Fake Dating, Celebrity Life, Frenemies, and Workplace romance with BIPOC characters?! Of course I didn’t hesitate to pick up this book. It sounds amazing and exactly what I was looking for.

Off Script follows Jada, an upcoming actress as she tries to save her career after a messy public breakup and Tristan, a notorious playboy actor. They work together to redeem themselves after another scandal involving both of them.

Um, yeah. I enjoyed reading the book since it was fast paced and it had tropes that I enjoyed but after reading it and having time to think about the book itself, I don’t think I liked it that much unfortunately.

Let’s start with what I did like. The BIPOC characters on the cover drew me in. Of course it would! I love any book with any representation. Unfortunately, the representation is very surface level. The most we get (from what I remember) is Jada’s skin tone on the cover (and possibly mentioned in the book or in family members???) and Tristan speaking Spanish. I have a problem with books like this, where the characters are people of color just so they can slap on the diversity tag on the book. The BIPOC aspect had no importance in the story except maybe giving Jada a goal. I enjoyed the drama and the peek into celebrity life and Hollywood vibes. Side characters like Jada’s friends were portrayed as successful women and were actually pretty developed considering they’re side characters.

My main problem is that I can’t find one thing about either MC that I enjoyed. Tristan is a playboy. That’s about it. He’s like a walking red flag with all his behavior towards women and how his solution to a problem isn’t apologizing but rather offering his “services” aka fake dating and using his popularity to try and boost Jada’s. Jada on the other hand has no personality. She’s an actress but you can’t see it in her and everything she does is to go to the Black Women Hall of Fame. See, somehow in the process of reading, I forgot that she’s Black. I don’t even know how that happens. Obviously 2 dimensional characters lead to little to no chemistry.

The writing style wasn’t for me either. It was poorly edited, willed with a ton of errors and seemed very immature for people who are supposed to be 20-30. There was also a weird balance of info. Sometimes there was too much information other times there was none. It was wayyy too awkward and choppy for me.

I don’t know if I would recommend this? Personally, the good is not more than the bad. If you think you’ll enjoy it then I highly encourage you to try it out and form your own opinions.

Thank you @NetGalley and Wattpad publishing for the arc of Off Script.

This was a fun read. I love a good fake dating trope. I did think that a few parts of the book felt out of place, but it didn't take away from the story. I also thoroughly enjoyed references to being nerdy fans of shows. I relate to that so much!

If you are looking for a light hearted rom-com with spice, this read is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!

I really loved this book!

The things I loved:

-I enjoyed the romance between Jada and Tristan. I liked how it progressed over time. From friendly coworkers to frenemies who are fake dating to lovers.

- I love when both the MC and the LI are both famous because there’s that level of understanding of what comes with it.

-I loved both of their arcs. Jada in learning and accepting that she is good enough and Tristan learning to forgive and love those around him better.

- I’m always a sucker for dual POV’s.

- The pacing was done well and never felt like it dragged.

-I liked how the supporting characters Mikayla, Alia, and Angela were well-rounded.

All the warm and fuzzy feels! This was such a fun and quick read, perfect for a vacay or just hiding away somewhere and reading it in one sitting. Our hero and heroine are flawed, but work through their issues and conclude in such a fun way. I also love when the obvious villain is redeemed a bit. I hope she does 2 more books, one on each bestie!

I really wanted to love Off Script but unfortunately the story fell flat for me. I found the characters hard to read and very closed off. I would have loved some deeper meaning within the characters, I feel like we only got to know them on a surface level.

this book was so cute and precious!!! i really enjoy romances at the moment and this sweet one did not disappoint! Thank you so much netgalley! this was splendid!!!

Off script - Netgalley

I liked it Nice enough, the story was sweet, predictable but sweet. The characters very one dimensional we got a peak into Tristan, But Jada was a closed book.

🎬 - Jada was in all words Elegant i loved this part of her character Just wish we had a little more Of her History, Jada's excuses for not wanting to pursue a real relationship fell on deaf ears after shooting for the Love locket wrapped.... The whole reason she was against it was having to work together when/if things turn sour.

🎬 - Tristan was cute and Lovable as well as being a bit of a dog.

🎬- Tristan's Mother Leaving, the excuse the author Gave for me was unforgivable it all seemed a bit rushed just to give a conclusion this brought the book down alot for me, A person chooses to have a child, a child doesn't choose to be born, there is no excuse for leaving a child, Choosing a new love over your kid! especially leaving them with someone possibly abusive!

🎬 - I loved how we got the Ins and Outs of Making a movie along with internet trolls this part I Loved!

