Monday, October 13, 2014

Book Review: Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan


Not in the Script
by Amy Finnegan

Genre: YA, contemporary, romance
October 7th 2014 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: Author
Local purchase/order: Fullybooked * National Bookstore

Blurb (Goodreads):
Millions of people witnessed Emma Taylor’s first kiss—a kiss that needed twelve takes and four camera angles to get right. After spending years performing on cue, Emma can’t help but wonder if any part of her life is real anymore . . . particularly her romances. She’s been burned by heartthrobs (and the press) one too many times, but there’s something about Emma’s co-star on her new TV show Coyote Hills that is irresistible. Jake Elliott is gorgeous, smart and actually cares about Emma’s charitable foundation. But she’s sworn off on-set relationships. They always end badly . . . don’t they? 

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





My Thoughts:

I'm so excited to found out the author--Amy Finnegan--has sent me a copy of this book! I have my eyes on If Only books ever since I saw them. It was a great bonus that I get to know Amy more (you will too, soon) and get my book signed! :D

Emma Taylor has been in front of the camera all her life. It captured her growing up, acting or not. And yes, including her love life. Her history with gorgeous actors didn't went well and it created a bad image on her. So when a new TV series comes up, she set her limits about dating her co-stars. Including Brett Crawford, her ultimate celebrity crush (and her laptop wallpaper), and smart and thoughtful Jake Elliott.

I've read some novels about Hollywood but none of them gave me this kind of story before. The characters are famous celebrities, but the story of this book is about their personal lives. I love that most of the scenes were off cam. It's like I've got a VIP pass on Hollywood and saw the lives of celebrities. This is what fangirls dream the most!

I love that the book-and-TV characters became friends even on their first meeting. And even though Kimmi, a new actress, could be a total B and Brett turned out to be an air-head, I found myself laughing at their banters. I almost thought/hoped they'd end up together. I love Emma and Jake's friendship too, and the progress of their relationship. They are so comfortable with each other that they don't talk about being a celebrity. I really liked Jake! I like how humble he is and just so normal. He's a perfect gentleman as well and a girl would want for in a boyfriend! He's a total package. There was only one time where I got disappointed in him, where he had a little faith in Emma. Emma on the other one, is the kind of person anyone would be cool with. She's nice, funny, and totally normal as well. 

I love the characters--they are easy to relate to, the progress of the story, and the ending...well, I'm not contented. Because I want Emma and Jake's relationship announced to the world! :P The tone of the book is light, cute, and fluffy. One thing I noticed were the italic words. There were a lot of them actually, some I don't think necessary. But that does not change the fact that this book is so sweet and enjoyable. I really like every second of it!

Not in the Script is gorgeously cute and romantic! The cover says it all. I recommend this book to Hollywood fangirls (you'd want this amazing behind-the-scenes experience, told in a YA novel!), contemporary romance fans, and everyone who wants something fun and make their day brighter. ;)


*Thank you so much  Amy Finnegan for the review copy in exchange of an honest review!

Rating:








Saturday, October 4, 2014

What's Cool? MIBF 2014 + others

What's Cool? is an anytime meme where I feature all the
Cool things happened, I got, blog news, and just anything Cool!

Heya! Let me show you some NEW exciting events for Pinoy bookworms, my photos from MIBF 2014, and a blog announcement.
  • Manila International Book Fair 2014

Yep, I finally attended MIBF! :D




MIBF ran through September 17th to 21st. The only available (I made it available) time I had was on the second day (18th). And I thank God because if I came there on the first day as I originally wanted, I won't be seeing this really Cool booth! Photo below.


This is a "Book Museum" booth. Inside contains Philippine's literature history, I think. I only saw some photos from my standing point. Still, I love this part!


That's the National Bookstore's booth..which was SO huge. You'd think you were visiting another branch of theirs. XD


I just have to have a photo with Fullybooked booth art! I love it, along with their ticket. I even used it as a bookmark. ;)


Me and my friend, Janine.

It was soo fun and real eye-bulging. I've never seen THAT many books before. I almost dragged a sleeping bag and lived there. I'd definitely come back next year with a saved allowance for massive book shopping (it's free to dream, hey). I only bought one book (Legend) because I don't want to spend too much. Plus, I'm broke and saving for the future book signing tours. :P

Speaking of which...


  • More book signings!
Let us take a minute to tackle hug National Bookstore. Ready.. Set... ATTACK! *tackle hugs*
Thank YOU for these authors you're bringing us next!


New York Time Bestselling Authors Claudia Gray and Medeleine Roux will light up Manila and Cebu this month with a book signing event.

Claudia Gray is the author of Evernight series, Spellcaster series, and the recently published cover-lusting first book of Firebird series, A Thousand Pieces of You. Madeleine Roux wrote horror novels such as Asylum and Zombie series.


Marie Lu, NY Times Bestselling author of Legend trilogy and The Young Elites (new series), will be invading Philippines next on November 22nd and 23rd. I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET HER!


Poet Lang Leav is coming back! So if you didn't had a chance to go to her previous signing, meet her on December 5th (Cebu), December 6th, or 7th (Manila). Prepare your copies of Lullabies, and Love and Misadventures!


And the latest author to add on your list..James Frey!

Welcome the new year with NY Times Bestselling author of End Game: The Calling, A Million Little Pieces, My Friend Leonard, Bright Shiny Morning, The Warmest December, and several more.

Check this out for NBS events on Facebook. Meet you on these events!


  • Books
Here are some of my Cool haul!



For review:

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini (review)
Sway by Kat Spears (review)
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall



Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little
Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White (review)
Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios
In A Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis




Lailah by Nikki Kelly
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil
Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan + bookmarks and a sweet note!

Won:
Four by Veronica Roth







Bought:

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle
How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer
Legend by Marie Lu


Thank you so much to Ruth and Macmillan International, Megan and HarperCollins International, Mimi and Hardie Grant Egmont, Jean at BookNerd, and Amy Finnegan! ♡ 




  • Blog announcement
I would like to let you all know that I will be having another blogging hiatus. I hate to do this but I need to prepare for something big in the next two months. I won't be reading books or blogging about them except for selected books that I really need to review. So you could expect two or three reviews on the blog before my comeback.

I will be back on December or last week of November (it depends) just in time for Celebrating Debutantes 2014. As (some of) you know, CD features different YA/MG/NA debut authors of the current year. There will be interviews, 14 facts about the authors, and giveaways! Check this out for the list of debut authors participated on the two previous years.

Thank you so much for your support! I'm excited to be back soon!



***


Share me your Cool stories/haul!