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The Hollywood Series #1
Departure from the Script
Aspiring actress Amanda Clark and photographer Michelle Osinski are two women burned by love and not looking to test the fire again. And even if they were, it certainly wouldn’t be with each other.
Amanda has never been attracted to a butch woman before, and Michelle personifies the term butch. Having just landed a role on a hot new TV show, she’s determined to focus on her career and doesn’t need any complications in her life.
After a turbulent breakup with her starlet ex, Michelle swore she would never get involved with an actress again. Another high-maintenance woman is the last thing she wants, and her first encounter with Amanda certainly makes her appear the type.
But after a date that is not a date and some meddling from Amanda’s grandmother, they both begin to wonder if it’s not time for a departure from their usual dating scripts.
Words: 54,620
Amanda has never been attracted to a butch woman before, and Michelle personifies the term butch. Having just landed a role on a hot new TV show, she’s determined to focus on her career and doesn’t need any complications in her life.
After a turbulent breakup with her starlet ex, Michelle swore she would never get involved with an actress again. Another high-maintenance woman is the last thing she wants, and her first encounter with Amanda certainly makes her appear the type.
But after a date that is not a date and some meddling from Amanda’s grandmother, they both begin to wonder if it’s not time for a departure from their usual dating scripts.
Words: 54,620
240 pages, ebook
First published June 27, 2014
128 people are currently reading
1965 people want to read
About the author
Jae
128 books3,834 followersJae is the author of twenty-six award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
July 8, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. I was reading this story and having such a sense of deja-vu. I know this story. Then I realized Jae had taken one of her shorts and turned it into a novella. So for me the whole second half of the book was new. And I enjoyed it. This is a cute, feel good romance.
I'm just starting to really read Jae's books for the first time, and I've enjoyed everything I have read so far. I can feel a little obsession coming on, like I want to read all her books. It's always nice to find an author that you can connect to her books, and look forward to reading more.
I'm just starting to really read Jae's books for the first time, and I've enjoyed everything I have read so far. I can feel a little obsession coming on, like I want to read all her books. It's always nice to find an author that you can connect to her books, and look forward to reading more.
October 27, 2025
5 stars
I really liked it. Both Amanda and Michelle were extremely nice MC's, there wasn't unnecessary drama and the whole story was mostly just cute. Very nice if you want to read something easy and uplifting after having a bad day...
Edit June 2024: still excellent
Edit July 2025: still my go to book when I go on vacation
Edit October 2025: still good, even if not read on a beach
I really liked it. Both Amanda and Michelle were extremely nice MC's, there wasn't unnecessary drama and the whole story was mostly just cute. Very nice if you want to read something easy and uplifting after having a bad day...
Edit June 2024: still excellent
Edit July 2025: still my go to book when I go on vacation
Edit October 2025: still good, even if not read on a beach
June 28, 2023
Just read this book for the second time and loved it!
July 26, 2016
I was interested in this book because I have read some good work by Jae in the past. I love her western themed books, like backwards to Oregon.
Having this said, I must say i wasn't the biggest fan of this one.
It's not a bad read, at all.....just too plain.
I know that sounds kind of general, like not really detailed.
The only explanation I can give is, that the first few chapters, i caught myself laughing out loud while reading.
I loved how the characters met, and how the book started.
But with every chapter after that strong opening, it started to loose it's charm, it's magic so to speak.
I think one of the reasons is the overkill in putting things off between the main characters. I love when a writer takes time, developing the love story and making it into a slow paced story. But where in some cases a writer rushes it and takes away the magic, my opinion is that Jae did the opposite with this one. She waited too long, so for me the attraction and real craving between the two ladies, didn't hold any realness in the end.
Having said this, i do want to acknowledge the laughs I had while reading it, the magic i felt (although shortlived ). I will keep trying different books by Jae, because I do see her as a very accomplished writer.
Having this said, I must say i wasn't the biggest fan of this one.
It's not a bad read, at all.....just too plain.
I know that sounds kind of general, like not really detailed.
The only explanation I can give is, that the first few chapters, i caught myself laughing out loud while reading.
I loved how the characters met, and how the book started.
But with every chapter after that strong opening, it started to loose it's charm, it's magic so to speak.
I think one of the reasons is the overkill in putting things off between the main characters. I love when a writer takes time, developing the love story and making it into a slow paced story. But where in some cases a writer rushes it and takes away the magic, my opinion is that Jae did the opposite with this one. She waited too long, so for me the attraction and real craving between the two ladies, didn't hold any realness in the end.
