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Scripted
Jade Shaw has lost control of her life.
Pushed around by her warring family, and taken for granted by a boyfriend who's more interested in his "brand" than their relationship, she knows that somewhere along the path to being an adult she's lost her way. And she can't seem to find it again.
The last place she expects to discover answers is on the floor outside her flat. But there it is: a script. Containing her name, and her boyfriend Adam's - and depicting another huge argument in which Jade fails to stand up for herself. The weird thing is: this argument hasn't happened yet.
The row becomes reality. Jade tries and fails to find her voice. Then more scripts appear, predicting infuriating scenarios in which Jade's boss, mum, and bridezilla sister walk all over her. Whoever is leaving these scripts knows Jade inside-out. But who is writing them? How are they able to predict her future so accurately?
And what can Jade do to re-write the script?
Pushed around by her warring family, and taken for granted by a boyfriend who's more interested in his "brand" than their relationship, she knows that somewhere along the path to being an adult she's lost her way. And she can't seem to find it again.
The last place she expects to discover answers is on the floor outside her flat. But there it is: a script. Containing her name, and her boyfriend Adam's - and depicting another huge argument in which Jade fails to stand up for herself. The weird thing is: this argument hasn't happened yet.
The row becomes reality. Jade tries and fails to find her voice. Then more scripts appear, predicting infuriating scenarios in which Jade's boss, mum, and bridezilla sister walk all over her. Whoever is leaving these scripts knows Jade inside-out. But who is writing them? How are they able to predict her future so accurately?
And what can Jade do to re-write the script?
400 pages, Hardcover
Published June 6, 2024
81 people are currently reading
1287 people want to read
About the author
Fearne Cotton
64 books367 followersFearne has been presenting live TV since the age of 15 when she was spotted by ITV’s ‘Disney Club’.
Her warmth, natural interview skills and ability to make presenting live TV seem effortless and has given her the opportunity to present a variety of shows over the years.
Fearne is currently back in her role as team captain on the 16th series of Celebrity Juice, a show that continues to be a ratings winner for ITV2. Other shows include Children in Need Rocks, The Happiness Project, Fearne & Gok: Off The Rails, The BBC Music Awards, Top of the Pops with Reggie Yates, ‘Fearne and McBusted’ and a Coldplay special for Sky Arts amongst many others.
In addition to TV Fearne is hugely credible in the music genre. In 2005 she joined Radio 1 where she spent 10 incredible years, initially co-hosting morning shows with Reggie Yates and then moving onto the UK Top 40 show before taking over the prestigious weekday morning slot in 2009; here she mixed big celebrity interviews with exclusive acoustic performances in the Live Lounge. The show attracted over 4 million listeners and in 2012 she won a Sony Gold Award for the show.
Alongside TV & Radio Fearne is incredibly creative and has designed several seasons of a home wear range for very.co.uk, curated 13 seasons of her own very.co.uk clothing range and previously released her own make-up and toiletry ranges for Boots. Fearne currently enjoys working alongside Cath Kidston and Garnier Olia and is also a brand ambassador for BaByliss, where she creates a series of ‘Get the Look’ videos and tutorials, recreating her go-to styles using BaByliss tools.
In social media, Fearne has over 7 million Twitter followers and a combined Facebook and Instagram following of over 2.2 million with live, innovative content around her programming and off-air projects, ranking her amongst the world’s top 250 most influential Tweeters.
An enthusiastic cook, Fearne released her first cookbook in June 2016: Cook Happy, Cook Health. Her next book, Happy, talks about her own experiences of happiness (including some of the not-so-happy ones), and was published February 2017. Fearne's third book, Cook. Eat. Love, was published in June 2017.
Work aside, Fearne is a mother of 2 and continues to find time to support a range of charities with seemingly no challenge too big for her, whether it be climbing Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief, or trekking the Inca Trail for Breast Cancer Care. Fearne is an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and also a patron for Post Pals, Tyler’s Trust and Coppafeel!, the latter of which she curates the charity’s music festival, FESTIFEEL.
Her warmth, natural interview skills and ability to make presenting live TV seem effortless and has given her the opportunity to present a variety of shows over the years.
Fearne is currently back in her role as team captain on the 16th series of Celebrity Juice, a show that continues to be a ratings winner for ITV2. Other shows include Children in Need Rocks, The Happiness Project, Fearne & Gok: Off The Rails, The BBC Music Awards, Top of the Pops with Reggie Yates, ‘Fearne and McBusted’ and a Coldplay special for Sky Arts amongst many others.
In addition to TV Fearne is hugely credible in the music genre. In 2005 she joined Radio 1 where she spent 10 incredible years, initially co-hosting morning shows with Reggie Yates and then moving onto the UK Top 40 show before taking over the prestigious weekday morning slot in 2009; here she mixed big celebrity interviews with exclusive acoustic performances in the Live Lounge. The show attracted over 4 million listeners and in 2012 she won a Sony Gold Award for the show.
Alongside TV & Radio Fearne is incredibly creative and has designed several seasons of a home wear range for very.co.uk, curated 13 seasons of her own very.co.uk clothing range and previously released her own make-up and toiletry ranges for Boots. Fearne currently enjoys working alongside Cath Kidston and Garnier Olia and is also a brand ambassador for BaByliss, where she creates a series of ‘Get the Look’ videos and tutorials, recreating her go-to styles using BaByliss tools.
