Bex is psyched that she's finally getting out of her dead-end Washington state hometown and moving to LA as an intern for her favorite show Silver Falls. But instead of sitting in the writer's room and helping to pitch ideas, she's picking up coffees and is basically shunted aside. Bex stays silent when the misogynistic showrunner steals her idea, but when he tries to straight-wash her queer character in order to mitigate another actor's homophobic rant, Bex can't stay silent.

What an exciting read!

It's a story that's about the straight-washing of media culture and how that shit just isn't going to fly in 2019—people want queer storylines, and they need representation. Mixed into #DontKillYourGays are themes of sexism, inequality and double standards within the Hollywood industry.

I also liked that Bex's background played a key part in her insecurities, as she slowly begins to realize that there is nothing to be ashamed of for how you grew up, and there's no need to reinvent yourself to make shit happen. Be you and shine like the star you are.

Additionally, we've got some ADHD and anxiety rep and a character who is gay but not entirely sure exactly what her labels are, but she's figuring them out as she goes. Bex grew really quickly, from shy and insecure intern into someone who began to realize that you have to fight for what you need—and that some fights mean risking your entire future employment possibilities in order to what what is right.

I felt like her relationship with Shrupty went from zero to sixty really quickly, and aside from one mention from Shrupty when she accused Bex (who is literally the lowest of lowest interns) about hiring her onto the show to get into her pants, the fact that Bex was fighting for her girlfriend (who played a character she created) to stay in the show, was a little weird and probably should have been mentioned a bit more in the story? Bex and Shrupty had chemistry, but their relationship seemed superficial, and I felt like it was Shrupty using Bex to get her big break on the show (that wasn't the case but I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop).

Anywho, there are some not-so-subtle jabs at popular paranormal TV shows that feature two prominent male characters and a revolving door of women who serve only to boost the male characters' development and plotlines. If you're thinking, wow, what a supernaturally odd thing to say, then perhaps you need to read this book—because aside from these criticisms, it's clear that much love is shown back to the show and its fans.

So, reasons to read this:

1. Sapphic relationship between a girl with ADHD and anxiety and an Indian-American girl
2. #DontKillYourGays
3. Kickass queer secondary characters
4. The funniest dad in the planet
5. Commentary on sexism, double standards and homophobia in Hollywood
6. The impact of social media
7. The importance of diversity in all aspects of media—from the board room, to the writing room, to the camera crew and to the talent
8. The poverty roller coaster

Reasons not to read this:

Honestly I can't think of any unless you're homophobic?

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Another unapologetically queer book! This one is all about finding your voice and standing up, not only for yourself, but for what you truly believe in and know is right.

This book has a sapphic romance with an Indian love interest.

SO! MANY! GAYS!

If you're super tired of all your tv shows being super hetero and white. If you're sick of watching that one queer character they throw you, die. If you've ever felt alone and unseen. This book is for you! I loved it so much.

Going Off Script was a good concept but often felt rushed and read more like fan fiction than a novel. I love the underdog story and wish it had been fully fleshed out in a way that didn't leave me wanting something better.

If this had been a fanfic I found on the internet, I would've stopped after chapter one. I figured, since it was published and getting buzz, I should push through. But I could not finish it. It was poorly written, shallow, zero character development. The plot was garbage and so unrealistic.

The main character, Bex, is a lesbian who is SCARED of telling her GAY COUSIN that she's GAY because he might JUDGE HER. She meets at least 3 different Youtubers (I'm not sure why the emphasis on youtubers is important, but it was pointed out) who are all LGBTQ. She has a crush on one of them, who asks her out the next day. Everyone (except one person) on the cast of the show Bex is interning at are LGBTQ. I'm not saying that many LGBTQ people can't exist in one place - but I wish I could explain to you have fake and cheap this feels.

To be clear, I have absolutely no problem with the LGBTQ plot aspect of this story. I just read Red, White, and Royal Blue and it was absolutely amazing. I loved every minute of it. This story is just bad writing.

This was a fun book, for what it was. The characters were somewhat one dimensional, the plot was predictable, the romance was kind of insta-love and fluffy and the ending was too neatly wrapped up with a big giant bow. But for the right person at the right time this will be a great read.

Bex was a good character, although I would have liked her to not be so passive at the beginning and young. I think she would have been more believable as an older teen, not seventeen. I found it hard to believe that she would get this internship over say a college student working on a degree in writing for television or movies. Because of this she was too easily intimidated by everyone on set, and especially by her boss. But that said, she was eventually able to get her act together and stand up for herself at the end. I liked the romance with Shrupty, although it was a little too insta-love, they were still cute together. I also liked how she came out to her cousin Parker, very cute.

There is a very diverse cast of characters, but we don’t really get to know any of them. Because of this they are all really one-dimensional. One of my biggest issues with the book, is anyone who disagreed with Bex’s point of view was automatically against gays and their characters ended up being a bit cartoonish. Her boss Malcolm, was especially one dimensional and a bit of a sleaze ball in the typical Hollywood fashion, (cheating on his wife).