Having said this, i do want to acknowledge the laughs I had while reading it, the magic i felt (although shortlived ). I will keep trying different books by Jae, because I do see her as a very accomplished writer.
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March 4, 2023
|| 2.5 stars ||
It’s difficult to pin down my exact thoughts on this book.
On the surface, this seems like a novel I would love: two people, who appear to be complete opposites of each other, form a connection where both would do anything to be with the other person.
That premise seems right up my alley. And so, I was disappointed when I wasn’t particularly swept away by it.
Amanda and Michelle are both likable characters. They’re very different appearance wise as Amanda is femme while Michelle is butch.
I liked how Amanda grew to admire Michelle despite her pre-conceived notions about butch lesbians, but I liked it even more how Michelle seemed to be enamoured by Amanda instantly: it was cute.
They eventually got to a more even playing field with both being equally in love with the other, but I always appreciate a good ‘chase’ in the beginning and this was executed fairly well here.
After the starting point, everything fell a bit flat though. Nothing much happened: no tension, no conflict, no drama. Just.. nothing really.
This got a bit boring over time and even Michelle and Amanda’s easy personalities and sweet relationship couldn’t erase the numbness of their story. I needed more; I needed to feel something. Which I didn’t.
I think perhaps this novel could have had a bit more depth if we would have read from Michelle’s perspective as well, rather than only from Amanda’s. But even then, the story itself would have probably still been too bland to really be good.
It’s a shame, honestly. With a great premise like this, the outcome seems like a wasted opportunity to me.
It’s difficult to pin down my exact thoughts on this book.
On the surface, this seems like a novel I would love: two people, who appear to be complete opposites of each other, form a connection where both would do anything to be with the other person.
That premise seems right up my alley. And so, I was disappointed when I wasn’t particularly swept away by it.
Amanda and Michelle are both likable characters. They’re very different appearance wise as Amanda is femme while Michelle is butch.
I liked how Amanda grew to admire Michelle despite her pre-conceived notions about butch lesbians, but I liked it even more how Michelle seemed to be enamoured by Amanda instantly: it was cute.
They eventually got to a more even playing field with both being equally in love with the other, but I always appreciate a good ‘chase’ in the beginning and this was executed fairly well here.
After the starting point, everything fell a bit flat though. Nothing much happened: no tension, no conflict, no drama. Just.. nothing really.
This got a bit boring over time and even Michelle and Amanda’s easy personalities and sweet relationship couldn’t erase the numbness of their story. I needed more; I needed to feel something. Which I didn’t.
I think perhaps this novel could have had a bit more depth if we would have read from Michelle’s perspective as well, rather than only from Amanda’s. But even then, the story itself would have probably still been too bland to really be good.
It’s a shame, honestly. With a great premise like this, the outcome seems like a wasted opportunity to me.
February 10, 2018
A very sweet pure romance.
September 21, 2021
4 stars
This is a sweet, not-who-you-would-expect-to-be-attracted-to type of romance. Amanda Clark is on the verge of her big Hollywood break, making commercials and doing bit parts. While escaping a disastrous blind date on Valentine's Day, she finds a flyer under her windshield wiper for an Anti-Valentines party and heads right for it. It fits her mood. She imbibes way too much and wakes up in the morning in a stranger's bed - with no memory of how she got there. When she meets the person that took her home - a butch woman that she never would have considered to be her "type" - she dreads the awkwardness of the situation. Exactly what happened and how she can escape this situation is pretty much all Amanda can think about. But photographer Michelle Molinski seems to be a genuinely nice person. Should Amanda not be so quick to discount getting to know her better? And Michelle has basically written off dating actresses, so why does she feel drawn to Amanda anyway?
While this is predictable, it's enjoyable. Both Amanda and Michelle are very likable characters and the secondary characters add to the experience. Especially Amanda's grandmother - a former very famous movie star - who is very loving and supportive to her.
This can easily be read in one sitting, which is what I was looking for today.
This is a sweet, not-who-you-would-expect-to-be-attracted-to type of romance. Amanda Clark is on the verge of her big Hollywood break, making commercials and doing bit parts. While escaping a disastrous blind date on Valentine's Day, she finds a flyer under her windshield wiper for an Anti-Valentines party and heads right for it. It fits her mood. She imbibes way too much and wakes up in the morning in a stranger's bed - with no memory of how she got there. When she meets the person that took her home - a butch woman that she never would have considered to be her "type" - she dreads the awkwardness of the situation. Exactly what happened and how she can escape this situation is pretty much all Amanda can think about. But photographer Michelle Molinski seems to be a genuinely nice person. Should Amanda not be so quick to discount getting to know her better? And Michelle has basically written off dating actresses, so why does she feel drawn to Amanda anyway?