In social media, Fearne has over 7 million Twitter followers and a combined Facebook and Instagram following of over 2.2 million with live, innovative content around her programming and off-air projects, ranking her amongst the world’s top 250 most influential Tweeters.
An enthusiastic cook, Fearne released her first cookbook in June 2016: Cook Happy, Cook Health. Her next book, Happy, talks about her own experiences of happiness (including some of the not-so-happy ones), and was published February 2017. Fearne's third book, Cook. Eat. Love, was published in June 2017.
Work aside, Fearne is a mother of 2 and continues to find time to support a range of charities with seemingly no challenge too big for her, whether it be climbing Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief, or trekking the Inca Trail for Breast Cancer Care. Fearne is an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and also a patron for Post Pals, Tyler’s Trust and Coppafeel!, the latter of which she curates the charity’s music festival, FESTIFEEL.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
May 26, 2024
I was very intrigued by the blurb for this novel, and it certainly lived up to expectations. Leave your credulity on the doorstep and you will love this book about learning how to say no, and not letting others manipulate you.
Jade is a pushover with a soft heart, and this means everyone around her takes advantage of her. Her sister asks her to babysit at the drop of a hat, and to do her favours without thought for Jade’s welfare. Her boss works her all hours and wants her to pick up his washing, and buy gifts for his wife in her lunchtime. Her parents are always making unreasonable demands, and patently favour her sister. Worst of all is her boyfriend, Adam, who spares no thought for her whatsoever. Jade starts to find scrips left in the oddest of places, depicting her conversations with various other people – her family, her boss and her boyfriend – the only thing is that they haven’t happened yet. Shortly after finding each script, the dialogue plays out word for word as in the scripts. Unfortunately, Jade finds herself unable to deviate from the script.
This is a wholly original novel, with an endearing main character, and I was rooting for Jade to control the script, and her destiny. A lovely summer novel.
Jade is a pushover with a soft heart, and this means everyone around her takes advantage of her. Her sister asks her to babysit at the drop of a hat, and to do her favours without thought for Jade’s welfare. Her boss works her all hours and wants her to pick up his washing, and buy gifts for his wife in her lunchtime. Her parents are always making unreasonable demands, and patently favour her sister. Worst of all is her boyfriend, Adam, who spares no thought for her whatsoever. Jade starts to find scrips left in the oddest of places, depicting her conversations with various other people – her family, her boss and her boyfriend – the only thing is that they haven’t happened yet. Shortly after finding each script, the dialogue plays out word for word as in the scripts. Unfortunately, Jade finds herself unable to deviate from the script.
This is a wholly original novel, with an endearing main character, and I was rooting for Jade to control the script, and her destiny. A lovely summer novel.
June 26, 2024
I found myself devouring this book but was sadly left feeling unfulfilled by the end.
The story follows Jade as she gains self-confidence and learns to set boundaries as a way of improving her life with the help of a mysterious script that can predict the future.
It is an easy read, filled with humour and frustration. The main character being well rounded and fleshed out.
Unfortunately, the book ends on a cliffhanger. I can understand that this was a style choice but it sadly left me feeling unfulfilled. This was particularly disappointing as the rest of the book was so engaging. I didn’t mind the characteristic unknown at the end of the novel, but not receiving any explanation for the script didn’t sit well for me. It felt rushed and felt as though the author wasn’t quite sure how to explain it.
Personally, I love books with tricky characters, it makes them feel more realistic and as a result keeps me engaged in the story. Jades family, are just that. Tricky. I enjoyed seeing Jade learn to defend herself but do wish this had happened slightly earlier.
Thankyou to NetGalley and the Publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Jade as she gains self-confidence and learns to set boundaries as a way of improving her life with the help of a mysterious script that can predict the future.
It is an easy read, filled with humour and frustration. The main character being well rounded and fleshed out.
Unfortunately, the book ends on a cliffhanger. I can understand that this was a style choice but it sadly left me feeling unfulfilled. This was particularly disappointing as the rest of the book was so engaging. I didn’t mind the characteristic unknown at the end of the novel, but not receiving any explanation for the script didn’t sit well for me. It felt rushed and felt as though the author wasn’t quite sure how to explain it.
Personally, I love books with tricky characters, it makes them feel more realistic and as a result keeps me engaged in the story. Jades family, are just that. Tricky. I enjoyed seeing Jade learn to defend herself but do wish this had happened slightly earlier.
Thankyou to NetGalley and the Publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2024
On a craft level, this book was simply not at a publishable standard. I gather Ferne Cotton is some kind of Famous Personality, which explains why it got published at all. The quality devolved as the book went on, and presumably whatever editors were involved felt they were past the point of a casual browser deciding to buy it. That was certainly my experience.
