Isn't She Lovely by Lauren Layne

Amazingly good! Lauren Layne's Isn't She Lovely maybe a remade Pygmalion tale but the writing makes it a totally unique story. If you like those romantic movies featuring heroine makeovers then this one is for you. If you like your heroine wearing a lot of black, complete with eyeliners, tatoos and several ear piercings then this is definitely for you. If you want your heroines flipping the bird at the hero even when she feels otherwise then you have the right book. Stephanie and Ethan are not your perfect couple, in fact they aren't really a couple at all. Goth girl film student Stephanie is stuck having Ethan for a partner in film class. While preppy rich Ethan doesn't even know how to handle this snarky midget Morticia never mind that he seems to oddly find her attractive. They needed to do a project and decided to zero in on Pygmalion themed films. However, Ethan got the bright idea to base the script on real life, theirs. I love romantic comedies and Isn't She Lovely definitely was spot on both on the romantic aspect and the humorous tone it set. Both Stephanie and Ethan where likable and definitely not cookie cutter characters. The dialogue was fantastically witty, sharp and funny with poignant moments in between. The his and hers viewpoint was a great way of trying to convey what was going on in each characters head without interrupting the flow of the story. I found this added depth to character behavior as well. There where a couple of social and moral issues touched on but this was part of both characters background that just added to motivation and plot but did not become the center of the story. And yes, the ending was, as expected, a happily for now but there was a twist to how it was done that just put that extra something in an already wonderful tale. Ethan can definitely give Richard Gere a run for his money anytime. Isn't She Lovely is one lighthearted romantic comedy you wouldn't one to miss.

*The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*

 

Summary:

The rules are clear—until they’re broken. Lauren Layne puts a New Adult spin on Pygmalion, also the inspiration for Pretty Woman, and gives the classic love story its edgiest twist yet.

“Who knew that pretending you’re not falling for someone would be so much more difficult than pretending that you are?” 

Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she’s pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn’t exactly Ethan Price’s type, either. He’s probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund . . . or does he?

As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie’s a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan’s brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.

But when Stephanie steps into Ethan’s privileged world, the “acting” begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating them. And Stephanie faces a question she’s too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?

Title: Isn't She Lovely

Author: Lauren Layne

Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Published: October 28, 2013

Publisher: Random House Flirt

Rating: ♨♨♨♨ 4 of 5  ( Lovers of romantic comedies will definitely love this one. A fantastic lighthearted, witty and humorous spin on the often told Pygmalion trope, this modern adaptation is definitely worth reading.)

View all my reviews