While this is predictable, it's enjoyable. Both Amanda and Michelle are very likable characters and the secondary characters add to the experience. Especially Amanda's grandmother - a former very famous movie star - who is very loving and supportive to her.
This can easily be read in one sitting, which is what I was looking for today.
August 14, 2023
Border line novella - but a great story from Jae - one of my top 3 authors. Love the relationship and the vibe between the two MCs. Enjoying rereading the series. Highly recommended. Love it!
February 8, 2015
Simple, sweet, and angst-free.
Amanda Clark is a struggling actress; unlucky in love, she heads to an Anti-Valentine's Day Party to drown her sorrows. Waking up the next morning in an unfamiliar bed and with a wicked serious hangover, she is introduced to Michelle Osinski, a sweetly attractive butch with a talent for pancakes and smooth flirtatious banter. Although the two would normally never choose the other when looking for romance, in this instance they put their fears aside and decide to take a punt; what follows is the story of two people falling in love, against the backdrop of Amanda's big break and subsequent hectic lifestyle.
We've all seen this type of thing before; indeed, some of us might have seen this exact thing before, as the first two chapters form the previously published short-story "The Morning After". Stepping off from that point, "Departure" wends into a standard love story, albeit a well-written and gentle one. Some elements are overused - referring to their dates as "rehearsals", for instance rapidly grew tiresome - but nothing was offensive enough to alienate.
Perhaps people remark that it seemed "predictable" because it was angst-free; there was some token worry at the end of the novel about outing herself in the public eye, but it never really threatened to break the mood. Books that don't use conflict to drive forward their plots hold a special place in my heart; English-language-writers often find it harder to sustain momentum, but in this case it is pulled off with aplomb (although it might well be the reason for the short length of the book).
Overall, this is a well-written conventional romance featuring kind and gentle protagonists. And it was really rather nice.
Amanda Clark is a struggling actress; unlucky in love, she heads to an Anti-Valentine's Day Party to drown her sorrows. Waking up the next morning in an unfamiliar bed and with a wicked serious hangover, she is introduced to Michelle Osinski, a sweetly attractive butch with a talent for pancakes and smooth flirtatious banter. Although the two would normally never choose the other when looking for romance, in this instance they put their fears aside and decide to take a punt; what follows is the story of two people falling in love, against the backdrop of Amanda's big break and subsequent hectic lifestyle.
We've all seen this type of thing before; indeed, some of us might have seen this exact thing before, as the first two chapters form the previously published short-story "The Morning After". Stepping off from that point, "Departure" wends into a standard love story, albeit a well-written and gentle one. Some elements are overused - referring to their dates as "rehearsals", for instance rapidly grew tiresome - but nothing was offensive enough to alienate.
Perhaps people remark that it seemed "predictable" because it was angst-free; there was some token worry at the end of the novel about outing herself in the public eye, but it never really threatened to break the mood. Books that don't use conflict to drive forward their plots hold a special place in my heart; English-language-writers often find it harder to sustain momentum, but in this case it is pulled off with aplomb (although it might well be the reason for the short length of the book).
Overall, this is a well-written conventional romance featuring kind and gentle protagonists. And it was really rather nice.
February 4, 2020
What a story. I found myself glued to this story from the first chapter. Suddenly, everything was in the way of me reading. I loved the characters. Both down to earth knowing what they are looking for, neither scared of sacrifices if needed to be made. There is something in the way Jae writes that every story is totally amazing.
December 26, 2021
RE-READ: December 2021
I have once again gone back to an old Jae book to get me through the holiday period. This was just as cute and heartwarming as the first time. I love Michelle and Amanda together. If you are looking for a very low-angst romance novella (or short novel), this is perfect.