The reason it’s not a one-star from me is that the initial descriptions of Human Doormat Made Of Wet Rags, Jade (honestly? Who is a millennial and called Jade? The names in this book read like placeholders), were cringey enough to provide vicarious negative enjoyment. However, as we approached and passed the halfway mark without Jade actually changing or growing even the nub of a spine, it became increasingly clear that all the ‘bad guys’ were one-dimensional. Equally, Jade’s best friend Sophie, her work mentor Jackson (who at least fooled me into thinking he was the secondary love interest, until it turned out that was a WAITER AT THE WEDDING THAT CLOSES THE BOOK WTF), and her family friend Belinda, all exist simply to hype up Jade. Jade, a person who appears to be an eternal yes-man and is so very pathetic and wimpy that it’s hard to understand why anyone put up with her for more than five minutes.
Even the people who took advantages of her terminal case of people pleasing syndrome – why? Jade’s so flaky and unreliable. She does things like ask Sophie to help her DECORATE A WEDDING with TWO WEEKS’ NOTICE and without even an invite to said wedding to soften the blow. Never mind that attending a wedding is a super-stressful prospect, such that you only go through it when you’re in a sexual and romantic relationship with the invitee – for a reason! Jade also takes leave from work with a day’s notice . Yes, her boss Colin is comically villainous, asking her to ‘pick up dry cleaning’ even though they work in set design, why does he have dry clean only clothes? But it’s still a mega flaky thing to do to her colleagues. She’s really bad at babysitting her nieces, to the point where Lily makes minimal sense as a helicopter parent who lets her precious babies stay with someone who feeds them exclusively on cornflakes and croissants. Even Jade's hygiene seems extremely questionable.
None of the characters really make any sense. Lily, the daughter of a working class mogul, marries a 6’5 finance bro with blue eyes? These people only marry each other, hello? That's why no one who's not in that circle can FIND an available finance bro with blue eyes. Lily's still maintaining a jet-black Goth dye job, even though no one in the moneyed classes does anything but brown and taupe? I could go on, but I’m tired of talking about this silly book.
A sample of issues that triggered my internal copy-editor and pulled me out of the already questionable narrative:
‘‘That you’re, well… trying to be edgy, but missing the mark,’ said Lily.
‘I think you’re looking into it a bit too deeply. They were cheap and they hold cereal and milk so seem to do the job.’’
COMMA!
‘‘Wedding, Jade. Wedding, obviously!’ Lily barked. The sisters walked into Lily’s kitchen which had recently been refurbished.’
COMMA! And please. ‘Said’. ‘Said’ in almost every circumstance, I BEG OF YOU.
‘[...] bending down to gingerly stroke Lily’s plush grey cat, Cumin, anticipating the sneezing fit she knew would come, who was acquired at the time of Lily’s cooking tutorials.’
WTF
Basic sentence structure skills where are you
‘I’ve got a lot on at work so I need to head home to crack on with some bits and bobs.’
Lily scrunched up her face. ‘That sounds very generic.’’
I DO NOT THINK IT MEANS WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS
‘‘Jade, honestly, it’s nothing,’ he called out in an ambivalent tone.’
What. Is an ambivalent tone.
‘‘Mean? You think I’m mean?’ Saffron crossed her arms and looked away. ‘We’ll get the game,’ Jade caved.’
That’s a child. Don’t negotiate with a five-year-old, Jade. Also, ‘caved’ is not a speech tag.
‘‘Mum, they’re five minutes late. Just try and relax. And please do not call her thingy when she gets here,’ Jade said with genuine concern. ‘Darling, the worst thing you can say to someone when they are stressed is “relax”. I just want a bloody Pinot Grigio, is that too much to ask?’’
Was she banned from using contractions?
‘‘This is a joke. I worked so hard trying to organise a wonderful dinner for Lily, and look at you all. It’s embarrassing.’ Jacquie, on the verge of tears, flung her arms about like a rag doll.’
Please. Just picture this. Then bang your head against a wall several times, like I did.
‘I walked right over to this delicious young man I was besotted with and, without speaking, I placed a small piece of paper with my number in his hand.’
You don’t need to clarify that a piece of paper with just a number on it is small. No one talks like this. Or thinks like this. Or writes like this. If they do, THEY SHOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED.
The reason it’s not a one-star from me is that the initial descriptions of Human Doormat Made Of Wet Rags, Jade (honestly? Who is a millennial and called Jade? The names in this book read like placeholders), were cringey enough to provide vicarious negative enjoyment. However, as we approached and passed the halfway mark without Jade actually changing or growing even the nub of a spine, it became increasingly clear that all the ‘bad guys’ were one-dimensional. Equally, Jade’s best friend Sophie, her work mentor Jackson (who at least fooled me into thinking he was the secondary love interest, until it turned out that was a WAITER AT THE WEDDING THAT CLOSES THE BOOK WTF), and her family friend Belinda, all exist simply to hype up Jade. Jade, a person who appears to be an eternal yes-man and is so very pathetic and wimpy that it’s hard to understand why anyone put up with her for more than five minutes.
Even the people who took advantages of her terminal case of people pleasing syndrome – why? Jade’s so flaky and unreliable. She does things like ask Sophie to help her DECORATE A WEDDING with TWO WEEKS’ NOTICE and without even an invite to said wedding to soften the blow. Never mind that attending a wedding is a super-stressful prospect, such that you only go through it when you’re in a sexual and romantic relationship with the invitee – for a reason! Jade also takes leave from work with a day’s notice . Yes, her boss Colin is comically villainous, asking her to ‘pick up dry cleaning’ even though they work in set design, why does he have dry clean only clothes? But it’s still a mega flaky thing to do to her colleagues. She’s really bad at babysitting her nieces, to the point where Lily makes minimal sense as a helicopter parent who lets her precious babies stay with someone who feeds them exclusively on cornflakes and croissants. Even Jade's hygiene seems extremely questionable.
