Thursday 17 April 2014

eARC Review: Isn't She Lovely by Lauren Layne

 Title: Isn't She Lovely
Author: Lauren Layne
Publisher: Random House LLC
Pages: 243
Release Date: October 28th 2013
Series: -
Where I Got It: The Publisher, via NetGalley

Synopsis: The rules are clear—until they're broken. Lauren Layne puts a New Adult spin on Pygmalion, also the inspiration for Pretty Woman, and gives the classic love story its edgiest twist yet.

"Who knew that pretending you're not falling for someone would be so much more difficult than pretending that you are?"

Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she's pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn't exactly Ethan Price's type, either. He's probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund... or does he?

As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie's a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan's brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.

But when Stephanie steps into Ethan's privileged world, the "acting" begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating "them." And Stephanie faces a question she's too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?

Lauren Layne
Lauren Layne is a snarky smartass with a serious weakness for happily ever afters.

Marrying her high school sweetheart was a good start. *cue Disney soundtrack.*

But Lauren wanted all romance, all the time.

Now she writes fictional happy endings, and considers her job done well if you swoon while reading her books.

Don't worry. You will.

Once upon a time she lived in a Manhattan high-rise, but now she's on the laid-back train in the Seattle area. If you ever find yourself in Issaquah, she'll probably buy you a drink. Maybe.

Review

I read this book on April 14th 2014.


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

The story could be slightly predictable, but the reader can't help but enjoy the banter.

I actually really enjoyed this book. It had everything I look for in books: romance, humor, swoon-worthy-ness, and the characters. Just perfect characters. Stephanie Kendrick reminded myself in many ways and it was refreshing. She would wear dark clothes and colours, and always wore combat boots. When Ethan meets her, they despise each other. Then he proposes an offer to Stephanie that she can't refuse. The story line was similar to books and movies I've read/seen before. I liked knowing the story. And even though the story could be slightly predictable, the reader can't help but enjoy the banter between Ethan and Stephanie.

Stephanie was a strong and guarded character. She had her reasons for being the way she was and we learn of them as the story goes on. I'm not gonna lie, the story dragged on in some of her scenes because her life story could be so predictable. It seemed that, while reading, I'd already read this and knew exactly why she was guarded before we even got a hint of it.

Ethan was more open, golden-boy type. However, don't let his image fool you, he could be pretty bad-ass especially in the end. That made me bust out laughing (fellow readers, you know what I'm talking about). The story could drag on slightly in the beginning, but once the reader gets into the story, you simply can't put the story down. The story sort of calls to you, not letting you get one thing done.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy New Adult romance and humor filled story lines.
Ages: 16+
Grades: 10 and up

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