3.5/5 stars
This was such a sweet, heart-warming romance! I have absolutely adored this series and all of the couples, and this was no different. The only difference in my feelings for this book versus what I felt for the other two was this was much shorter. It felt like I couldn't fall in love with the characters or the couple as much as I did in the other two books in the series. I just wanted more!! I mean, this speaks to how much I did enjoy what I got, but I still wanted so much more! Nonetheless, I loved Amanda and Michelle together. They had the most real, genuine-feeling romance from this series. It progressed so naturally (maybe a bit fast but I didn't mind) with no over-the-top drama, unnecessary break ups or meaningless misunderstandings. There is literally like no angst here, and I was actually loving it. While I also really enjoy angsty romance, reading a romance as genuine feeling, natural and sweet as this romance is a real breath of fresh air.
I just wish it was longer so the characters (both the main character and the side characters) could have been more developed. I felt like because this was the last book that I read in the series, I already liked the characters going in, but if I hadn't, I would have felt pretty much nothing for any side-character. Again, I know I'm a broken record here, but I wish this had as much in it as the other books in terms of family, side characters and just more scenes with the couple together.
I have once again gone back to an old Jae book to get me through the holiday period. This was just as cute and heartwarming as the first time. I love Michelle and Amanda together. If you are looking for a very low-angst romance novella (or short novel), this is perfect.
3.5/5 stars
This was such a sweet, heart-warming romance! I have absolutely adored this series and all of the couples, and this was no different. The only difference in my feelings for this book versus what I felt for the other two was this was much shorter. It felt like I couldn't fall in love with the characters or the couple as much as I did in the other two books in the series. I just wanted more!! I mean, this speaks to how much I did enjoy what I got, but I still wanted so much more! Nonetheless, I loved Amanda and Michelle together. They had the most real, genuine-feeling romance from this series. It progressed so naturally (maybe a bit fast but I didn't mind) with no over-the-top drama, unnecessary break ups or meaningless misunderstandings. There is literally like no angst here, and I was actually loving it. While I also really enjoy angsty romance, reading a romance as genuine feeling, natural and sweet as this romance is a real breath of fresh air.
I just wish it was longer so the characters (both the main character and the side characters) could have been more developed. I felt like because this was the last book that I read in the series, I already liked the characters going in, but if I hadn't, I would have felt pretty much nothing for any side-character. Again, I know I'm a broken record here, but I wish this had as much in it as the other books in terms of family, side characters and just more scenes with the couple together.
October 23, 2020
3 Stars for the audiobook and 3 Stars for the narrator, Abigail Rakocy. I gave the book 3 stars when the ebook came out. This is only the second book I’ve listened to by Rakocy, previously giving her 5 stars. In this book, I found I had to speed up narration to 1.2x, as I found her cadence, especially during the narrative portions were too slow. I plan on listening to the next book in the series, so I'll see if it was just this book. I know a number of audiobook listeners routinely speed up the narration. So its not uncommon.
Actress Amanda Clark is a struggling Hollywood actress who so far has only had bit parts and commercials. On Valentine’s Day, she is set up on a blind date, although her date is her type (gorgeous actress) but Amanda soon discovers out that her date's personality was lacking and is a bit scary. Amanda was able to cut the date short and finds an ad for an anti-Valentines party at a nearby bar. She goes to the party, only to wake up, hung over, in a strange bed with no memory of the night before. She was rescued from the bar by butch photographer, Michelle Osinski. And so begins a sweet romance. Amanda has never been attracted to butches, but is surprised to find herself attracted to Michelle, who does not fit the stereotypical butch that she has been categorizing all butches.
I haven’t read this series in a while, so I think I’m going to re-read the series, via audiobook. I’m looking forward to revisiting Grace & Lauren and especially Crash & Jill.
Actress Amanda Clark is a struggling Hollywood actress who so far has only had bit parts and commercials. On Valentine’s Day, she is set up on a blind date, although her date is her type (gorgeous actress) but Amanda soon discovers out that her date's personality was lacking and is a bit scary. Amanda was able to cut the date short and finds an ad for an anti-Valentines party at a nearby bar. She goes to the party, only to wake up, hung over, in a strange bed with no memory of the night before. She was rescued from the bar by butch photographer, Michelle Osinski. And so begins a sweet romance. Amanda has never been attracted to butches, but is surprised to find herself attracted to Michelle, who does not fit the stereotypical butch that she has been categorizing all butches.
I haven’t read this series in a while, so I think I’m going to re-read the series, via audiobook. I’m looking forward to revisiting Grace & Lauren and especially Crash & Jill.
September 26, 2016
I do love how well Jae builds her characters. Even though we are in Amanda's head, Michelle is also fully realised and they are a very sweet couple.
I put off reading this because I'm not a fan of fame/Hollywood, but Jae did an excellent job making the scenes on set interesting and skipping all the glitz and glamour that I find boring.
