That said- the plot is fast paced and super fun. I could barely put this book down while reading.
- Characters -
The two main characters are one of my favorite things in this book. Bennet is a sarcastic but kind, and slightly nervous girl who definitely has some flaws she needs to work through in this book, but is far from unlikeable. Teddy is just fantastic. He is the Hufflepuff love interest we all need. Bennet's family also feature a large role in this book. I really loved all of their scenes together. Her cousin Will is amazing and I wouldn't mind a book all about him (also, he's gay! Yay LGBT rep!). The only character I didn't like was Liz, Will's sister and the cause for most of the drama in this book. I found her a little too unbelievable at certain points, and almost too cruel.
- Conclusion -
Pros- Quick, funny, so freaking adorable, plus an interesting look into Hollywood and movies
Cons- Can be a little hard to suspend you disbelief at certain moments
Overall- 4.5/5 stars.
Love Scene, Take Two is a must read if you're looking for a quick, cute contemporary that will leave you happy and hoping for more.
Characters: 4.5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Plot and Themes: 4.5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4.5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Love Scene, Take Two is an absolutely adorable, fluffy contemporary romance that you will fall head over heels for.
“There are few things in life of which Teddy Sharpe is absolutely certain, and he’s absolutely certain this audition is going to be a train wreck. ”
Blog || Tumblr|| Bookstagram || Twitter
- Premise -
Love Scene, Take Two is told from two different points of view, the first being that of actor Teddy Sharpe. Getting the lead in the movie adaptation of the bestselling Parachutes book series could be his Hunger Games and skyrocket his career, except he is convinced he blew his audition. Bennet Caldwell is the young author of the Parachutes series, and when Teddy is stranded at the airport due to weather, she invites him to stay at her family's house for the weekend. As the two start to fall for each other, Bennet has to figure out if she can handle the internet gossip and tabloids that a relationship with Teddy brings.
- Setting -
The majority of this book takes place at Bennet's family's lakehouse and on the movie set, and while I liked the quaint lakehouse setting, it was the movie set that I found the most fascinating. This book gives a great glimpse into more than just the drama behind the scenes, but also the technology, the people needed, the stress, and the work that goes into creating a blockbuster. Every scene on the set was absolutely captivating. While the "Hollywood contemporary romance" concept isn't new, this is definitely one of my favorite depictions of life in the spotlight.
- Writing -
The writing in this novel has a humorous feel, with plenty of sarcasm and quips, making this a light and fun read. The prose is straightforward and simple, while the dialogue is entertaining and fun.
- Plot-
One important thing to expect in this book is some hard to believe scenarios. It's unavoidable. You definitely have to suspend your disbelief over certain characters and events that occur. That said- the plot is fast paced and super fun. I could barely put this book down while reading.
- Characters -
The two main characters are one of my favorite things in this book. Bennet is a sarcastic but kind, and slightly nervous girl who definitely has some flaws she needs to work through in this book, but is far from unlikeable. Teddy is just fantastic. He is the Hufflepuff love interest we all need. Bennet's family also feature a large role in this book. I really loved all of their scenes together. Her cousin Will is amazing and I wouldn't mind a book all about him (also, he's gay! Yay LGBT rep!). The only character I didn't like was Liz, Will's sister and the cause for most of the drama in this book. I found her a little too unbelievable at certain points, and almost too cruel.
- Conclusion -
Pros- Quick, funny, so freaking adorable, plus an interesting look into Hollywood and movies
Cons- Can be a little hard to suspend you disbelief at certain moments
Overall- 4.5/5 stars.
Love Scene, Take Two is a must read if you're looking for a quick, cute contemporary that will leave you happy and hoping for more.
July 12, 2018
This was a fun read.
March 18, 2025
I found this book at a Dollar Tree, and after reading it, that is single-handedly the most offensive thing, because this book was EVERYTHING.
While there wasn't any spiciness, this book did not need it. I was kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl at the swoon-worthy moments and how CUTE the romance was between the characters.
The character work was impeccable. The conversations and banter were unbeatable. I need every romance book reader to pick this up immediately.
I also love how Teddy was persistent but not creepy. This is why male love interests need to be written by women, because we know how to tow that line.
Thank you, Alex Evansley for writing this. I wish you had a million more novels for me to read, but I am now considering downloading Wattpad knowing that's where you started.
While there wasn't any spiciness, this book did not need it. I was kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl at the swoon-worthy moments and how CUTE the romance was between the characters.
The character work was impeccable. The conversations and banter were unbeatable. I need every romance book reader to pick this up immediately.
I also love how Teddy was persistent but not creepy. This is why male love interests need to be written by women, because we know how to tow that line.
Thank you, Alex Evansley for writing this. I wish you had a million more novels for me to read, but I am now considering downloading Wattpad knowing that's where you started.
June 25, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. This books deserves FIVE TWINKLING STARS
I am not being biased because I am part of the Wattpad family where this book started because I didn't read it even if it was in my library until the very day the author removed it. So I bought the book and finished it in one day.
