Friday, February 21, 2014

Isn't She Lovely by Lauren Layne

Date Released: October 28th 2013
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group: Flirt
Visit the Author: Website|Facebook|Goodreads
My Rating: 4/5 Stars

About Isn't She Lovely:
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?

My Review:

Can I just start by saying I am so happy I decided to read this! If you're a New Adult fan, or a fan of contemporary twists on classics in general, I think you will be too. 

Stephanie decides to stay at NYU for the summer, just so she doesn't have to go "home" and spend time with her father, step-mother and step-brother. But when her summer living arrangements fall through, what's a girl to do?

Ethan decides to take a class for the summer just to avoid interning at his family's company, because there is no way he wants to spend more time than necessary with his ex-girlfriend or his former best friend. 

So, when these two are put together to work on a screenplay an unusual arrangement comes into play. Ethan needs someone to keep his mom from pushing his ex on him, and well, Stephanie needs a place to stay. Then, they can use the notes to create their play. After summer is over, they can happily part ways. The only problem is, the fake relationship starts to feel all to real. 

*Fangirl Dancing* Such an awesome book. I've mentioned before I love modern retellings/remixes of older stories and this one was, as the synopsis stated, an edgy read, one that I couldn't devour fast enough. Stephanie and Ethan's relationship had a real buildup. The way the events take place make sense, and the author has a way of making such a crazy concept an almost logical decision, as in them deciding on the whole charade. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a great read. Those spring/summer months are sneaking up on us and this will make a great beach read!  
*I received this book for review from the publisher via Netgalley, but this in no way affected my review or opinion* 



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