I especially loved the start of the book as Amanda realised her preconceived notions about the way Michelle looks are wrong and I adore reading about "butch" women who aren't hard nosed, domineering womanisers but *gasp* actual people.
The drama is minimal (plus) and the relationship is well developed.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
I put off reading this because I'm not a fan of fame/Hollywood, but Jae did an excellent job making the scenes on set interesting and skipping all the glitz and glamour that I find boring.
I especially loved the start of the book as Amanda realised her preconceived notions about the way Michelle looks are wrong and I adore reading about "butch" women who aren't hard nosed, domineering womanisers but *gasp* actual people.
The drama is minimal (plus) and the relationship is well developed.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
December 21, 2014
A nice mix of tender and sappy romance, comedy and lovable characters. There's nothing like "Non-Date" dates, rude animals, and a sweet meddling grandma to liven up the story.
Amanda and Michelle are both lovely people in their own way and even more when they're together.
I think I'll be making banana pancakes later... :D
Amanda and Michelle are both lovely people in their own way and even more when they're together.
I think I'll be making banana pancakes later... :D
October 18, 2016
I really enjoyed it despite the rushed ending and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet love story where opposites attract.
April 3, 2022
If you’re after low angst, slow burn, SVU references, and brilliant chemistry look no further.
I always know when I open a book of Jae’s I’m going to be swept alone with well rounded characters, beautiful writing and an interesting story.
I adore Michelle and the family relationships both characters have. I also really enjoyed the less glitz and glamour Hollywood focus of this book.
I can’t wait to read the rest of Jae’s Hollywood books.
I always know when I open a book of Jae’s I’m going to be swept alone with well rounded characters, beautiful writing and an interesting story.
I adore Michelle and the family relationships both characters have. I also really enjoyed the less glitz and glamour Hollywood focus of this book.
I can’t wait to read the rest of Jae’s Hollywood books.
November 14, 2022
I read this book more than 10 days ago and I’ve read several books since, I didn't take notes.
Work is driving me crazy, but reading is a really nice scape still I'm not being neat with my own notes so that's a shame.
I always love a butch-femme story so that was a big plus for me.
I liked this book. There's barely angst because there's proper communication. I guess that the key in this book was that both characters remained open to what they thought didn't want in life and being honest with each other and themselves.
Work is driving me crazy, but reading is a really nice scape still I'm not being neat with my own notes so that's a shame.
I always love a butch-femme story so that was a big plus for me.
I liked this book. There's barely angst because there's proper communication. I guess that the key in this book was that both characters remained open to what they thought didn't want in life and being honest with each other and themselves.
May 18, 2024
This is the second time I've read this book. First time I read this book was Oct 2014 and I gave the book 5 stars. This time I gave it 5.5. There was just this slight something I can't pinpoint which kept me from allowing me to take the opportunity to nudge this up to my 'reread only' shelf (6 stars).
I really like both Amanda Clark and Michelle Osinski. Both make an appearance in the second book, but barely. Well, Michelle is there dropping off Amanda at an airport - looking like a man kissing his girlfriend to the straight Grace (a reoccurring theme - which is apparently based entirely on length of hair - since Amanda, at least, also had that thought, then when she looked closer she realized that Michelle actually had some rather feminine features, and curves. The short hair mislead her). Amanda is more in on the action in book two, but as a side character, seeing even less time than Jill (star of book three), though Jill isn't in book one (even though there's a later reference to Jill being an ex-of Amanda's).
I'd actually forgotten how graphic this book was/is. Especially as I had this vague recollection that Jae had slide the 'sexy stuff' into 'in-between' short stories. Which is both not accurate and accurate I now find out - at least based on this book and half of the second in the series (there the 'sexy time' is one of the characters reading some rather graphic fanfiction, but it is graphic).
Other than making reference to some common themes between this book (and book 2) with K.E. Lane's 'And Playing the Role of Herself', I do not really have much else to say. And I'll not make the comparison/connection because having actresses who happen to appear on a cop show, and having actresses reacting to lesbian fanfiction aren't really massive huge links.
I really like both Amanda Clark and Michelle Osinski. Both make an appearance in the second book, but barely. Well, Michelle is there dropping off Amanda at an airport - looking like a man kissing his girlfriend to the straight Grace (a reoccurring theme - which is apparently based entirely on length of hair - since Amanda, at least, also had that thought, then when she looked closer she realized that Michelle actually had some rather feminine features, and curves. The short hair mislead her). Amanda is more in on the action in book two, but as a side character, seeing even less time than Jill (star of book three), though Jill isn't in book one (even though there's a later reference to Jill being an ex-of Amanda's).