None of the characters really make any sense. Lily, the daughter of a working class mogul, marries a 6’5 finance bro with blue eyes? These people only marry each other, hello? That's why no one who's not in that circle can FIND an available finance bro with blue eyes. Lily's still maintaining a jet-black Goth dye job, even though no one in the moneyed classes does anything but brown and taupe? I could go on, but I’m tired of talking about this silly book.
A sample of issues that triggered my internal copy-editor and pulled me out of the already questionable narrative:
‘‘That you’re, well… trying to be edgy, but missing the mark,’ said Lily.
‘I think you’re looking into it a bit too deeply. They were cheap and they hold cereal and milk so seem to do the job.’’
COMMA!
‘‘Wedding, Jade. Wedding, obviously!’ Lily barked. The sisters walked into Lily’s kitchen which had recently been refurbished.’
COMMA! And please. ‘Said’. ‘Said’ in almost every circumstance, I BEG OF YOU.
‘[...] bending down to gingerly stroke Lily’s plush grey cat, Cumin, anticipating the sneezing fit she knew would come, who was acquired at the time of Lily’s cooking tutorials.’
WTF
Basic sentence structure skills where are you
‘I’ve got a lot on at work so I need to head home to crack on with some bits and bobs.’
Lily scrunched up her face. ‘That sounds very generic.’’
I DO NOT THINK IT MEANS WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS
‘‘Jade, honestly, it’s nothing,’ he called out in an ambivalent tone.’
What. Is an ambivalent tone.
‘‘Mean? You think I’m mean?’ Saffron crossed her arms and looked away. ‘We’ll get the game,’ Jade caved.’
That’s a child. Don’t negotiate with a five-year-old, Jade. Also, ‘caved’ is not a speech tag.
‘‘Mum, they’re five minutes late. Just try and relax. And please do not call her thingy when she gets here,’ Jade said with genuine concern. ‘Darling, the worst thing you can say to someone when they are stressed is “relax”. I just want a bloody Pinot Grigio, is that too much to ask?’’
Was she banned from using contractions?
‘‘This is a joke. I worked so hard trying to organise a wonderful dinner for Lily, and look at you all. It’s embarrassing.’ Jacquie, on the verge of tears, flung her arms about like a rag doll.’
Please. Just picture this. Then bang your head against a wall several times, like I did.
‘I walked right over to this delicious young man I was besotted with and, without speaking, I placed a small piece of paper with my number in his hand.’
You don’t need to clarify that a piece of paper with just a number on it is small. No one talks like this. Or thinks like this. Or writes like this. If they do, THEY SHOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
This wasn't for me at all, it felt bloated and done before.
None of the characters were particularly likeable and with the exception of her workmates were unbelievable.
I was hoping for so much more.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
None of the characters were particularly likeable and with the exception of her workmates were unbelievable.
I was hoping for so much more.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
![Profile Image for Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1746468325i%2F66224803._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 31, 2024
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Jade is a people pleaser when it comes to her family, friends, boss… literally anyone she meets. Her boyfriend is awful to her, her sister manipulates her and everyone is using her emotionally or for tasks they don’t want to do.
(I would hate her life)
Jade finds a script where a little scene with her boyfriend is written out and it sounds awful.
What is even more awful is the fact that this exact scene plays out later in the day.
Word for word.
Not gonna lie: I expected more. I wanted her to have a whole script of her story and change it immediately. But it took her sooooo long.
Characters 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Jade is a cutie pie and if I had a friend like her I would absolutely love and adore her.
But I would hate her family and her boyfriend with all my heart. The amount of disrespect and awful things they do to her is sickening.
The only people I liked: Jade. Sophie. Belinda. Jackson.
Hate list: Lily. Adam. Lily. Tony. Lily.
I thought Jade had such a good character development in the end but then the whole thing with Luca came and I was… kinda confused. I thought she would’ve love to be with herself some time.
Relationships 🌟🌟🌟
How Jade didn’t turn out crazy is a mystery to me. I would’ve gone mental.
When she finally found her guts it was crazy and wild, and a bit explosive.
But then the development was a bit fragile and she fell back into some treats she had before.
Especially the end. Why did the author need to put another man inside the story?
Wasn’t it enough to see her develop into a brave new person?
Writing 🌟🌟🌟
I bought the physical copy after seeing it in Berlin at Shakespeare&sons&bagels.
The letters are huge, so If you read it gets by pretty fast. It was a slow plot but still nice to read. It was written only in Jades POV.
Jade is a people pleaser when it comes to her family, friends, boss… literally anyone she meets. Her boyfriend is awful to her, her sister manipulates her and everyone is using her emotionally or for tasks they don’t want to do.
(I would hate her life)
Jade finds a script where a little scene with her boyfriend is written out and it sounds awful.
What is even more awful is the fact that this exact scene plays out later in the day.
Word for word.
Not gonna lie: I expected more. I wanted her to have a whole script of her story and change it immediately. But it took her sooooo long.
