Thursday, June 02, 2011

Between the Lines by Tammara Webber

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.

*EDIT: Between the Lines Author Recommendation:
Mature Young Adults
I'm still trying to sort out my feelings about this book. I liked the storyline, but there were a lot of elements of the book that I didn't care for. This book had quite a bit of sex (nothing really graphic, but a lot of references), underage drinking, and language. Just an FYI. It's not so much that these things in a book bother me much in general, but the fact that this book is geared, by definition, to young adults, I'm a tad bugged. Is this really the influence we want books to have on our children? I have teenage sisters and I'd never want them to pick up this kind of book. That said, here's my official review:

I've never really thought much about what it would be like to be a celebrity--other than to think that I would hate to be one. Having your every move followed by millions of people? That would seriously suck. Between the Lines is about actors. Celebrities. Joy, right? The book description intrigued me enough to read it though. Emma finally gets her "big break" into movies and immediately snags the attention of her sexy costar Reid Alexander--household name and fantasy of every female in America (or close to it). Enter Graham. I love that name, by the way. Graham and Emma hit it off as friends right away. Soon it begins to develop into more, only to be overshadowed by the giant ego of Reid. I loved Graham from the beginning and was rooting for him the whole book.

Oh, Reid Alexander.... What can I say about you....that's nice? I really wasn't a fan. When he "claimed his territory" with Emma, it made my skin crawl. I used to know guys like Reid. The "king of the mountain" kind of guys. Guys that want you because you're the hot commodity of the moment, but once they "get" you, they move on. I saw friends of mine with guys just like that in high school. Not. Cool. (Jerks.) 

Then there's the movie. It was an "adaption" of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It was set in modern-day high school. Seriously?? I bet Jane Austen would roll over in her grave if she knew that her beloved Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy were even referenced in this book. I kind of wanted to roll over in MY (future) grave, you know, so to speak. You just don't mess with P&P. Ever. Reid was definitely no Darcy. It's even a bit painful to even think of him as such.

So, just so we're clear-- liked the Emma/Graham story, but the rest was kind of crap. Don't think I'd recommend this one. Sorry!

Happy Reading!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just finished this book and freaking loved it! I guess books effect people in different ways, though. For me, it made me feel happy, sad, pissed, and sometimes kind of confused. Part of the book is written in Reid's point of view, and I think it would take tons of skill to make you feel like your actually seeing it from his eyes because he's just SO arrogant. Even though Reid is a jerk, I sometimes wanted him with Emma, just because of the chemistry they had together. But I switched who I wanted through out the book. Reid. Graham. Hate Reid. Love Graham. Never the less, I can't wait for the second!

Megan @ Reading for Refuge said...

Thank you, whoever you are! :) I am glad you liked it. It's true that books have different effects on different people, and I'm happy this one had a positive effect on you. I liked the chemistry between Reid and Emma, but I really wanted her to end up with Graham. Yes, there were moments when I liked Reid, but I mostly just felt sad for him. I think it'd be awful to grow up the way he did. I totally get why he's so messed up. I almost hoped he'd end up with Emma just so she could be a positive force in his life, but I think he would have just dragged her down with him. Anyway, thank you again for your opinion! I love hearing what people think of the books I review for this very reason-- I may not always like a book, but it doesn't mean someone else won't! :)

Mary said...

Hey Megan, I read this a couple of weeks ago mainly to see how the P&P aspects were handled. I ended up NOT liking those so much, but liking the novel overall, mainly because of the whole Hollywood celebrity scene and Emma--she's a great character. Reid, not so much. Have you read Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance? That's got the Hollywood celeb scene and is a light fun summery read!
Following you now!
Mary, A Book A Day

Megan @ Reading for Refuge said...

Mary, glad you found me and thanks for following! :)

I am a forever die-hard P&P fan, so the way they "modernized" the dialouge just about killed me. I, like you, enjoyed Emma. I thought she was a well-written character as well.

I've heard of Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance, I haven't read it yet though. Thanks for the heads-up. I'll check it out!