Book Review: Between the Lines (Between the Lines #1) by Tammara Webber

Summary: 
When Hollywood It Boy, Reid Alexander, arrives on location to shoot his next movie, his goals are the same as always—film another blockbuster hit and enjoy his celebrity status to the fullest while doing so. His costar is a virtual unknown with whom he had blazing hot chemistry during her auditions. The universe is lining up nicely to grant whatever he wants, as usual, until he’s confronted with unexpected obstacles on location like a bitter ex-girlfriend and a rival for the first girl to spark his genuine interest in years.

Emma Pierce just got her big break after more than a decade of filming commercials for grape juice, department stores and tampons, and more recently, bit parts in made-for-TV movies. Nailing the lead role in a wide-release film sent her agent, father and stepmother into raptures, and should have done the same for her. The Problem? Emma is experiencing a building desire to be normal, and starring in a silly, modernized adaptation of one of her favorite novels—opposite the very hot Reid Alexander—isn’t going to advance that aspiration.

Graham Douglas doesn’t fear playing the part of a nerdy dimwit; when it comes to choosing film roles, if it pays, he’ll do it. Besides, his friend Brooke Cameron snatched up the role of the bitchy hot girl and could use his help as a buffer, because her ex is the star. Graham has no problem keeping a handle on the situation, until he finds himself attracted to Reid’s costar, Emma, the girl Reid is pursuing full-throttle with his standard arsenal of charm, good looks and arrogance.

Release Date: April 29, 2011
Age Group: Mature YA
Source: Purchased

Review:
Having read and loved Tammara Webber's latest novel, Easy, I jumped at the chance to read some of her other work.  Between the Lines was a steal for Nook at only $2.99, and I bought this book with no hesitation at all.

I liked Between the Lines right from the start.  It felt kind of voyeuristic, getting a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes when celebrities get together to make a movie.  (By the way, are there really teens on the sets of movies with absolutely no parental or adult supervision?!)  Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite novels, and when I learned that the movie the book is centered on is a modern-day adaptation, I was really hooked.

I liked Emma right from the start.  She was so level-headed, smart, and balanced.  I really felt for her, having lost her mother at a young age, and in a traumatic way.  Emma's best friend is Emily (who is a 'regular' high school student, not in show business) and they call each other "Em."  That was so cute!  I loved their friendship, and felt like their relationship showed a deeper side to Emma.

Like Easy, this book is told in alternating first-person point of view, with the narrators being Emma, Reid, and Graham.  That is my favorite kind of narrative, since it allows the reader to get to know so many characters.

I did have a few problems with Between the Lines.  The story started to feel repetitious towards the end.  I absolutely hated Reid's catting around, although I understand it is indicative of a typical celebrity lifestyle, it was so callous and cheap.  It started to grate on me after a while.  There were times when I just wanted to punch Reid's lights out!

This is a 'mature YA' novel, which meant that there were more adult themes of sex, drinking, and foul language.  Again, I do think it was an accurate representation of celebrity life, but I wanted to include that warning.  This book would not be appropriate for most YA readers.

I was really happy with the conclusion of Between the Lines.  It is a series novel, but there was no major cliffhanger, just some events that left me hungry for the next book.  There was a huge surprise at the end, which I loved, and it served to add some depth to a major character.

Overall, I really enjoyed Between the Lines.  It was one of those books that I felt good about buying.  I immediately bought book two, Where You Are, and dove right in.  I simply had to have more of Emma, Graham, and Reid!



1 comment:

  1. I loved Easy, so I should put my hands on this book soon!
    Disincentive @ Disincentive Reviews

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