Characters 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Jade is a cutie pie and if I had a friend like her I would absolutely love and adore her.
But I would hate her family and her boyfriend with all my heart. The amount of disrespect and awful things they do to her is sickening.
The only people I liked: Jade. Sophie. Belinda. Jackson.
Hate list: Lily. Adam. Lily. Tony. Lily.
I thought Jade had such a good character development in the end but then the whole thing with Luca came and I was… kinda confused. I thought she would’ve love to be with herself some time.
Relationships 🌟🌟🌟
How Jade didn’t turn out crazy is a mystery to me. I would’ve gone mental.
When she finally found her guts it was crazy and wild, and a bit explosive.
But then the development was a bit fragile and she fell back into some treats she had before.
Especially the end. Why did the author need to put another man inside the story?
Wasn’t it enough to see her develop into a brave new person?
Writing 🌟🌟🌟
I bought the physical copy after seeing it in Berlin at Shakespeare&sons&bagels.
The letters are huge, so If you read it gets by pretty fast. It was a slow plot but still nice to read. It was written only in Jades POV.
May 6, 2024
Thank to #NetGalley for an #ARC of #Scripted.
Synopsis: Jade, overwhelmed by her controlling family and neglected by her self-absorbed boyfriend, feels lost in adulthood. Unexpectedly, she discovers a script outside her flat, detailing future arguments with her boyfriend. As she finds more scripts, showing conflicts with her boss, mother, and sister, Jade realises the bleak path ahead. Determined to change her fate, she confronts the painful reality of her relationships and strives for a different future.
Review:☆☆.5
At first, I was eager to read the book because of its premise. However, I found it challenging to read as it felt quite slow paced. Additionally, I struggled to connect with the characters, particularly finding Jade's character annoying. I get that her lack of backbone is part of the plot, but it made it hard for me to get into the story. Nevertheless, as Jade found her voice, I found myself enjoying the book more.
Synopsis: Jade, overwhelmed by her controlling family and neglected by her self-absorbed boyfriend, feels lost in adulthood. Unexpectedly, she discovers a script outside her flat, detailing future arguments with her boyfriend. As she finds more scripts, showing conflicts with her boss, mother, and sister, Jade realises the bleak path ahead. Determined to change her fate, she confronts the painful reality of her relationships and strives for a different future.
Review:☆☆.5
At first, I was eager to read the book because of its premise. However, I found it challenging to read as it felt quite slow paced. Additionally, I struggled to connect with the characters, particularly finding Jade's character annoying. I get that her lack of backbone is part of the plot, but it made it hard for me to get into the story. Nevertheless, as Jade found her voice, I found myself enjoying the book more.
February 16, 2025
I have read pretty much every book written by Fearne Cotton, and this is her first debut fiction novel.
Scripted is fab! I really enjoyed it. It's a life-affirming story with a touch of humour, self-love, and a tiny bit of magic 🎩
It has...
😊 Lovely believable characters
💌 Weak to strong vibes
💛 Self-love is key
📓 A touch of Magic
✍️ Relatable storyline
I can't wait to read more fiction by the lovely Fearne.
Scripted is fab! I really enjoyed it. It's a life-affirming story with a touch of humour, self-love, and a tiny bit of magic 🎩
It has...
😊 Lovely believable characters
💌 Weak to strong vibes
💛 Self-love is key
📓 A touch of Magic
✍️ Relatable storyline
I can't wait to read more fiction by the lovely Fearne.
May 19, 2025
It took 400 pages for this wetwipe doormat of a lady to turn into less of a wetwipe doormat?? Are you kidding me????
Fell so flat, I'm afraid. Where was the development? I think I missed her. Save for
I liked the premise, it had so much potential but execution was... lacklustre :( Such a shame, cause this could've been an UNCANNILY apt parallel to my life right now, but alas.
It gave try hard. Too many "inspirational" monologues, desperate for that quotable line about self-discovery. The characters felt like vehicles through which to unleash the torrent facebook-mum-live-laugh-loving rather than well-rounded personalities. They needed to develop properly, I wanted to see how MC's family relationships look after she asserts her needs and boundaries, rather than everyone ignoring her and brushing it all under the rug with blazé reconciliation. All the relationship dynamic details were so glossed over - best way to describe this nonsense is:
Fell so flat, I'm afraid. Where was the development? I think I missed her. Save for
I liked the premise, it had so much potential but execution was... lacklustre :( Such a shame, cause this could've been an UNCANNILY apt parallel to my life right now, but alas.
It gave try hard. Too many "inspirational" monologues, desperate for that quotable line about self-discovery. The characters felt like vehicles through which to unleash the torrent facebook-mum-live-laugh-loving rather than well-rounded personalities. They needed to develop properly, I wanted to see how MC's family relationships look after she asserts her needs and boundaries, rather than everyone ignoring her and brushing it all under the rug with blazé reconciliation. All the relationship dynamic details were so glossed over - best way to describe this nonsense is:
January 11, 2025
The book, at its core, has a really important message about self-love.
Overall though, I found myself irritated with the characters. The last quarter of the book was the best, however the ending felt a little lack lustre. On this occasion, I do believe I am the problem, and not this book. This book is good, just not for me -4 stars as I can see who it would appeal to, for me it is 3 stars.
