Off Script

The Backlot Series

by Kimberly Page

A One-Night Stand, Surprise Pregnancy Hollywood Romance
Book Five of The Backlot Series

In Hollywood, timing is everything.

Natalie Cruz’s career is finally taking off. Her first TV show is sold, her future is mapped out, and nothing is going to derail it—especially not the man she promised herself would only be one night.

Jake Reyes isn’t interested in temporary anymore. After rebuilding his life post-divorce, the last thing he expects is to collide with the woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about… in his conference room. As his newest client. And his boss’s daughter.

Then comes the surprise neither of them planned for.

A baby.

Natalie has spent her life standing on her own. She doesn’t need saving, fixing, or convincing. And a steady, optimistic man who insists on showing up—no matter what—was never part of her plan.

But Jake isn’t going anywhere. As their lives become increasingly intertwined, the lines between obligation and desire start to blur, and Natalie is forced to confront the one thing she’s avoided her entire hope.

Off Script

a one night stand with lasting consequencesan unplanned pregnancya guarded, fiercely independent heroinea golden-retriever hero who is all inblack cat / golden retriever energyhigh emotional stakes with a deeply satisfying HEAPerfect for readers who love surprise pregnancy romances, emotionally available heroes, and love stories that don’t follow the script.

The final book in The Backlot Series, where dreams are realized, choices are tested, and love shows up anyway.

Genres: Romance

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Kimberly Page is a contemporary romance author who loves writing about strong heroines and the irresistible heroes who fall for them. After a career spent crafting stories for major players in the entertainment industry, she decided it was time to create stories of her own. Drawing from her experiences in Hollywood, she wrote her debut novel Second Act, the first book in The Backlot series, which is set against the backdrop of the entertainment world.

When she’s not writing, you can find Kimberly planning for beach time, at a theme park with her daughter, or getting lost in a good sports romance book. Follow her on TikTok and Instagram for news and updates.

Reviews

[Jenny Joh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idc I like the pregnancy trope. Fight me.

This book did it very well IMO. The character were not obnoxious and oblivious as some of the pregnancy trope books can be.

The story was a little more of a build-up even with the one night stand, and I actually appreciated that. It gave the characters room to grow their connection and gave the romance some foundation.


Thank you to LOVENOTES PR for the ARC.

[liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

rtc!!! thank you Kimberly Page and Love Notes PR for the eARC !

[Lara Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, where do I even start…YES AGAIN 😮‍💨 I never know where to start this things 🫣😅

This book genuinely made me laugh at times— and not in a ahah funny, more like an ahah this really only happens in books. The way Jake respects Natalie?? It’s actually insane. Like… unreal. Otherworldly. I’m sorry, but no man alive is that respectful—okay, maybe a few, but let’s be honest, it’s rare 😭

You sleep with someone you clearly connect with, want more, and then she says it’s just a one-night stand… and you actually respect that? Back off? Give her space? Not chase, not push, not manipulate?

Sir. Excuse me???

Why are men not reading more books?? Because this right here could be a manual. I’m serious. When do schools start implementing this?? 😂

But also—lowkey—this book teaches things 👀
Like yes… sometimes people get pregnant even when they’re careful. No method is 100% safe. And I actually appreciated that this was addressed instead of ignored.

So yeah, not only is it a romance, it’s also… educational? 😅

Now back to the story—

You have this man who is completely, hopelessly into Natalie… and a woman who has been hurt so badly that she just cannot let herself go there again. She keeps pushing him away, not because she doesn’t feel it—but because she’s trying to protect herself.

And that dynamic?? It hurts in the best way.

Oh—and did I mention he’s her father’s associate? 👀
Yeah. That adds a whole other layer.

And her father?? Honestly, one of the good ones.

The way Jake respects her boundaries—even later on, even when it’s hard—just… yeah. I could say so much more, but I won’t.

Because we all know I’m the spoiler queen and if I’m not careful, I WILL ruin the entire book for you 😭

So I’m behaving.

But trust me when I say this book is worth going into blind.

Honestly? I started this at 4 stars… but the more I think about it, the more I’m like—why am I not giving this 5?