I'd actually forgotten how graphic this book was/is. Especially as I had this vague recollection that Jae had slide the 'sexy stuff' into 'in-between' short stories. Which is both not accurate and accurate I now find out - at least based on this book and half of the second in the series (there the 'sexy time' is one of the characters reading some rather graphic fanfiction, but it is graphic).
Other than making reference to some common themes between this book (and book 2) with K.E. Lane's 'And Playing the Role of Herself', I do not really have much else to say. And I'll not make the comparison/connection because having actresses who happen to appear on a cop show, and having actresses reacting to lesbian fanfiction aren't really massive huge links.
August 28, 2014
What's not to love about this book? Amanda is the sweetest up-and-coming Hollywood starlet and Michelle is the sweetest butch in LA... Together they make such a sweet couple and sweetness oozes off the pages! Yes, I'm a sucker for a sweet and sappy romance! :-)
My only gripe, it ended far too soon. I wanted more! The pages seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye.
Nevertheless, Departure from the Script was a sweet, sappy and enjoyable read with some entertaining secondary characters - especially Amanda's meddling grandmother, Josephine.
4.5 stars
My only gripe, it ended far too soon. I wanted more! The pages seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye.
Nevertheless, Departure from the Script was a sweet, sappy and enjoyable read with some entertaining secondary characters - especially Amanda's meddling grandmother, Josephine.
4.5 stars
December 21, 2016
I did a roundabout way of reading this series. I started with book 2, 3, then this. That was due to my aversion with characters that are photographers (sue me but previous reading experiences of lesbian romances with that setup did not appeal to me). My trust with Jae's writing brought a pleasant surprise. This is definitely on my reread list.
May 30, 2017
3.5 stars. This is very cute. It's definitely got the feel of an expanded short story, both because of its length and because it's lacking any serious conflict. But gosh, it's sweet.
September 17, 2025
4 ⭐️
This was my latest buddy read with Clara and just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump. The story was so cute and light, I only wish it were a little longer as I feel like we could've gotten more depth to the story and MCs, but it was still very enjoyable and I found myself smiling so much while reading. Both MCs were great and the chemistry between them was palpable - though I'll admit I was a tiny bit peeved with Amanda's stereotyping towards butch lesbians at the start of the story, but she did quickly realize her mistake and apologize. Josephine (Amanda's grandmother) was also the best side character! She was so sweet and funny, and gave the best advice.
The tension buildup was also so very good here and the payoff I think was worth it 🔥 I will say there was only one spicy scene in this book though, but due to the short length and the way it's almost written like a slow burn it's not really noticeable. All in all, this was a great introduction to Jae's writing and I'd definitely recommend! Can't wait to start book 2 🎶
P.S. I would suggest starting with the short story The No-Romance Rule as it gives some nice context to the bar party scene at the beginning :)
This was my latest buddy read with Clara and just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump. The story was so cute and light, I only wish it were a little longer as I feel like we could've gotten more depth to the story and MCs, but it was still very enjoyable and I found myself smiling so much while reading. Both MCs were great and the chemistry between them was palpable - though I'll admit I was a tiny bit peeved with Amanda's stereotyping towards butch lesbians at the start of the story, but she did quickly realize her mistake and apologize. Josephine (Amanda's grandmother) was also the best side character! She was so sweet and funny, and gave the best advice.