The plot does explore some very big issues, homophobia, believing in yourself, coming out, and how the media portrays gays in TV and movies. And for the most part these issues are handled well, but it is such a short book that they don’t go into enough depth to really help anyone understand them. Also, the ending just had everything wrapping up in a too perfect and unbelievable way. Bex should have gotten into serious trouble for some of the things she did, instead of rewarded because she was doing it to get justice and Malcolm off the show.

Overall this was a pretty fun and fast read. I did have some minor issues with it, but I think that there are lots of teens out there who will really like it.

Great Young Adult novel! I really enjoyed all of the characters. This was a fun and engaging read. I would recommend it!

Go big or go home. And since going home is the last thing Bex Phillips wants to do, she's going to have to go big in LA. And, boy, does she.

Growing up poor and spending her school-days being bullied, Bex arrives in LA to be an intern on her favorite television show, Silver Falls, and is excited to start work and live in the glamorous city. This is to be her beginning as a script writer for television, her dream job. However, her first day leaves a lot to be desired as her boss is a royal jerk who can't get her name right. To prove her worth, she writes her own script and gives it to her boss... who presents it as his own work. At first timid and uncertain, Bex starts to take steps to owning her work and standing up to her boss when he rewrites her queer character as straight. For once in her life, Bex isn't going down without a fight. Fortunately, she's got help. To include the cute YouTube sensation and newest guest actress on the show, Shrupty.

Set in Hollywood hot on the heels of the Me Too Movement, "Going Off Script" is a fantastic, addicting story with wonderful characters, an amazing story, and the fluffiest of romances. "Going Off Script" is a story about taking control of your future, owning your past, and fighting for justice at every step of the way, especially in a world where diversity representation is hard-won and too many use their power for evil instead of good.

An added bonus: while you will definitely fall head over heels in love with new characters, fans of Wilde's other novels will be thrilled to see cameos from characters from the novels "Queens of Geek" and "The Brightsiders".

great story and making a difference in show and finding love. I enjoyed that it was a vampire /werewolf show and mentions of twilight mixed in. I enjoyed this book of trying to make your mark in hollywood

A story along similar lines to Ship It by Britta Lundin, which would serve as a decent barometer for whether or not you'll like this one. On the one hand, it has the light writing, the fan interest, the discussion of the lack of POC and LGBTQ+ characters in media, and the queer main character coming out and starting a first relationship (this seems less problematic, but also not particularly deep). However it does also have the fan entitlement/lack of professionalism aspects, the social justicey jargon, and the almost cartoonish aspect to all of those who disagree with the main character, (i.e. showrunner and network execs). If you're in the mood for it, though, I think it's perfectly enjoyable.

Is this book perfect? No. Do things wrap up a little too neatly? Sure. Do I care? Nope! This is the perfect book for this moment, and it's just what I needed. This was an incredibly satisfying read and I loved everything about it.

Bex is new to LA as she looks into pursuing her dream of being a TV scriptwriter and ultimately have her own TV show.



As she moves in with her cousin Parker a gay make-up artist and her idol growing up, she tries to figure out how to tell him she's gay too and no, not to just copy him.



At the TV studio where her favourite werewolf drama is filmed however she soon learns behind the scenes things are less than perfect but she does have the executive producer Jane on her side while Malcolm a fellow scriptwriter takes an instant dislike to her.



From parties with the famous and stars of Silver Falls and handing her own version of a script for an episode to her boss whom rips it off a his own!



As she falls for Shrupya an actress playing the role she wrote in her script to make a gay couple happen in the show they fall into a natural relationship which could crumble after Malcolm changes the script after a homophobic rant by Archer the straight white male lead in the show.



The book featured heavily on the LGBTQ community and also having YouTube actresses being included too. I liked the cast being a mix of cultures and identifying as various types of people, shows it's a great modern young adult book and up to date with the times! I also picked up on The Brightsiders being talked about, another great book by Jen and the sneaky hints didn't go unnoticed. I really enjoyed the way the plot went and loved the story even though after reading about the script she wrote I kinda guessed correctly the way it would play out there was still great drama and so didn't expect the love interests either which was an obvious great addition. A perfect teen read if you love movie's, TV or LGBTQ relationship dynamics.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Bex is thrilled at the idea of working on her favorite TV show. The reality, though, doesn't live up to what she'd envisioned. Being true to herself and making it in Hollywood might not be compatible goals. Plus, Bex has a crush on someone who likes her back, and she needs to fully accept her sexuality if this relationship is going to have a future. Bex's quest to bring more diversity to her favorite show faces nearly insurmountable obstacles, and Wilde keeps the tension ratcheted up in this story of one young writer's coming of age. Particularly satisfying for those who aren't going to get to see their queer OTPs onscreen together in reality.

