Author: Emily Franklin and Brendan Halpin
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers, 240 Pages (February 1st 2011)
From: the Publishers, Thank You!
Synopsis: Fans of romance don't need to look any further than the fauxmance brewing between teen idols Charlie Tracker and Fielding Withers—known on their hit TV show as Jenna and Jonah, next-door neighbors flush with the excitement of first love. But it's their off-screen relationship that has helped cement their fame, as passionate fans follow their every PDA. They grace the covers of magazines week after week. Their fan club has chapters all over the country. The only problem is their off-screen romance is one big publicity stunt, and Charlie and Fielding can't stand to be in the same room. Still, it's a great gig, so even when the cameras stop rolling, the show must go on, and on, and on. . . . Until the pesky paparazzi blow their cover, and Charlie and Fielding must disappear to weather the media storm. It's not until they're far off the grid of the Hollywood circuit that they realize that there's more to each of them than shiny hair and a winning smile.
Review: 3 Stars - Jenna and Jonahs Fauxmance is a cute, light, fun read about two lead characters whose lives are scripted on both on and off the screen. Being stars of a hit TV show isn’t easy, especially when you’re forced to live a lie off screen to keep ratings up.
Jenna and Jonah or Charlie and Fielding might be the “it couple” both on and off the screen, but what their fans don’t know is that it’s all fake. Jenna or Charlie... and Jonah… or Fielding might seem like that perfect couple but on the inside they pretty much hate each other. With snarky comments under their breath - giving away just how much they despise each other – Halpin & Franklin take readers on an adventure fueled by the paparazzi and the two characters passion for action. Or is it?
When trouble hits, Charlie and Fielding must go into hiding until it all blows over. It’s during this time that we start to learn who they are as people, instead of the actors they are forced to be 24/7. This is where the book that somewhat frustrated me. However, after thinking about everything, how each of the characters acted during this time in hiding, I understood it more. Being so far removed from their element, I can now see why some of their faults might be even more highlighted.
The story hit a couple of other rough spots here and there, and at times I found it hard to like either of the characters. I didn’t care for the end, I felt that the last few pages were somewhat lacking… However, I have to mention that the copy I read was an ARC, which means there is always a chance for changes in the finished version.
The book was otherwise entertaining and kept me reading to find out what would happen next for each character. How they would in the end impact each other and what road they would venture down next. It was nice to see them grow and question their lives and what either of the two might tackle next. I think that was one of the best parts about the whole story. Also, I’m a huge fan of alternating character chapters, and this book is written this way. It was great being able to see the story playing out from both Charlie and Fielding’s points of view.
All in all Jenna & Jonah’s is perfect for fans who love a cute story with characters that evolve over the course of the book. Anyone who loves alternating chapters as much as I do will also find much to love about this title. Enjoy!
FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.
l really liked how it went between both characters too!
ReplyDeleteSadly l agree with it lacking a bit, l felt half way through it started to lack a strong enough story line. I still think it's worth a read!
The premise sounds interesting, but I just don't know if this is something I would really enjoy. Thanks for the honest review!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your review and included a link to it in my own review post of this book.
ReplyDelete