🎬 - Mikayla and Ren need a book!

All in all It was a nice enough light read!

I had a hard time finishing this book. I just couldn’t connect to Tristan at all. I love faking dating, and Hollywood romances. But this one really didn’t grab attention. I still would love to read more book from this author. I think the premise of the book was good but there was something missing.

Thank you again NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I tried my hardest to finish and see it through but from the storyline to the trashy leading man, I just could not. The storyline was boring and there was nothing there to grab my attention. Considering most of the books I’ve read via NetGalley were around 600 or so pages, I’m disappointed that this 360 page book could not hold my attention. I did not like how aggressive Tristan was. I’m not sure if the author was trying to make him out to be the good boy turned bad or what. I also didn’t like how soft Jada was, almost like she didn’t have a backbone or how to stand up for herself. Now all of this could very well be biased as I only got to chapter 11 before I called it quits. I’m not sure if I will finish this book or read another one by this author.

Off Script by Ashley Marie was a book I wanted to love so much. However, I could not connect with the leading male character. The whole point of a romance novel is to have the dream man every female reader connects with and wants as her "book boyfriend". I couldn't get the warm fuzzy from him. Otherwise, it was a good, fun read and I'm sure many readers will love it.

I had high hopes for this book and I felt like it was a bit messy. When I began the story it felt like a lot of information was given to me about the main character’s friends as well as all the people onset of the film, it was a lot that I felt wasn’t needed in a way.
I did enjoy the fake dating Hollywood actor & actress vibe it had going on I don’t doubt that real-life actors do these stunts with one another.
I also enjoyed that both characters Jada and Tristan were POC. I enjoyed Tristan having the background he was given with both parents, I found myself wanting a bit more of Jada’s past life besides being an upcoming actress. I felt like Jade and Tristan needed a bit more chemistry fire than a fight going on… Tristan being the playboy I didn’t really care for I feel like he could’ve been more detailed & softer if that makes any sense lol. Jada & Tristan at times came off a bit childish and I didn’t really care for it the lack of communication & apologies wasn’t it for me. I enjoyed the steamy scenes nevertheless. 😉
Please keep in mind that this is an honest review.
I thank NetGallery and Wattpad for allowing me the opportunity to read this book I just don’t think it was for me that doesn’t mean it’s not someone else’s cup of tea.

Received an e-ARC from the publisher on NetGalley. I like the idea of this book but I don’t think it is executed properly. The writing is okay. Jada was a super compelling character to follow. I was not the biggest fan of Tristan. I don’t think he grows enough in this book or is a particularly captivating love interest. I also felt that the relationships with other characters in the book could have been more fleshed out. Overall, I do see the author improving and will look out for what they write next.

Off Script already starts off on the wrong foot with the main character and love interest commiting sexual miscondut, and I just couldn't find myself forgiving him after that. Overrall it is just a weird decision to make as an author, branding one of the most important parts of your novel as unlikeable right at the beginning. Don't get me wrong, I love a character with shady morals, just not in a romance. Pile that on top of a bland main character and spotty writing, this book did not work for me.

This was a cute fake dating trope, this one is even better because the two main characters are strong people of color.

Jada is a new up and coming actress who is trying to get back on track after a messy breakup. Tristan is a well known Hollywood playboy who Jada catches cheating on his current girlfriend. Once the gossip sites get ahold of a video of Jada and Tristan fighting over what she saw it becomes a PR nightmare for both of them. Tristan's agent suggests that they spin this nightmare in order to save both of their reputations. The decision is that they pretend to be a couple and suggest that the leaked fight is rehearsal for a scene. They agree, but pretending brings more drama than either one wanted.

This book was very likeable. To me a likeable book has characters that I could see myself being friends with. The author did a great job in creating likeable characters, the main ones and their friends. I enjoyed seeing Jada grow in her profession and get her career back on track. As she did this she became more confident and was finally able to face her past and stand up for herself. At first Tristan is awful, but as Jada gets to know him she realizes that he isn't as awful as he seemed. He's actually quite sweet, he just has baggage just like she does. As the characters get to know each other, while fake dating, they get to know each other and start being honest about their true feelings.

This is definitely a book that everyone should read. It was quite enjoyable and one that I would recommend to everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Books, W by Wattpad Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am a sucker for a Hollywood romance so I especially enjoyed the scenes in this book where we got to experience that. The book had one major issue for me and that was how unlikable the main male character was. One of my favorite things about romance novels is falling in love with the guy as the main character does. But in this case I didn’t get that joy. I think some readers might like him but I don’t expect him to be anyone´s favorite book boyfriend.
It was still a fun read and I think could be more enjoyable for a younger audience, as most books from Wattpad Books are. 😊
Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a fan of fake dating and this was enjoyable. Predictable but enjoyable. Great character development . A great beach read

TW: Sexual Misconduct.