Yeah… I think this is a 5⭐️.

[herbookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Kimberly Page did not disappoint with the fifth and final book in The Backlot Series. This time, we dive into Jake and Natalie’s story.

It was my first time reading a book with the surprise pregnancy trope. Usually, it’s not something that really interests me, but this time, I was hooked from beginning to end. The pace felt slow, yet soft and meaningful. Even with the stress of experiencing something like this for the first time, Natalie and Jake showed us that it’s possible to make it through, despite the obstacles.

[Tru_lybookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

__ __ __ __ __
Nathalie Cruz doesn’t do relationships. She puts everything into her work, and has planned out how her life will go exactly. After one night with Jake Reyes, the incredibly sexy friend of a friend, Nathalie gets the surprise of a lifetime and now needs to learn how to trust someone and decide if she can let her walls down long enough to even let him in.

Jake is the perfect golden retriever MMC - he falls fast and HARD, even when Nathalie gives him all the opportunity and reason to give up. He continues to show up, in every way, pushing her wall boundaries to show her she can let go with him. [ADORDED HIM].

“I see the person I want to come home to. The person I want to fight with and make up with and fall asleep next to every single night. When I’m with you, I’m steadier. Better. Calmer in a way I didn’t know I could be.”

I really liked how understanding the MMC was towards the FMC’s hesitations. Nathalie is a strong, independent woman, who has been wronged in the past. She has a hard time understanding her feelings towards Jake or how to interpret them. Eventually Nathalie gives into her feelings – and I loved waiting for it, but most of all loved the tension and spice in between. Page provided many heartwarming moments as the MMC and FMC navigate and develop this new relationship, and the entire time I was rooting and swooning for them.

“Love is the same. Yes, it might not work out. Yes, you might get hurt. But refusing to try because you’re afraid? That’s just another type of pain. A slower, quieter kind. The kind that eats away at you until you wake up one day and realize you build a whole life around fear.”

The Backlot Series are interconnected, however they can all be read as stand alones. This was my second read of the series and I absolutely plan to read the first three for a deeper dive into how the characters became a couple. The epilogue was a perfect ending to the series - I loved the way Page brought the characters together to iron out and have a glimpse into the future.

Not particularly fond of…
I am all for women having and doing it all, but I found a slight over-emphasis on just how “strong” the women were for rocking the job and being a mom. And love that for them… but as I struggle maintaining both it gives my sensitive gut a small punch.

Thank you to @lovesnotes.pr and @iamkimberlypage for the eARC and your trust with this lovely book. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.

Visit my Bookstagram for photos and more reviews!

ONE-NIGHT STAND | HE FALLS FIRST | SURPRISE PREGNANCY | HOLLYWOOD ROMANCE | BOSS’S DAUGHTER | GOLDEN RETRIEVER | BOOKSTA | BOOK COMMUNITY | BOOK LIFE | IM HERE FOR THE PLOT | READ WITH ME | BOOK OBSESSED | READING COMMUNITY | BOOK POST | CANADIAN READERS | BOOKSTAGRAM | ROMANCE BOOKS | ARC BOOKS | READING LOVER |BOOK LOVER | BOOK WORM | BOOK OBSESSED | KINDLE READER

[Fernanda Dzib · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Oh my god!!! You know I’m a sucker for a surprise pregnancy trope so I knew I was going to enjoy this story, but I just didn’t enjoyed it, I LOVED IT!! This book was so good! I just couldn’t stop reading, I completely fell in love with Jake 😩💜 oh my god that man, that man was so crazy about Natalie from the very first second and he was absolutely determined to show her what true love was, he was so patient with her, he understood her fears, he always showed up no matter how big or small the situation was, he always made sure she was always taking care of, he never pressured her and he gave her space whenever she needed it, because he knew she was worth it, and he was so in love with their baby from the moment he knew she was pregnant and it was so dang cute reading all the things he did for the baby too 😩 I mean, Jake was everything and more! And he was trying to make her happy and to make her feel safe even when he was scared and dealing with his emotions and his past too, and that so beautiful to read ❤️‍🩹