Mary Bennett Caldwell is seriously like the girl next door type but she is nothing like girl leads I usually read. She is eighteen, a published writer and though she seems petite but she have a hell of a personality which stands out completely.
Teddy Sharpe is swoonworthy. He's funny, smart, imperfect and not arrogant which left me wondering where do guys like these live in real world? Ted is not above grovelling even if he is a hotshot celebrity and we get to see a vulnerable man with a strong sense of mind. Loved him.
Most of the time I was sitting on the edge of the seat floor probably hyperventilating like:
I loved this book because it was light,simple, enjoyable book to read over a cup of coffee which correct amount of family drama, papsattacks, hot kisses and love in it.
July 3, 2018
I LOVE THEM SOO MUCH WHAT THE HECK SEQUEL PLEASE
December 17, 2019
TW: Rape Culture, Unacknowledged Gaslighting
Soooooo...there may have been a slight pronoun confusion and a gender-neutral name, and I maaaay have expected this to be a light gay frolic through hollywood.
It's super straight, and troublingly so.
The plot arc is cute enough, but there are some super troubling gender roles at play – so much that I genuine wonder if the author is a man using a pseudonym as a woman.
The book is told predominantly through the male protagonist's perspective. The first moment you see his love interest, he is literally looking at her ass. Her ass. He checks her out from jeanshorts to baseball cap, basically thinks she is the hottest, and still hasn't seen her face. That's troublesome.
Later in the book, there are repeated moments when he steps toward her and she jerks away. To me, this body language reads as: 1) trauma victim and 2) uncomfortable with his advances.
There are also scenes where he tickles her, even when she calls out no. Scenes where he grabs her by the wrists when she tries to get away from him. And scenes where he pursues and pursues her, when she has clearly stepped out of his life.
He publicly embarrasses her at work, calling her out for avoiding him in very unsubtle ways. And when she responds poorly to his behavior, somehow he manages to shift the narrative so that she thinks that she's being unreasonable, and apologizes to him for shying away.
All of this is depicted as if it's all very sweet and romantic. Like this is what flirtation and courtship look like.
Like no doesn't have to mean no, because he's not ready to accept it. Like her body language, avoidance, and genuine hurt at his behavior are not input that he needs to account for. Like this is what romance should look like: a woman drawing away, with her body, with her words, and with her presence, and being pursued until she gives in.
It's all cute in the chick flick way, but scene after scene, there was a dynamic that really disturbed me: his desire mattered more than her protestations.
We have to stop telling stories where no doesn't really mean no.
Soooooo...there may have been a slight pronoun confusion and a gender-neutral name, and I maaaay have expected this to be a light gay frolic through hollywood.
It's super straight, and troublingly so.
The plot arc is cute enough, but there are some super troubling gender roles at play – so much that I genuine wonder if the author is a man using a pseudonym as a woman.
The book is told predominantly through the male protagonist's perspective. The first moment you see his love interest, he is literally looking at her ass. Her ass. He checks her out from jeanshorts to baseball cap, basically thinks she is the hottest, and still hasn't seen her face. That's troublesome.
Later in the book, there are repeated moments when he steps toward her and she jerks away. To me, this body language reads as: 1) trauma victim and 2) uncomfortable with his advances.
There are also scenes where he tickles her, even when she calls out no. Scenes where he grabs her by the wrists when she tries to get away from him. And scenes where he pursues and pursues her, when she has clearly stepped out of his life.
He publicly embarrasses her at work, calling her out for avoiding him in very unsubtle ways. And when she responds poorly to his behavior, somehow he manages to shift the narrative so that she thinks that she's being unreasonable, and apologizes to him for shying away.
All of this is depicted as if it's all very sweet and romantic. Like this is what flirtation and courtship look like.
Like no doesn't have to mean no, because he's not ready to accept it. Like her body language, avoidance, and genuine hurt at his behavior are not input that he needs to account for. Like this is what romance should look like: a woman drawing away, with her body, with her words, and with her presence, and being pursued until she gives in.
It's all cute in the chick flick way, but scene after scene, there was a dynamic that really disturbed me: his desire mattered more than her protestations.
We have to stop telling stories where no doesn't really mean no.
June 27, 2018
YA contemporary romance is one of my favorite genres and this book was perfect. I loved the build of their relationship and the surrounding the growing stardom for both characters. I couldn't put it down!
September 9, 2018
Review originally posted at my blog for Xpresso Book Tours: https://livingahundredlives.wordpress...
Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley is a cozy contemporary read good for summer or even rainy days. This is every teen author had been dreaming about. Imagine you have written a book and it’s going to have a film adaptation! Plus, the director wants your presence during the filming. That would be really cool.
The story started with Teddy’s audition to the Parachutes (the book) movie adaptation. He had no idea about the book yet and he thought he made a complete idiot of himself. On his trip to Miami with his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend and former co-star, Chelsea, he met Bennett who was seated beside him. Little did he know that Bennett was the author of Parachutes.
I swear it was really cheesy and I loved it! You ever met someone for the first time and you just “clicked?” Well, that’s the thing with Teddy and Bennett and I ship theeeem! The book was really lovely and adorable.