What I loved the most about Going Off Script was how Wilde is able to balance this summer romance with a discussion about being ashamed of our roots and chasing our dreams, with a discussion about homophobia, sexism, and privilege in the media business. There's so much nuance and layers in Going Off Script which just hits all the right spots. Going Off Script features a tender cousin relationship, budding romance, coming out to her family, and Bex's own feelings, and shame, about her background. All while there's homophobia, straight washing, and the white male privilege in the media industry.

In Jen Wilde's new novel, Going Off Script, she delves into the world of TV. Protagonist Bex Phillips wants to be a showrunner/script writer, so after graduating from high school, she secures an intern job in L.A. in the writers room of her favorite TV show, Silver Falls. Excited and nervous, Bex boards a bus from her small town in Washington and heads down to flashy L.A. to join her makeup artist cousin Parker.

Bex has a secret she's hiding from Parker though - she's gay. Though Parker is also gay, she's afraid to tell him. Her aunt and mother call her Lil P because she always wanted to be just like her cousin, and she's afraid he'll see her coming out as just another way to be like him.

Putting that aside, Bex shows up for her first day on the job and is disappointed to find out that the showrunner/head writer, the man she's supposed to be interning for, is a massive jerk. He can't get her name right, treats her like garbage, and leaves her hanging after the writers' meeting. Fortunately for Bex, executive producer Jane steps in as mentor. But Bex wants to impress her boss and writes a spec script for an upcoming episode to feature a lesbian love interest for a female character. The head writer steals the script (natch!) and eventually changes it to make the new character a love interest for the homophobic male lead.

Bex is livid, and with the help of a few of the cast members, her cousin, a friend from back home, and the Silver Falls fandom, she starts a rebellion to get "her" character portrayed the way she wrote it - especially because her OWN love interest was cast in the part.

This is a sweet, cute read. Very enjoyable if a little predictable. Wilde spins a fun story in a world that most of us can only imagine being a part of.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

When gay but closeted Bex Phillips has landed an internship on the set of her favorite show Silver Falls. When she gets to L.A. to begin her internship she immediately starts facing adversity from the show runner Malcolm. So when she tries to prove herself and writes a script introducing a new queer female character and Malcolm takes the credit for it she's furious. But it doesn't end there... he ends up straight-washing the new queer character! With the help of friends, family, and the girl Bex likes, she leads a revolution to end Malcolm's crappy behavior and straight-washing in general.

My review for this may be sound simple, but there is actually some pretty powerful stuff in this book about feminism, intersectionality, and toxicity that comes with being in Hollywood, especially when white men are in charge. My guess is that people who aren't receptive to it will see it as preachy, but it's important for people to read these words and the lessons that this book shares. And it's all paired with a sweet story! I totally recommend this one!

I felt that Bex really grew as a character during this book, starting out as an in the closet lesbian and finishing off with being out and proud to all in her family and friend group. I also love how they "stuck it to the man" so to speak. I really hated Malcolm as a character, I know that there are lots of people like him in the world and I have been very fortunate to not have come across one of those types.

I really loved this book. IIt's very likely that I will use it in one of my classes because I really liked the social justice angle. There was already a lot going on that was worthy of discussion (gender, sexuality, race, power dynamics and social class), but the added element of social justice and using social media to fight back against a tyrannical boss gave it a very timely, very different spin that I really liked.

I wanted to love this one so badly but it fell so flat for me. The premise and plot had me jumping with excitement. Queer girls fighting straightwashing? A woman intern standing up to a powerful white man? Listen, this checked every box for the commentary I want to see on our current society but that's all it had going for it.

Everything about this book was surface level. I never connected nor got to know the characters. This book flew by, and not in a good way. The girls had hardly had two conversations before they were dating. There was hardly any build up or exploration of anything. The pacing on this one was way off and there was no in between. It was one big, important thing after another happening. I couldn't ship the main couple because there was literally no time for them to reasonably get together. Our MC was lamenting where she came from along with being ashamed of who she was and yet suddenly she didn't feel that way anymore. I can't tell you anything meaningful about the characters because they were surface level. I didn't feel like I got to know them at all. There was a large cast of characters and I didn't think half of them were necessary. None of the relationships felt genuine and the family relationships weren't explored at all. There really wasn't any meaningful character development because we didn't get to know any of the characters.

I was just really disappointed with the execution of this novel. All the characters were surface level, the plot was non-existent, and the pacing was faster than a bullet train, The message and what this novel explored is really important but all the other flaws made its commentary lackluster and impactless.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Swoon Reads through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Teen readers who love drama and television shows will probably enjoy this Hollywood fantasy about a girl landing a dream internship that turns into anytbing but. The book was a little hollow and thin to me.

Actual rating: 3.5

There's a sub-genre of gay romance in which the path to the story's happy ending is laid out in neon from the start, but that's not a complaint -- it's great to read gay stories in which good triumphs, and the people who are traditionally marginalized at the heroic center. Going Off Script is very much one of these stories, and it's a light, enjoyable read, chock full of LGBTQIA+ representation, and featuring a very welcome non-white love interest.

Thanks to Swoon Reads + NetGalley for the ARC.

[this will be published at the link below closer to publication date]