Almost a DNF at 25%. But pushed through. The sexual misconduct from the male main character was horrendous and not at all anticipated. This made me extremely uncomfortable. His character arc didn't get better either.

Usually I enjoy fake dating tropes but this was not it. Writing was subpar.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This story captured the glitz, glamour and hardships from the world of Hollywood. Full of drama, diversity, romance and a surprising amount of heart, Off Script tells the story of Jada and Tristan and how fake dating each other may just lead to something a lot more real.

Jada Berklee’s acting career is finally heating back up after an on-set romance with her ex ruined her last job on a popular TV show. When she gets a second chance with a desirable supporting role in a hot new romantic comedy, Jada’s determined not to let on-set politics or her off-set ex get in the way again. She’s prepared, polished, professional--and she’s going to knock their socks off.

Still, despite Jada’s best efforts to keep her head down she accidentally walks in on leading man, a former child star and notorious playboy, Tristan Maxwell cheating on his latest fling. A confrontation ensues, and like all things in Hollywood, nothing stays secret. So in an attempt to right both of their reputations Tristan’s agent suggests that the two fake date to get the press of their backs about their big on set blow out. But soon the lines begin to blur as the two get closer, and they have to decide if things are real or just for the cameras.

I feel like this book captured a lot of what I would expect a Hollywood actors fake dating romance to entail. Lots of constant drama, needing connections to move up the ladder, and a lot of “office” politics. The knowledge of the behind the scenes of the entertainment industry was insightful, and clear that Ashley Marie’s experience as a screenwriter was helpful in making parts of this story more believable.

Some things that I enjoyed:

-The representation in both main characters. It is a topic I think we see getting discussed more in more in media, but rarely do I see the execution in a lot of books. Jada’s experience as a black woman in Hollywood was a vital part of her story, and it’s a story that tends to not get told or is frequently silenced. Tristan’s latino background gave him plenty of obstacles, the biggest being typecast, and it added a layer to his story that was needed to understand him.
- A great cast of female characters. Side characters like Alia and Mikaela are rare, where they too are portrayed as successful women in their own professions and are great support systems for the main female character. More often than not its a stereotypical friend or friends that say all the same things and we see little of what makes them, them.
- I always enjoy the fake dating trope, and honestly even more so when it’s done with the Hollywood background! So of course I enjoyed that trope in this book

Some things that I didn’t enjoy:
I feel like at times Tristan lacked the depth that we needed to like him. Of course he was the playboy who was secretly a bit more of a sweetheart than what he wanted anyone to think. I just feel like we could of gone more in depth about his experience as a former child star and as a Latino man in Hollywood than we got.
I also felt at times that Jada and Tristan lacked chemistry. There was of course some, but not nearly enough for a couple that ended up together in my opinion. They spent more time fighting than enjoying each others company, and so in the end I couldn’t quite suspend the disbelief that of course those two ended up together.
The writing could of been better. At times it was clunky and a bit awkward. It also suffered from the lack of showing people what was happening, there was too much just telling the reader what was happening or how people were feeling than just experiencing.

Overall I think that this book was a solid kind light read, there were a few steamy scenes, but nothing too crazy. Great for people that enjoy the fake dating trope and the Hollywood backdrop for their romances and who need a quick read.

Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Jada Berklee gets a second chance at living her dreams when she gets an acting job for a new movie. Left to lick her wounds after her ex got her kicked off a popular TV show, this is her shot at redemption. Jada’s priority is to be professional and blow them away, only that gets thrown out of the window when she walks in Tristan Maxwell, the male lead, in a compromising position. Once their feud becomes public, Tristan and Jada agree to fake date to smooth things over and capitalize on the publicity. Lines soon become blurred, and Tristan and Jada have to decide what’s real and what’s fake.

I have to admit, fake dating is one of my favorite tropes. There was a lot of potential to explore the characters, but the writing fell a little flat. I did not like Tristan’s character, but it was enlightening to learn more about Tristan’s personal life and why he struggled with relationships, but we didn’t dive as deep on Jada’s end. This story is a quick read, and I finished it in a day. However, once I finished, I was not blown away and left wanting more. It was a little unrealistic for the main characters to end up due to major differences and the chemistry was lacking.

Thank you to Net Galley and Wattpad Books for the ARC!