Overall though, I found myself irritated with the characters. The last quarter of the book was the best, however the ending felt a little lack lustre. On this occasion, I do believe I am the problem, and not this book. This book is good, just not for me -4 stars as I can see who it would appeal to, for me it is 3 stars.
January 4, 2025
Liked the story but didn’t particularly like many of the characters
July 13, 2025
This was such a fun easy read! Loved the short chapters that were really engaging and always left you wanting to read on.
July 11, 2025
Pretty badly written, but the thought was there.
August 3, 2025
DNF because of a line in the third chapter about her bf calling her his little dragon because of her pink skin like i am not in the right state of mind to put up with this nonsense writing, I'll get back to it when i want something cheesy
May 6, 2024
Main character Jade struggles to say 'no' and is taken advantage of by her family, boyfriend and boss. She finds a script that seems to foreshadow her life and eventually decides to take charge and write her own story.
This book started slowly but I could not put the last section down!
I struggled to find Jade a loveable character at first and felt as though the middle section of the book, where she was once again mistreated by her boss and family, were too long.
However, I really enjoyed how, aside from the mystery of the scripts, the rest of the story came across as very realistic. Problems were not magically solved as soon as Jade decided to speak up, but by being true to herself she was able to start making changes in her life. This book contains some pearls of wisdom that we could all benefit from!
Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for proving me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book started slowly but I could not put the last section down!
I struggled to find Jade a loveable character at first and felt as though the middle section of the book, where she was once again mistreated by her boss and family, were too long.
However, I really enjoyed how, aside from the mystery of the scripts, the rest of the story came across as very realistic. Problems were not magically solved as soon as Jade decided to speak up, but by being true to herself she was able to start making changes in her life. This book contains some pearls of wisdom that we could all benefit from!
Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for proving me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
I really liked Fearne Cotton's writing style in this book, it is humourous and relatable and I read it far too quickly!
Imagine how useful it would be to have a heads up of future awkward situations? This is what happens for main character Jade when she starts finding mysterous scripts featuring her friends and family of conversations that she hasnt had yet! As she reads on she realises that the outcome of these conversations is not good for her and her family is walking all over her. Can she change the scripts and rewrite her future happiness?
An enjoyable light read, I look forward to more from Fearne!
Imagine how useful it would be to have a heads up of future awkward situations? This is what happens for main character Jade when she starts finding mysterous scripts featuring her friends and family of conversations that she hasnt had yet! As she reads on she realises that the outcome of these conversations is not good for her and her family is walking all over her. Can she change the scripts and rewrite her future happiness?
An enjoyable light read, I look forward to more from Fearne!
June 13, 2024
Just wow! I started reading this book Monday evening, it's now Thursday, I've been working each day since Monday, I have no idea how I have managed to read this book so quickly, apart from being completely sucked in, evidently, to the point where I literally had two chapters left to read - so where better to read them than in the auditorium at Taunton Brewhouse whilst waiting for none other than Fearne Cotton herself to come on stage to talk about the book 😆 I told her afterwards that I'd finished it before she came on and she said it had made her day, it made mine too until I realised it was done and felt bereft 🤣
July 6, 2025
Jade has always been taken for granted by the people around her - her family, her boyfriend, her boss. She tries to push back, but can't find her voice. Then one day she finds a script outside her house, depicting another argument with her boyfriend in which Jade doesn't stand up for herself.
But this argument hasn't happened yet... Until later on, when the script becomes reality.
Then more scripts appear, predicting scenarios in which Jade's boss, mum, and bridezilla sister walk all over her, and the only way to re-write the scripts is for Jade to find her voice...
Thank you to Penguin for inviting me to read an AD-GIFTED copy of this book, which has just come out in paperback format.
Jade has always given of her time, energy and possessions generously, but, "At what point does trying to be a good person turn you into a pushover?" Jade asks her friend Sophie.
Unfortunately Jade IS a pushover - frustratingly and irritatingly so - and is used as a doormat by her nearest and dearest. As a chronic people pleaser she allows herself to be manipulated, guilt-tripped, completely taken for granted, and bossed about by her partner, her family and her boss at work.
The premise of this novel might well be on the implausible side, credulity needs to be suspended, and it did take a little whole to get going, but, the story delivers a message about the importance of learning to say no. About finding your voice; taking back control of your life and reclaiming your own power - and that for a woman to do so is not mean, difficult, selfish, bad, or any other negative or critical descriptor so frequently applied.
My favourite character was undoubtedly Sophie, whose mission is to eradicate the 'good girl' trope for the sake of future generations of women. She is just the kind of friend, mentor and guide that Jade needs, appreciating her, supporting her, boosting her confidence; analysing what's holding her back; enabling her to shine as brightly as she should, by making decisions that work for her, and refusing to take on responsibilities that aren't hers.
It takes a while, but eventually when her boundaries have been comprehensively trashed, the penny finally drops with Jade that it's she herself who is allowing all of this to happen, and that the answer to all her problems lies within.
With the help, encouragement and inspiration of an almost-fairy-godmother, an enigmatic co-worker with hidden depths and wisdom, and a brilliant bestie, Jade finally finds her voice and learns to write her own happy ending, and it's at this point she becomes a much more interesting character.
