Like many people here, I watched Alison Sweeney grow up on TV. Though I don't follow Days of Our Lives anymore, I had heard of her plans to leave, and I'm sad to see her go. Her character shook things up in Salem, but her new career as a novelist intrigued me.
It's a wise move to set the story in Hollywood with a likable heroine, Maddy, who works as a script supervisor for a popular drama. Sweeney's knowledge/experience of the business sets the stage well - you can enjoy the exposition without feeling as though you've gone to school. Anyway, Maddy is the type who prefers working behind the scenes. Her list of dating rules adds to her charm, and while she won't consider actors she takes a chance with another insider who wants to break into reality television. As it happens, Maddy has an idea that could make for good TV and help out her hometown.
Sweeney had a great concept with Scared Scriptless. I liked many of her characters and the angle that brought her real life together with her work. That said, I do wish Sweeney had done more with Maddy's hometown - shown more interactions with these colorful characters as she prepares the demo reel to sell her show. We spend more time with Maddy battling for control of a show that isn't yet sold.
There's also a tepid romance that Maddy readily acknowledges, but one look at her boyfriend and you know his actions and motives before they happen. I read through this book and imagine how he could have been made more sinister to add conflict to this story.
Scared Scriptless starts strong but levels out halfway through. If you're looking for a sweet, funny Hollywood-set story it's worth the read.
ARC received from NetGalley
0