The tension buildup was also so very good here and the payoff I think was worth it 🔥 I will say there was only one spicy scene in this book though, but due to the short length and the way it's almost written like a slow burn it's not really noticeable. All in all, this was a great introduction to Jae's writing and I'd definitely recommend! Can't wait to start book 2 🎶
P.S. I would suggest starting with the short story The No-Romance Rule as it gives some nice context to the bar party scene at the beginning :)
October 3, 2025
➥ 4 stars ⋆˚࿔
If you read my review of The Music and The Mirror by Lola Keeley, you know that it was my 3rd buddy read with @MarsBar and that after such a disappointment, I finished my review by saying I hoped our next read together would be better. Well, let’s just say we picked the perfect book this time 💅🏻 We had such a great time reading Departure from the Script together!! It was fun, the chemistry between the main characters was absolutely off the charts, and the little cameos? Cherry on top. I unfortunately read the series out of order so I’d seen a few spoilers for Amanda and Michelle’s story in Damage Control, but it was also really interesting to go back in time and find out how their relationship started! This book is probably my second favorite in the Hollywood series, after Damage Control :)
If you read my review of The Music and The Mirror by Lola Keeley, you know that it was my 3rd buddy read with @MarsBar and that after such a disappointment, I finished my review by saying I hoped our next read together would be better. Well, let’s just say we picked the perfect book this time 💅🏻 We had such a great time reading Departure from the Script together!! It was fun, the chemistry between the main characters was absolutely off the charts, and the little cameos? Cherry on top. I unfortunately read the series out of order so I’d seen a few spoilers for Amanda and Michelle’s story in Damage Control, but it was also really interesting to go back in time and find out how their relationship started! This book is probably my second favorite in the Hollywood series, after Damage Control :)
July 21, 2014
I enjoyed Departure From The Script a lot; even if it's on the predictable side, it's the good kind of dependable, where you know you're going to get a solid romantic read. The characters (both main and secondary) are extremely likable and fully fleshed out and Jae, as always, writes well.
I'd strongly recommend this for a cozy afternoon, especially if you need to escape from real life for a few hours. Cute, sweet and full of refreshing sincerity, Departure is a stand-out in its genre.
I'd strongly recommend this for a cozy afternoon, especially if you need to escape from real life for a few hours. Cute, sweet and full of refreshing sincerity, Departure is a stand-out in its genre.
November 27, 2016
Another wonderful book from Jae. She's easily one of my favourite writers. This time, we are brought into Hollywood with an actress and a photographer who met at an anti-Valentine's Day party. The pace and dialogue is spot-on. The romance is sweet and gentle. As usual, reading this book makes me want to go out and get the next book in the series.
April 21, 2015
I always look forward to books from Jae after her classics like Backwards to Oregon, Conflict of Interest. I enjoyed Departure from the Script, but found the ending a little rushed and flat.
June 18, 2020
As alwaysvwith Jae this is a beautifully written, well rounded story. Shorter than her usual fare, its a great quick read.
July 17, 2024
This is one of Jae's earlier books, and it definitely feels like it. I'm really sad that my rating for this isn't higher. It feels like it should be higher, because I ended up really really adoring this couple. I think they're so sweet and sexy together, and this was written with the usual slow burn intensity that I expect from the author. But it just also felt so DATED. Not really the references. Some of the language used and the ways that the characters spoke about other people... it just kinda put me off, idk. I think I noticed it especially because I recently read some lesfic from the 90s, and both those books held up way better than this one. In my opinion, anyway.
It's a single POV romance (my beloved) following a struggling actress and a photographer. The whole conceit behind the book is that Amanda doesn't ever date butch women, but feels really drawn to Michelle. And Michelle has sworn to never date another actress after a couple bad relationships, but really likes Amanda. They both have to set aside their preconceived notions, and as they get to know each other, they fall harder and harder. It's a really cute setup. I loved their meet-cute, and that entire morning after was wonderful; the perfect foundation where we see their attraction building naturally. I just loved the picture of Amanda waking up after what she first assumed was a drunken one night stand, realising that nothing had happened, and having the other woman treat her to breakfast and movies and aftercare anyway. They were just really lovely together, and that carried all throughout the book.
Unfortunately, I also had to battle my impatience all throughout the book. The whole schtick with Amanda being sooooo surprised that she was attracted to a butch got really old really fast. Something about it just irritated me, even though I knew full well that the character was going to eventually get over it. I guess it was also annoying because Michelle didn't even seem that butch; just kinda androgynous? Not that I'm trying to police what she calls herself, but the whole narrative of Amanda being ~amazed~ that she's into a masc woman kinda falls flat when the author emphasises the ways in which she's feminine. Idk idk idk. There's no one way to be butch or femme, and it's not like I have an issue with Michelle's presentation. Something about how it was written though... idk. I found it irksome. Like the book was trying so hard to avoid "stereotypes" that it just ended up rejecting a lot of commonplace butch stuff. A lot of the Hollywood and showbusiness details annoyed me too. Just little comments about other women being fake and shallow and divas; stuff that made me want to grind my teeth. Amanda came off as soooo judgmental sometimes, and the book seemed to fully support her in that. Some of the side characters (Amanda's date and her ex especially) were written to be so cartoonishly awful, I couldn't take it seriously. Also, Amanda gets her first big role during the book, and the whole process of how that worked was not believable at all. Idk, maybe it does work super quickly sometimes. But getting a call with no audition one day, and then you're filming the next day? Really? In general, the writing was way less polished and meaningful than what I usually expect from this author, and there were several times when a word or phrase would stick out badly.
