4.5 stars
The premise is one dating back through literature and film
history. Guy tries to tranform girl (much different from him) for a ruse and
ends up falling for her. You’ve read it.
I’ve read it. And Ethan Price and Stephanie Kendrick have seen it and read it.
And it’s why they are using it for the plot of their film class screenplay as
well as to work out the chemistry between them, whether they realize that
or not.
Yep, Isn’t She Lovely is a modern new adult spin on
the Pygmalion story as well as the theme of looking past appearances and social
classes and finding your true self. It’s
cute; it’s funny; and it’s a sweet story that I couldn’t put down.
Ethan and Stephanie’s comical banter pulled me in right from
the beginning.
“‘Does this surly mood come with the goth outfit?...Or do you have to buy it separately?’ —Ethan
‘Could you please watch where you’re pointing your teeth? The glare from your caps is hurting my eyes.’” —Stephanie
It certainly isn’t love at first sight for this mismatched
pair. Ethan Price is a perfectly groomed, out-going, and privileged 21 year old
college Frat boy with a penchant for Animal Planet references and who makes
claims of endowment so large it’s lethal. (Oh that’s a hilarious scene!) Stephanie Kendrick is a reserved, anti-social
21 year old film student Goth girl in combat boots, lots of black, and a rack
that Ethan can’t quit staring at.
They sound like stereotypes but really they are not. And
that’s one of the many strengths of this novel—the characters are well
developed right from the start and are much more layered than what they seem on
the surface. And while based on a
familiar premise the story avoids clichés with the supporting characters, as
well, who don’t necessarily fall into their own stereotypical personas either.
Ethan and Stephanie are both harboring secrets, stuck on
sour lingering memories, and nursing their wounds. But don’t
misinterpret—overall the story is quite light-hearted and fun. Those elements
about their background and families are what make you relate and feel for their
characters and create an engaging story that keeps you turning pages to find
out what really has made Stephanie withdrawn and what caused Ethan to seek a summer
escape in the film department.
This one is light on the steam scenes but has no shortage of
chemistry and sexual tensions. Soft touches never seemed so sexy and well
described kisses never felt so hot and sweet.
Ethan is incredibly likeable. He’s funny, quick-witted, sweet,
and even when he’s working through his own issues he has his head on pretty straight. He’s also has an adorable penchant for making
memorable appearances at just the right time.
“‘Hey, Dave, let me ask you something,…Before you hooked up with the ginger, did Stephanie ever make this weird bobcat noise when you guys were, you know…’”
Stephanie has some deeper stuff to work through and a few
times I thought she let her teen angst lead her astray. The story is told via
Ethan and Stephanie’s alternating first person point of view, and it works well
for understanding what’s going through each of their heads and where they are
romantically at all times.
Once Ethan and Stephanie lay out the plot of their
screenplay, will they bring their story to life in a successful act to fool Ethan’s social
circle into believing he has a new love of his life? Will their acting stop when they no longer
have an audience? And what scenes will end up on the cutting room floor before
their final draft is turned in?
If you are looking for a sweet, adorable, new adult read with
a swoon-worthy male, some touching moments, and quite a few laughs, then Isn’t
She Lovely is definitely one to spend an afternoon getting lost in. Opposites
not only attract, they create quite a spark in this story.
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