And my girl Natalie, oh my god, I really understood her, she worked so hard for so long to achieve her dreams, and when she finally got the job of her dreams she discovered she was pregnant and her fear of being replaced because in the industry is very common to think pregnant women are liabilities was very relatable, and of course there were her fears about giving her heart again, and to let her love and being loved after the things she got through with her ex, so it was very hard for her to fully trust in Jake, but at the end, when she realized she was in love with him and she didn’t want to keep fighting her feelings and finally give them the chance to be a family was so perfect and beautiful and I was crying my eyes out the last 8 chapters because it was a roller coaster of emotions and I was so happy for them at the end of the book 😩✨ also it was so sad for me that this was my first book by the author but the last one of this series so when I was reading the epilogue with the little glimpses of the previous couples I was crying happy teas for them too and I had the very known bittersweet feeling about saying goodbye to those characters 🥹💖but lucky me I have the chance to read them now knowing what the future holds for them 🙂‍↔️✨

Also I can’t wait to sad the next series of the author because I’m feeling it’s going to be as good as this one ✨

[Nazzealous · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
4.5 ✨
Thank you Lovenotes PR and Kimberly Page for trusting me with this ARC 🙌🏻

My first book by Kimberly Page. This book is book 5 from a standalone series. And you can bet I will be reading the rest of the prequel books and everything else this author has written because I am absolutely in LOVE with this book and JakeNatalie 😮‍💨👌🏻 Consider me a die-hard fan. 🙌🏻

The first chapter had me hooked. And I immediately felt my reading slump flutter away, because the way the chemistry was radiating out of these pages - OMG. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

Off-Script was an easy read. The writing was simple but so addictive. The descriptions are detailed enough but not too much that you get hung up on trying to figure out what the actions or the scenes look like. Emotions and chemistry were top tier - even I had butterflies in my stomach. 😮‍💨🥵

MMC - Jake obsessed with her from the start. GREEN FLAG MAN. His love language is Acts of services. He is patient and understanding and perfection personified.

FMC - Natalie is complex. Knows what she wants at first. In terms of her career. But not in relationships. Feisty. Guarded. Hurt in the past. I could relate to her and her inner thoughts and anxiety about whether pregnancy was gonna derail her career.

Everything Jake (FMC) does, his thoughtfulness, his excitement, his eagerness, his feelings for the FMC is SO SO SWOONWORTHY. He makes me swoon. Omagad. I love him. I keep wanting to yell at the FMC, Natalie that HE IS IT. He’s end game. GOGO. NOW KISS.

I was rooting for Jake from the beginning but everything he does, everything he says - every chapter has me cheerleading for him. Chapter 13 especially 🥹🥹🥹

There were moments in the story where I cried. Being a mom, having gone through the stuff described in some of the chapters - from the first ultrasound, doctors appointment, informing supervisors about pregnancy and wondering if your job will be affected by it and motherhood - everything, made me relive those emotions again and empathize with Natalie.

If you’re into the (surprise) pregnancy trope, love a strong FMC, golden retriever MMC, and cute contemporary romance - READ THIS. It is so good! 😭😮‍💨🫶🏻

[Angela Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Off Script by Kimberly Page, we meet Natalie Cruz, a strong, independent woman raised by a strong, independent woman.

Natalie has finally broken into the big screen with her long-nurtured fantasy script and is about to start the grueling production schedule.

But the same day she signs her production contract, she signs the clinic paperwork revealing she is pregnant.

Stressed out at what this could mean for her career, Natalie is determined to prove that she, like her mother, can be a single mom with a successful career.

Except Jake Reyes, the father of the product of their one-night stand, isn’t going to be denied access to everything he has ever wanted. A family.
Natalie and Reyes have both been burned by love, but is the desire to have the lives they dreamed of too much of a risk to take?

Here's my 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review of Off Script by @iamkimberlyjpage

Genre: Contemporary Romance | Pages: 256

This Book in 5 Emojis: 🎆🤰🏻🏘️💍🤕

My Thoughts On This Past Pain vs Passionate Beginnings:

I picked this book because I love an independent queen! I don't care why she's independent or what she's doing, I just want to see her fall hopelessly into vulnerable love.