There are pearls of wisdom and useful reminders that we all need here. Empowerment and self-discovery rub shoulders with characters you'll love to love, or love to hate, and moments of comedy, in this debut novel from Fearne Cotton.
2.75 stars rounded up to 3 for Goodreads
But this argument hasn't happened yet... Until later on, when the script becomes reality.
Then more scripts appear, predicting scenarios in which Jade's boss, mum, and bridezilla sister walk all over her, and the only way to re-write the scripts is for Jade to find her voice...
Thank you to Penguin for inviting me to read an AD-GIFTED copy of this book, which has just come out in paperback format.
Jade has always given of her time, energy and possessions generously, but, "At what point does trying to be a good person turn you into a pushover?" Jade asks her friend Sophie.
Unfortunately Jade IS a pushover - frustratingly and irritatingly so - and is used as a doormat by her nearest and dearest. As a chronic people pleaser she allows herself to be manipulated, guilt-tripped, completely taken for granted, and bossed about by her partner, her family and her boss at work.
The premise of this novel might well be on the implausible side, credulity needs to be suspended, and it did take a little whole to get going, but, the story delivers a message about the importance of learning to say no. About finding your voice; taking back control of your life and reclaiming your own power - and that for a woman to do so is not mean, difficult, selfish, bad, or any other negative or critical descriptor so frequently applied.
My favourite character was undoubtedly Sophie, whose mission is to eradicate the 'good girl' trope for the sake of future generations of women. She is just the kind of friend, mentor and guide that Jade needs, appreciating her, supporting her, boosting her confidence; analysing what's holding her back; enabling her to shine as brightly as she should, by making decisions that work for her, and refusing to take on responsibilities that aren't hers.
It takes a while, but eventually when her boundaries have been comprehensively trashed, the penny finally drops with Jade that it's she herself who is allowing all of this to happen, and that the answer to all her problems lies within.
With the help, encouragement and inspiration of an almost-fairy-godmother, an enigmatic co-worker with hidden depths and wisdom, and a brilliant bestie, Jade finally finds her voice and learns to write her own happy ending, and it's at this point she becomes a much more interesting character.
There are pearls of wisdom and useful reminders that we all need here. Empowerment and self-discovery rub shoulders with characters you'll love to love, or love to hate, and moments of comedy, in this debut novel from Fearne Cotton.
2.75 stars rounded up to 3 for Goodreads
August 11, 2024
Contains spoilers!
Absolute drivel!! I was so disappointed in this book and I am so fed up of reading main female characters who are doormats or not assertive and lack confidence.
The characters in the book were like teenagers and beggars belief how anyone would like them. From her semi alcoholic bitter mother who can’t get over her divorce or understand her daughter, Lily, is bullying and pressurising her other daughter to her narcissistic boyfriend. Also the two would never go together she seems to be a free spirited artistic type and he’s Love Island. When would you ever see that couple!?
Lily was a spoilt brat who annoyed me greatly but Jade allowing that behaviour annoyed me even more. Why are women either doormats, bullies or the strong best friend(Soph).
The ending of this book was just insulting. As a 32 year old heaven forbid Jade is single and just enjoys her life. Oh no there must be a love interest and shock he’s a scriptwriter. Also those scripts, we never find out where they came from, was it some magical genie and we’re just meant to accept that fact. Scripts are left knowing the future and it’s ok. We don’t question this or worry?!!
I will never read another book by this author and I think the only reason it sold was due to her fame. Terribly written, too long in stages, some chapters just didn’t even need to be in there. The entire end of the book was the wedding that went on for far too long and the whole catching Lily cheating should have been a perfect moment for Jade and Lily to actually talk about their issues but this is glossed over. All of Jade’s relationships were glossed over and could have been a great chance to explore further and give every character more depth rather than just being bullies who took advantage of Jade.
Absolute drivel!! I was so disappointed in this book and I am so fed up of reading main female characters who are doormats or not assertive and lack confidence.
The characters in the book were like teenagers and beggars belief how anyone would like them. From her semi alcoholic bitter mother who can’t get over her divorce or understand her daughter, Lily, is bullying and pressurising her other daughter to her narcissistic boyfriend. Also the two would never go together she seems to be a free spirited artistic type and he’s Love Island. When would you ever see that couple!?
Lily was a spoilt brat who annoyed me greatly but Jade allowing that behaviour annoyed me even more. Why are women either doormats, bullies or the strong best friend(Soph).
The ending of this book was just insulting. As a 32 year old heaven forbid Jade is single and just enjoys her life. Oh no there must be a love interest and shock he’s a scriptwriter. Also those scripts, we never find out where they came from, was it some magical genie and we’re just meant to accept that fact. Scripts are left knowing the future and it’s ok. We don’t question this or worry?!!
I will never read another book by this author and I think the only reason it sold was due to her fame. Terribly written, too long in stages, some chapters just didn’t even need to be in there. The entire end of the book was the wedding that went on for far too long and the whole catching Lily cheating should have been a perfect moment for Jade and Lily to actually talk about their issues but this is glossed over. All of Jade’s relationships were glossed over and could have been a great chance to explore further and give every character more depth rather than just being bullies who took advantage of Jade.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
I was excited to read Fearne Cotton's new offering, which has the intriguing premise of finding scripts that foresee important conversations that have yet to take place in your life.
