Scripted Love by Helena Harte is a sweet romance about finding love when you least expect it.
Author Layla Adams is beyond excited at having her books turned into films. Unfortunately, her first experience with a Hollywood director wasn’t great. She didn’t feel heard or appreciated. Moving on to her next project, an adaptation an action series, she’s hopeful it will be a more inclusive working environment.
Rix Reardon is a very successful director and a big fan of Layla Adams’s books. Adapting Layla’s work into a cable television series has been her passion project. When the schedule is locked in place, Rix invites Layla to take part in the casting process and makes it clear she approaches directing as a collaborative process.
The chemistry between Rix and Layla is clear from their first meeting. Layla appears to be everything Rix has been looking for in a partner, and she’s been ardently look for Ms. Right for some time. Rix wants to settle down with the right woman and begin a family. She’s ready for her happy ever after to begin.
Layla can’t help but be attracted to Rix. Aside from being a dapper butch, Rix is a passionate philanthropist when she’s not behind the camera. Layla’s written her fair share of romance novels, so she knows how to construct a believable love story. She’s even fallen in love several times herself. But, unlike the characters in her books, she doesn’t believe in the traditional happy ever after. She believes in living in the moment, enjoying her happy for now, and then moving on when the relationship runs its course.
Rix and Layla agree to keep their relationship sex-free while they are in production. Layla doesn’t want to become the subject of Hollywood gossip. Rix is happy to abide by her wishes, and the two women grow closer and closer with each day they spend with each other.
When shooting ends, Rix thinks her happy ever after is within her grasp. She feels Layla is perfect for her despite Layla never mentioning she’s looking for anything long term.
Layla is offered a three-picture deal with a major studio, but Rix sees it as a betrayal. Suddenly Rix’s dream of a “perfect family” evaporates. She and Layla part ways, but they each feel like they’ve made harsh decisions.
Can Layla and Rix work out their differences or is a happy ever after not in the script?
Pros And My Favourite Parts
It’s fun reading a Butch/Femme love story especially when the author goes to great lengths to highlight how each character embodies how they present themselves. Rix is gallant, physically capable, and an alpha female, but inside she’s a softie. Layla has all the curves, and she’s able to go from professional to seductive in under 60 seconds. This is one of those romances where the characters just feel right for each other. Honestly, it was a distressing when they called it quits. (Spoiler: it’s a romance so chances are high they’ll see a happy ever after.)
Cons And Heads Up
The book takes place in Los Angeles and the main characters are native to the United States, yet they use words and phrases that are decidedly British. This pulled me out of the narrative on a number of occasions.
The Conclusion
Scripted love is a very sweet romance. There’s seduction, philanthropy, a wedding, dapper vests, a great first kiss, and chainsaw sculptures! For a book centered around the television industry and the cult of personality, it’s surprisingly light on the angst. Both Rix and Layla are passionate about their work, but they’re very down to earth. No divas in this story. This feel-good romance is perfect for when you need your spirits lifted.
Excerpt from Scripted Love by Helena Harte
Layla emptied her drink and placed the glass beside Rix’s. She looked at Rix, the intensity in her eyes matching the pounding beneath Rix’s ribs.
“I’m trying to build a new career here, and I can’t afford any missteps. Syd says this town is particularly unforgiving and quick to judge.” She edged forward on her seat until their knees almost touched.
If there was a last opportunity to pull back, it looked like this was it. But Rix’s curiosity had the better of her, and there was no way she was doing anything other than encouraging Layla to share her thoughts, especially when they all but promised to be aligned with Rix’s wishes. “Seems like you should let me know what you’re worried about in case I can alleviate your fears.” Rix placed her hands on her thighs, her fingers practically itching to slip beneath the calf-length hem of Layla’s skirt and caress her skin.
“I had a fractious relationship with the director on my first movie, and it seems like everyone knows about it.” Layla smoothed her skirt then matched Rix’s pose, their fingertips so close, “which implies that there are no secrets in this industry. And what I want to do with you, my current director, would be more fodder for the gossip factory.”
Layla’s sigh whispered through Rix’s hair, and her responding exhalation took with it her resolve. “Can I kiss you?
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9781838066895
Publisher: Butterworth Books
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