I know a lot of people don't like surprise pregnancy tropes, but the way the pregnancy was revealed and how committed Jake was to the whole thing didn't feel ick to me. It feels like romance.

I read this book in one night and cried multiple times throughout. The author says the FMC might be annoying at times, but I didn't find her annoying, I found her confused and cautious.

This book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but I can't really remember spice because of how Jake was focused on emotionally connecting with Natalie throughout it all and that is what stuck with me in those moments.

I honestly felt more in la la love after reading this and it's been a week and I'm still more open 🩷🩷🩷

Thank you @lovenotes.pr for the complimentary ARC!!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heading into the “The Backlot Series” felt so homey. If that makes sense. I originally read “Behind the Scenes” and absolutely loved the characters and storyline. So going in to the 5th book knowing some of those characters already was an amazing feeling. Natalie is a strong, independent, work driven, guarded woman. She only allows her softer side to show up to those closest to her. And I get it. Being guarded, having walls up—it keeps you protected. Especially when you’ve been hurt in the past. And Natalie had that experience. I loved seeing the growth of her personality. Jake on the other hand, was I think the most dedicated, honest, intelligent, and most respectful and responsible man I have ever read. All he wanted to do was make sure everyone is taken care of. He cares so deeply for the people he loves. You could FEEL IT. And for myself, someone that doesn’t get emotional, I WAS EMOTIONAL. I don’t typically read the “pregnancy trope” because that’s just not something that usually interests me. But this book, this was an exception. I knew the characters previously, I knew I wanted them to be happy and have a forever. I was happy to have been able to read their story. To see how both of them grew together and overcame their fears of love. I’ve been there. I know the feeling. Once you get past that fear and embrace the fact that someone loves you for you, it’s a feeling that you can’t describe. Natalie and Jake were absolutely phenomenal characters. Real, emotional, true, genuine. This was a wonderful book to end the series. Definitely recommend.
••••••••••
Also, I’m pretty sure someone was consistently cutting onions through parts of this book because there were tears that were uncontrollable. And that does not happen to me. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions and grab some damn tissues.

[Dimitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off Script🎥
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Kimberly Page for trusting me with this ARC!💜

Yes,you see just right.I just gave a pregnancy trope a 5 star.Me.Yes.Let me explain myself first.🙊
I know there is NO WAY Page will write something that I do not like,so if there is one book in the entire universe with this trope that I will like is this one.& guess what?I WAS FREAKING RIGHT.🥰

Natalie's career is finally elevating.Years of hard work finally showed up to the public,so two pink lines did.
Jake wants Natalie. & he will have her.

To start with,her writing skills?IN THE STARS.🫠
Every time I pick a book of her I am never let down.EVERY SINGLE TIME THEY ARE P E R F E C T.Even this time,with a trope such as that which is so hard to write and needs really specific care, she absolutely killed it.Personally,I did not even understood how the story flew by!
Getting into the characters,I can say Natalie is one of my favorites of hers.
We don't just focus to her as a woman or a mother but we clearly see what Hollywood really is for women.How beautiful and rewarding can but at the same time , so overwhelming and motherhood sometimes is not welcomed.Really,I do think that this specific part of the book will speak in the heart of every woman who reads it,because we are still afraid to become mothers and Kimberly Page addressed it in the most raw and respectful way.
For Jake what can I say?BOYFRIEND MATERIAL.
Jokes aside,he was so cute and sweet to Nat!Love our boy!🫶🏻

Their romance was really unique,but it bloomed steadily and was based on true love and support to each other.They are the couple that you see and be like these two are literally written for each other.🫣
SO,If I say READ IT,you know that book is A M A Z I N G.
out on Mar,3rd💋
5⭐

[Andrea Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a chance to read Off Script, the 5th and final book in the Sandlot Series by Kimberly Page as an ARC. Thank you to @lovenotes.pr and @iamkimberlyjpage

Natalie and Jake have orbited around each other at various industry functions for awhile, with Jake falling  for Natalie (Nat) a little bit more each time, before she and Jake get to spend some time together at his 4th of July celebration where they end with hooking up. Jake  already knows he wants more. Natalie says it's only a one night stand and she doesn't do relationships.