That sounds great, doesn't it?
What if you could know what was to come so you could be prepared or even try to change the outcome?
Well, this is what happens to Jade, our MC. Jade is a woman in a stale relationship, with a job she enjoys but a boss who, quite frankly, takes the mick with what he asks of her, and a family who also leave a lot to be desired, especially her sister, around whom the world appears to revolve.
It was an okay story, but it felt a bit flat once the initial premise was introduced. I didn't feel a huge affinity to Jade and the other characters, though her workmates were a bit of a laugh.
If you need a read to plug some spare time, this is one of those books, but maybe not if you want to read something groundbreaking.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House for an ARC.
That sounds great, doesn't it?
What if you could know what was to come so you could be prepared or even try to change the outcome?
Well, this is what happens to Jade, our MC. Jade is a woman in a stale relationship, with a job she enjoys but a boss who, quite frankly, takes the mick with what he asks of her, and a family who also leave a lot to be desired, especially her sister, around whom the world appears to revolve.
It was an okay story, but it felt a bit flat once the initial premise was introduced. I didn't feel a huge affinity to Jade and the other characters, though her workmates were a bit of a laugh.
If you need a read to plug some spare time, this is one of those books, but maybe not if you want to read something groundbreaking.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House for an ARC.
June 13, 2024
Jade has a job she loves (despite her boss), a boyfriend with his own clothing line (in the pipeline), her quirky flat (that she pays her property tycoon dad full rent for) and is helping her sister prepare for her second wedding. It seems that everything in Jade's life is planned out - especially when she finds a script that details a conversation she hasn't yet had! Through scripts found at seemingly random moments, Jade goes on a journey to refind herself, stand up for herself and deal with the trauma of the past - cheered on by her friends and hampered by her family and boyfriend. I loved Jade's journey to refind her sense of self that got lost along the way, the characters in her family were instantly relatable and the plot was refreshingly different.
February 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this! Such an interesting and intriguing story with a variety of characters! Some likeable, some relatable and some are extremely infuriating and remind me of childhood acquaintances I'd rather forget.
I hope Fearne ends up writing more fiction because I throughly enjoyed this story! I was consumed by Jade's world and everything going on around her.
A must read for chronic people pleasers who struggle to tell others No. Put yourself first, you deserve it 👏🏻
I hope Fearne ends up writing more fiction because I throughly enjoyed this story! I was consumed by Jade's world and everything going on around her.
A must read for chronic people pleasers who struggle to tell others No. Put yourself first, you deserve it 👏🏻
September 12, 2024
3.5 / 5
Was debating a DNF in the first few chapters as wasnt a fan of the writing style (felt a bit YA) but it improved enough to a 3 and then the overall sentiment of the book gave it a 3.5. Good for a 99per and binged it as I wasnt feeling great
Was debating a DNF in the first few chapters as wasnt a fan of the writing style (felt a bit YA) but it improved enough to a 3 and then the overall sentiment of the book gave it a 3.5. Good for a 99per and binged it as I wasnt feeling great
September 2, 2025
So I was dog sitting at my friends and found this on her table so read it in the weekend! Jade is girl who finds it hard to say no until she starts finding scripts of her life before the conversations happens .. it’s a very interesting premise not read a book like it. A good story but I wish it was a bit longer I had questions at the end mainly where did the scripts come from!
June 16, 2024
The premise of this booked really grabbed my attention, so I thought I'd give Ferne Cottons debut novel a try.
Jade has spent her life pretty downtrodden, she's a people pleaser to the max and her family and boyfriend kinda treat her like crap. One day she finds a script which features her and when the conversation happens it starts to change the way Jade thinks.
See, the premise sounds great, but I struggled with Jade as a character and found I wanted to shake her constantly at the beginning. There were obviously going to be sections that were a bit repetitive due to the nature of the storyline, but it did make the book feel a bit clunky in places.
I did enjoy Jade's big eureka moment though and from just after midway when she started to become a bit more forceful.
Jade has spent her life pretty downtrodden, she's a people pleaser to the max and her family and boyfriend kinda treat her like crap. One day she finds a script which features her and when the conversation happens it starts to change the way Jade thinks.
See, the premise sounds great, but I struggled with Jade as a character and found I wanted to shake her constantly at the beginning. There were obviously going to be sections that were a bit repetitive due to the nature of the storyline, but it did make the book feel a bit clunky in places.
I did enjoy Jade's big eureka moment though and from just after midway when she started to become a bit more forceful.
November 10, 2024
Not much really happens in this book but it was a great story about someone learning to say ‘no’ and put themselves first.
The main character is very relatable. The other characters were painful and made me want to throw the book but they got what they deserved in the end.
The main character is very relatable. The other characters were painful and made me want to throw the book but they got what they deserved in the end.
July 21, 2024
Interesting idea and a great message. However the story was a bit one-dimensional and over-explained, and none of the characters were particularly likeable.
June 24, 2025
A nice easy fluffy read, perfect for the garden or a sunbed around a pool
August 4, 2025
3.5 stars.
Easy to read and enjoyable. A bit repetitive by the end.
Easy to read and enjoyable. A bit repetitive by the end.
June 1, 2025
A little cheesy but I loved it!
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