The film industry is shown and how a movie is made. It’s been a while since I’ve read contemporary romance and this definitely did the trick! I finished it in one sitting and I don’t regret any second if it. It was really really awesome!
Teddy and Bennett is a really lovely duo and some parts became really annoying because, “Hello? Can you not see that the two of you belong together!!!!!” Ah, I really can’t get enough of it. I wanted moreee. I need moreeee!
I wish this book could’ve been longer, I really enjoyed it! I totally recommend this to someone who’s looking for a cute contemporary read. Overall, I rate Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley, 4 out of 5 stars!
Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley is a cozy contemporary read good for summer or even rainy days. This is every teen author had been dreaming about. Imagine you have written a book and it’s going to have a film adaptation! Plus, the director wants your presence during the filming. That would be really cool.
The story started with Teddy’s audition to the Parachutes (the book) movie adaptation. He had no idea about the book yet and he thought he made a complete idiot of himself. On his trip to Miami with his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend and former co-star, Chelsea, he met Bennett who was seated beside him. Little did he know that Bennett was the author of Parachutes.
I swear it was really cheesy and I loved it! You ever met someone for the first time and you just “clicked?” Well, that’s the thing with Teddy and Bennett and I ship theeeem! The book was really lovely and adorable.
The film industry is shown and how a movie is made. It’s been a while since I’ve read contemporary romance and this definitely did the trick! I finished it in one sitting and I don’t regret any second if it. It was really really awesome!
Teddy and Bennett is a really lovely duo and some parts became really annoying because, “Hello? Can you not see that the two of you belong together!!!!!” Ah, I really can’t get enough of it. I wanted moreee. I need moreeee!
I wish this book could’ve been longer, I really enjoyed it! I totally recommend this to someone who’s looking for a cute contemporary read. Overall, I rate Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley, 4 out of 5 stars!
June 14, 2018
Let’s get one thing straight: This book is adorable. I fell in love with the book, the writing style, and Teddy Sharpe himself on page one. Just look at this opening line:
There are few things in life of which Teddy Sharpe is absolutely certain, and he’s absolutely certain this audition is going to be a train wreck.
I mean,
✔ A teenage bestselling author
✔ An up and coming actor who isn’t a total jerk
✔ (He’s actually a really good guy)
✔ The cutest pairing ever with totally swoony scenes
✔ Just enough drama to keep things interesting
Was this book written for me?
I love that this book is YA written about the post-high school crowd. I love that Teddy lets teenage girls fawn all over him and take his picture and talk his ear off and he never once complains about it. I love that Teddy stands up for Bennett’s younger cousin over and over again. I love that Bennett calls herself out on judging Olivia, the main actress in the film adaptation of her book, before she even knows her. I love so many things about this book.
I had such a good time reading this book that I actually took my time. I didn’t want it to end, so I drew it out over almost a week. I could’ve binged it in a night — it’s well-written and so adorable — but I wanted the experience to last, so I only read a couple chapters each night.
Highly, highly recommended.
I received a free advance copy of Love Scene, Take Two from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
There are few things in life of which Teddy Sharpe is absolutely certain, and he’s absolutely certain this audition is going to be a train wreck.
I mean,
✔ A teenage bestselling author
✔ An up and coming actor who isn’t a total jerk
✔ (He’s actually a really good guy)
✔ The cutest pairing ever with totally swoony scenes
✔ Just enough drama to keep things interesting
Was this book written for me?
I love that this book is YA written about the post-high school crowd. I love that Teddy lets teenage girls fawn all over him and take his picture and talk his ear off and he never once complains about it. I love that Teddy stands up for Bennett’s younger cousin over and over again. I love that Bennett calls herself out on judging Olivia, the main actress in the film adaptation of her book, before she even knows her. I love so many things about this book.
I had such a good time reading this book that I actually took my time. I didn’t want it to end, so I drew it out over almost a week. I could’ve binged it in a night — it’s well-written and so adorable — but I wanted the experience to last, so I only read a couple chapters each night.
Highly, highly recommended.
I received a free advance copy of Love Scene, Take Two from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
June 13, 2018
A book about a YA book being turned into a movie is something I will always sign up for. This book was great in many ways. I loved that it was spilt and told from both of the character's POVs. The first part from Teddy's and the second part from Bennett's POV. This made the book very special to me. Of course it's rather predictable Teddy meets Bennett on the plane and just happens to get to go home with her when his flight is cancelled, but that doesn't mean I don't love every minute of it. Bennett's family seemed so warm and welcoming, I wouldn't mind spending time with them. Even though Teddy is trying to get used to being in the spotlight, he is still very much himself. The book had just the right amount of drama with the gossip blogs and characters I didn't like (Chelsea and Liz). Teddy and Bennett both have to deal with new feelings, experiences and their life in the spotlights of Hollywood. While trying to figure out what they feel, they have to figure out what is real and fake when it comes to gossip, magazines and websites. I can't imagine that's easy. Love Scene, Take Two is the perfect balance of humor, love, flirting and drama. A book for the YA contemporary lovers!
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