Fast forward three months. Natalie has finally landed a writing job for a TV series she spent seven (7) years perfecting and successfully pitching.

Natalie and Jake meet again, for the signing of Natalie's television contract, at her dad's firm. Jake didn't know that Ryan Cole, of Hayes and Cole was Natalie's dad and Natalie's dad doesn't know they hooked up.

Natalie ends up fainting after the meeting. Jake volunteers to take her to the nearby clinic where they find out she's pregnant and Jake is the dad.

The story goes through Natalie learning how to trust Jake because she was hurt before and Jake works on just showing up for Natalie in whatever capacity she'll allow. He falls in love first. Natalie has major trust issues from past hurts, so it takes her a bit longer. I could relate to Natalie, yet got a little fed up with her behavior and thought 'oh g*d, I was just like this too!'

I like that their friends and family supported each of them, yet also held them accountable, especially Natalie as she kept pushing and pulling with Jake.

Something does happen with/to Jake - and I'm dangling that carrot. Go read the book for yourself, I think you'll enjoy the ride.

Tropes
* One Night stand
* Surprise pregnancy
* He falls first
* Trust issues
* Open door spice

[Kerry Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is karma. What else could it be?
The man to whom I very specifically said "this is just one night" is standing here in my father's conference room, looking like an ad for a competent, trustworthy attorney who will absolutely rail you against a headboard and then kiss your forehead."

What a privilege to be able to advance read the last book in @iamkimberlyjpage The Backlot Series, and boy did it deliver. I've loved the previous installments but I think this one is going to hold a special place in my heart. Pure magic in a book, it starts off with instant spice and injects truly heartwarming moments throughout. I'm sad to see the end of these characters but excited to see what's coming next !!

"You can't spend your whole life building fortresses just to keep the pain out. The same walls that keep the bad out keep the good out too."

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Natalie Cruz’s career is finally taking off. Her first TV show is sold, her future is mapped out, and nothing is going to derail it—especially not the man she promised herself would only be one night.

Jake Reyes isn’t interested in temporary anymore. After rebuilding his life post-divorce, the last thing he expects is to collide with the woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about… in his conference room. As his newest client. And his boss’s daughter.

Then comes the surprise neither of them planned for.

A baby.

Natalie has spent her life standing on her own. She doesn’t need saving, fixing, or convincing. And a steady, optimistic man who insists on showing up—no matter what—was never part of her plan.

But Jake isn’t going anywhere. As their lives become increasingly intertwined, the lines between obligation and desire start to blur, and Natalie is forced to confront the one thing she’s avoided her entire life: hope.

[aims :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

Before diving into this review, I just want to preface that I was very fortunate to receive this book as an ARC from Love Notes PR, which I am so excited and grateful for.

This book has solidified for me that I do really enjoy an unexpected pregnancy trope when it is done right and written well. It worked so well for these characters and I had an amazing time reading it. Speaking of the characters, Natalia being a screen writer was so unique and interesting, and Jake was just perfection. I love when the MMC falls first and harder, and his love languages of words of affirmation and acts of service were so beautiful to watch. Both of these characters had so much depth and good development throughout the book, and I was nearly brought to tears. The third act conflict was so heart-breaking because I completely understood each of the character's actions but just wanted to see them happy together.

There were only two main criticisms I had of this book, the first being that some spicy scenes felt a bit rushed and unnecessary, but this was easily overlooked by how much I enjoyed the relationship. The second criticism is that I wish this book was longer, because I would've loved to have spent a bit more time exploring the smaller details. I can't say that this is the best thing ever written, but that was not the intention behind this book. It was an emotional contemporary romance that hit hard and got me so attached to these characters.

Thank you so much to Love Notes PR and Kimberly for giving me the opportunity to read this book I had such a fun time reading this and will definitely be recommending!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off Script is the fifth and final installment of the Backlot Series and it did not disappoint. This was a story where pregnancy came first, then love, the marriage. I felt that this book was a good reminder that women can do it all and have a career and a family. This book is also a good reminder that even if one relationship ends, it doesn't mean that you'll end up alone.

