Read and Review #2 - Isn't She Lovely (Lauren Layne)

Title: Isn't She Lovely

Author: Lauren Layne

Publication date: 28 October 2013

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Flirt

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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?

My rating:

4.5 out of 5 snicker bars consumed while reading this

My review:

I got this book the day it was released and wasted no time reading it. My mantra while reading it had been, 'Keep your fucking shit together!'. And I did, until I went home and finished the last 5 chapters and broke down in the corner of my bed.

Pygmalion – that’s the theme of this story. It’s not a very common theme for books and movies out there. Then again, I kept reading books with the same theme so who knows maybe there are more books with Pygmalion themes out there. But the movies that scream Pygmalion? One in particular is the classic Pretty Woman.

We have Stephanie Kendrick; all-black attire, multiple piercings, raccoon eyes – the typical Goth kid lurking around campus, hating on everyone, thinks that ‘meet-cute’ never happens in real life. Then we have Ethan Price; blond hair, built with freaking muscles from God knows doing what, preppy, your typical charmer.

First thought, holy all pitch perfect this is Anna Kendrick right here. Have you not seen Pitch Perfect? Remove the Goth attire and that people, is Anna Kendrick in Pitch Perfect. Hair, height, boobs, like it's a given. 

That gif is pretty accurate I think. And Ethan, well Ethan is basically described as your average rich boy hero. In this book, we get to see a combination in new adult that is, quite rare. Sure we get the sullen, I-hate-everyone girl but they’re usually pretty, cute, tomboy at most but rarely Goth. The banter between Stephanie and Ethan is interesting and one of my favorite parts of the book.

I swear it's less creepy than this.

Stephanie's transformation, I wish I could see her, imagining just won’t do! I mean, from Goth to all glammed-up?

And the way they were so at ease with other, the attraction between them –it hurt at certain part of the story how they were so restricted by this unspoken rule.

It didn’t make a full 5 rating because of small details like wanting more scenes where they’re together. Yes, 3 is already enough (dinner, wedding, party) but I can’t think that their attraction is only switched on in those three events. And the rest of the time they just managed to be comfortable around one another? I don’t know, I guess I expected more Stephanie and Ethan scenes where they don't have to pretend to love each other and instead let nature takes its course. 

And then there was this part..

"I'll be in touch about the screenplay. I'm thinking we might have to reconsider the female lead. God knows we can't base her on you. We need someone with guts. Someone not afraid to bleed a little. So go back to being the statue, Stephanie. But don't expect me to be the one to bring you back to life next time. I'm done."

It was a struggle to finish because I was sobbing so hard (damn alternating POV) but I managed through. In the end, it was a refreshing read for me. I fully recommend this book to anyone who enjoys new adult, romance and lots of banter.