I'm gonna stop here, because now I feel like I'm just going through my highlights and talking about my nitpicks. There were a lot of things I didn't care for, which makes me sad, because I really did like the romance. All of the things I listed above bugged me, but also just the fact that this felt dated, in a bad way. There's some older lesfic that has a certain feel to it, something I can't really describe, but this was it. I wish I had liked it more. I tried to listen to the audiobook for a bit, but it didn't really work for me, so I stuck with the ebook. I had been looking forward to reading this series, because I met some of the other couples in 'Just For Show', which is one of my favourite Jae novels. [ETA: it was actually 'Not the Marrying Kind', which isn't one of my favourites, but still a book that I liked.] But now I'm a little hesitant. I guess I'll see how I feel in a few months.
It's a single POV romance (my beloved) following a struggling actress and a photographer. The whole conceit behind the book is that Amanda doesn't ever date butch women, but feels really drawn to Michelle. And Michelle has sworn to never date another actress after a couple bad relationships, but really likes Amanda. They both have to set aside their preconceived notions, and as they get to know each other, they fall harder and harder. It's a really cute setup. I loved their meet-cute, and that entire morning after was wonderful; the perfect foundation where we see their attraction building naturally. I just loved the picture of Amanda waking up after what she first assumed was a drunken one night stand, realising that nothing had happened, and having the other woman treat her to breakfast and movies and aftercare anyway. They were just really lovely together, and that carried all throughout the book.
Unfortunately, I also had to battle my impatience all throughout the book. The whole schtick with Amanda being sooooo surprised that she was attracted to a butch got really old really fast. Something about it just irritated me, even though I knew full well that the character was going to eventually get over it. I guess it was also annoying because Michelle didn't even seem that butch; just kinda androgynous? Not that I'm trying to police what she calls herself, but the whole narrative of Amanda being ~amazed~ that she's into a masc woman kinda falls flat when the author emphasises the ways in which she's feminine. Idk idk idk. There's no one way to be butch or femme, and it's not like I have an issue with Michelle's presentation. Something about how it was written though... idk. I found it irksome. Like the book was trying so hard to avoid "stereotypes" that it just ended up rejecting a lot of commonplace butch stuff. A lot of the Hollywood and showbusiness details annoyed me too. Just little comments about other women being fake and shallow and divas; stuff that made me want to grind my teeth. Amanda came off as soooo judgmental sometimes, and the book seemed to fully support her in that. Some of the side characters (Amanda's date and her ex especially) were written to be so cartoonishly awful, I couldn't take it seriously. Also, Amanda gets her first big role during the book, and the whole process of how that worked was not believable at all. Idk, maybe it does work super quickly sometimes. But getting a call with no audition one day, and then you're filming the next day? Really? In general, the writing was way less polished and meaningful than what I usually expect from this author, and there were several times when a word or phrase would stick out badly.
I'm gonna stop here, because now I feel like I'm just going through my highlights and talking about my nitpicks. There were a lot of things I didn't care for, which makes me sad, because I really did like the romance. All of the things I listed above bugged me, but also just the fact that this felt dated, in a bad way. There's some older lesfic that has a certain feel to it, something I can't really describe, but this was it. I wish I had liked it more. I tried to listen to the audiobook for a bit, but it didn't really work for me, so I stuck with the ebook. I had been looking forward to reading this series, because I met some of the other couples in 'Just For Show', which is one of my favourite Jae novels. [ETA: it was actually 'Not the Marrying Kind', which isn't one of my favourites, but still a book that I liked.] But now I'm a little hesitant. I guess I'll see how I feel in a few months.
November 5, 2020
One of my favorite writers is Jay, every book I have read about her I always find amazing. This one isn't bad but not that great either, I feel that it could be a lot longer because it feelt rushed.
January 12, 2016
I enjoyed this well enough. I first read it as a short story and was glad to see Jae go back to flesh it out further. As it's only a novella, it still doesn't have enough time to tell the full details, but what's here is plenty. I enjoyed both characters and their interactions, and liked the different family scenes as well, Amanda's grandmother was a great addition. The end seemed a bit rushed, but given the size of the story it was to be expected. A nice quick read.
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