Jake and Natalie were two characters who were pretty easy to like. Natalie reminded me of me in some ways, especially when it came to being skittish after diving into a relationship after a terrible breakup. I felt that Jake was extremely understanding when it came to Natalie's needs and that made me respect him a lot. If a man loves you, he'll be patient with you. There were a lot of special moments in the book and there were a couple times where I did tear up because I wish there were more men like Jake that existed in real life (lol)

Overall, while I have only read books 4 and 5 in the series, it was pretty easy to follow what was going on. Characters from the previous book, Behind the Scenes, remained consistent and the couples from all books are included in this one to wrap the series up.

Highly recommend to readers who love reading Hollywood romances that include women who are career driven, self aware, and who deserve to be treated like queens by the men in their life. Also recommend to readers who enjoy books where the man falls in love first.

Thank you Love Notes PR for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Calypso✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Off Script has completely stolen my heart! I absolutely loved this series and I am so sad to have it end. But this book was a perfect ending to it all.

💕It was such an emotional comfort read. I went in expecting a cute surprise pregnancy romance and ended up getting something way deeper, softer, and more heartfelt. This story just hits in the best way.🥹

Natalie is a FMC I really loved because she’s strong, independent, and knows what she wants from life. 🫶🏽She’s focused on her career and refuses to rely on anyone, which makes it so meaningful when she slowly starts letting Jake in. ❤️‍🩹Her emotional growth feels real and relatable, not dramatic for no reason.

Jake Reyes is EVERYTHING. 🤌🏽He’s warm, patient, emotionally mature, and so intentional with his love. No dramatic alpha posturing, no emotional games but just a man who knows what he wants and shows up consistently. 🫠He’s the definition of a partner, not a savior, and that made the romance even more meaningful. 💞I loved him in previous books and wanted a happily ever after for him and so glad he has it.🥹

⭐️Their chemistry feels effortless, blending tender moments with emotional vulnerability and just the right amount of tension.❤️‍🔥Even though I am sad that the series is ending, I can’t wait for more to come from Kimberly Page because she did an amazing job. Check out this book because you won’t regret it.🙌🏽

Thank you to the Author Kimberly Page and LoveNotesPR for the opportunity to read this ARC!💜

[Rayya O'Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for this opportunity to read this! 3.5 stars 🤍

This was such a lovely heartwarming book. Yes it was spicy, but that wasn't the intimacy that I loved. The intimacy of letting your walls down, letting yourself trust.. and love again. The intimacy of communicating, understanding and respecting boundaries and just continuing to show up despite not reaping the rewards straight away. Jake, despite how hurt he was or how much he struggled getting through to her, ALWAYS turned up. He was always there for her in any way that she needed, even when she was unaware that she needed it. His tentativeness of letting her open up and showing her he wouldnt hurt her was delicate. The way he took care of her while she was pregnant.

Jake and Natalie were both hurt in their pasts, but they were two ends of the spectrum; while Jake understood that his hurt wasn't a reflection of him, but the woman who hurt him. He used his pain and self doubt, to be optimistic and a reason to love and put the effort in. Our Natalie was the other end of the spectrum, she was hurt but that led to her thinking she wasn't ever good enough, it led to her having walls up to protect herself. This wasn't just a love story with a surprise pregnancy, this was a journey of self healing for both of them. It also touched upon the fact that, we as women, are often asked - 'kids or careers' . The author taught a lesson in this book and explained it so well. We CAN have both

[Stacie Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Off Script by Kimberly Page
Thank you to Kimberly Page for the opportunity to read an ARC of Off Script! I rated this one 3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4), and overall it was a fun and engaging read.
This is the fifth book in the Backlot series, and even though I hadn’t read the previous books, I was able to jump in and enjoy this as a standalone. The world felt established without being confusing, which made it easy to connect with the characters and the story.
I really liked Natalie as a main character—she was strong, driven, and focused on her career in a way that made her easy to admire and root for. Jake was such a genuinely good guy, full of patience and dedication, and I loved how that balanced Natalie’s personality. Their relationship and how it developed kept me invested and eager to see what would happen next.
This book definitely brings the spice—and it starts right away—adding to the tension and chemistry between the characters. Combined with the behind-the-scenes Hollywood setting, it gave the story that extra glitz and glamour that makes it such a fun escape.
After finishing Off Script, I would absolutely consider going back and reading the rest of the Backlot series. If you’re looking for a romance with strong characters, great chemistry, and a touch of Hollywood sparkle, this is a great one to pick up!

[Sooz2401 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off Script by Kimberly Page (Book 5 in the Backlot series)

Jake & Natalie have crossed paths before at entertainment industry events & they have mutual friends, Natalie finds herself at Jakes 4th of July party each very awe of the other’s presence. They have an amazing, although brief ‘interlude’ with both insisting they don’t want or do relationships and so they part ways making no promises.
Three months later, they reconnect in a professional setting, where she becomes unwell, feeling faint & Jake offers to go with her to the doctors nearby, where they do some tests and they discover together, that Natalie is pregnant (& Jake is the father of course).
This sets the stage for a slow-burn relationship full of emotional stakes. She’s hesitant to start anything serious, given a past experience, but his steady support through her pregnancy makes their bond feel genuine and earned. He makes it known that he will be by her side - in whatever capacity she wants him to be, which made him so endearing to me, as a reader and made it hard to put down.
Overall, Off Script is an engaging read with relatable characters, great chemistry, and a satisfying emotional journey. If you enjoy romance with drama, slow burn tension, and the unexpected pregnancy trope, this one is worth picking up.

Thank you to @lovenotes.pr & @iamkimberlyjpage for this ARC.

[Bridgette’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Off Script 🎬✨
Author: Kimberly Page
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Off Script, and I’m so happy to say it absolutely delivered! If you’re looking for a fresh romance to sink into, this is it.

The Vibes: It’s giving friends-to-lovers with a one-night stand / surprise pregnancy twist. 🤰✨ What I actually loved was that it didn't feel like your typical, copy-paste small-town romance. It had this fresh, modern energy that kept me hooked the whole time. The pacing? Literal perfection.

The Characters:

Jake:
Absolute sweetheart. I was rooting for him from page one, no questions asked.

Natalie:
Okay, I’ll be real—she’s a bit more complex. I didn't "click" with her immediately, and there were times I wanted to shake her lol. But once you see things from her perspective, you totally get why she’s making those choices.

Can you read it as a standalone? 100% yes. This is the 5th and final book of The Backlot Series, but I jumped in without reading the first 4 and wasn't lost at all. That being said... I'm definitely going back to read the others now because I'm not ready to leave this world yet.
Final Verdict: 5/5 stars. Such a fun, bingeable read with a super satisfying ending. 🥂

Huge thanks to the author Kimberly Page for the ARC! 🫶
#offscript #kimberlypage #arcreader #romancebooks #bookstagram #friendstolovers

[Domitilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth and final book in The Backlot Series brings us Jake and Natalie’s story, and once again Kimberly Page does not disappoint.

A one-night stand that refuses to stay in the past… and a surprise pregnancy that changes everything.

Set in the glamorous but chaotic world of Hollywood, Off Script follows a career-driven TV producer whose life takes an unexpected turn after a single night with Jake Reyes. What was meant to be a fleeting connection quickly becomes complicated when she discovers she’s pregnant, forcing both of them to confront feelings neither planned for.

This book is a classic accidental pregnancy romance with strong chemistry and emotional tension. The dynamic between the protagonists is engaging: she’s fiercely independent and focused on her career, while he brings that golden-retriever energy that slowly breaks down her walls. Their relationship grows naturally as they navigate fear, responsibility, and unexpected love.

The story is fast-paced, emotional, and slightly spicy, making it a great comfort read if you enjoy:
💜 Surprise Pregnancy
💜 One-Night Stand
💜 Celebrity Setting
💜 Banter & Emotional Growth

Overall, it’s a sweet, entertaining romance with just the right mix of drama and heart, perfect when you want something immersive but easy to read.

Thank you to LOVENOTES PR for the ARC. 🫶🏻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 🌶️🌶️

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to expect: one night stand, surprise pregnancy, her dad is his boss, he falls first, healing from past hurts, forced proximity, lawyer MMC, yoga instructor / screenwriter FMC, supportive friends and family

Off Script by Kimberly Page was SUCH a great way to wrap up the Backlot Series! I really fell for Natalie and Jake and loved each of their character development. They’re both healing from past relationships and I really enjoyed reading to see how their story would unfold. Jake’s patience with Natalie as she worked through her feelings was one of my favorite parts of the whole book. There was clearly a lot of thought and care put into writing these characters who deal with very realistic themes, which I really can appreciate.

This book had me laughing and tearing up all the way to the end. The pacing was perfect and the story kept me hooked the whole time. I loved how everything came together in the end. The epilogue wrapped it all up pretty featuring characters from the earlier books which I absolutely loved.

This was a perfect feel good romance with relatable themes, and I flew through it in one sitting. Definitely recommend adding this whole series to your TBR if you love a fun Hollywood friend group vibe. Loved it!

[Madi (madifett.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly Page, you’ve done it again 🥹 I can’t believe the Backlot series is over. It’s one of my all-time favorite series, and I’m forever grateful to Love Notes PR and Kimberly for the opportunity to read ARCs of not just Off Script, but On the Record and Behind the Scenes as well!

Oh, this book. The romance is gorgeous. Natalie and Jake meet through mutual friends, and Jake is immediately drawn to her. Their one-night stand results in a surprise pregnancy, and the two have to navigate this new complex dynamic in their lives. I’ve loved all of Page’s MMCs, but Jake hit completely differently because of how he embraced fatherhood with his entire heart. He reminded me of my husband when we found out I was pregnant - all in, and so excited to become a dad. And Jake proved that he was all in with Natalie by showing up for her. By his actions, not just pretty words. I just love him 🥹 and Natalie is an incredible character in her own right. She’s experienced some trauma and has built up walls, but she’s strong and resilient.

The surprise pregnancy trope is complicated for me (you can probably blame that on my own experience with pregnancy and all things postpartum) - I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it if it’s done well. And it’s done SO well in Off Script. Page handles the topic with the utmost care and sensitivity toward her readers, and I lost count of how many times I cried because of how similar Natalie’s feelings regarding having a baby were to mine. It felt a little like…healing. I wish I could read this book (and the whole series) for the first time all over again.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and I’m so happy to say it absolutely delivered!

This is a friends-to-lovers romance with a surprise pregnancy after one-night-stand trope, and I really enjoyed the overall pacing of the story. It’s not set in a small town, which gave the plot a slightly different feel from many books in the genre, and the story felt unusual and fresh even while using such identifiable tropes.

The MMC, Jake, was very likeable and easy to root for, and I appreciated how his character was written. I found the FMC, Natalie, a little harder to warm to at times, but her decisions still felt understandable given her perspective and circumstances - even if, from a third-party point of view, they were a little frustrating!

The character development was done really well across the board, not just for the main couple but for the background characters too, which made the world feel fuller and more engaging.

Although this book is part of a series, I hadn’t read the previous installments and was still able to follow everything easily, so it definitely works as a standalone. That said, it did make me curious about the other characters and I’d be interested in going back to read their stories, and learn more about Jake and Natalie!

Overall, this was a fun, enjoyable read with a satisfying ending.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

[Giana Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. And I know I say that about a lot of books but this truly blew me away. It showed real world struggles women go through in male dominated industries. EVEN THOUGH they shouldn’t be male dominated. It showed things that women go through every single day to prove that they belong in a space.

Natalie finally has her big break when her TV show was finally picked up by FlixPix, something she has been working on for years as a writer.

Three months earlier she had a one night stand that she can’t stop thinking about but she has sworn off love and “doesn’t do relationships”. When she walks into her dad’s law firm to sign her contact, in walks that same one night stand who just so happens to be one of her dad’s top attorneys.

After signing her contracts, she almost faints and Jake takes her to the drug store clinic to make sure she’s okay. Turns out she’s three months pregnant and Jake is the father.

Jake has always wanted to be a father. Natalie is freaking out because she thinks once the studio knows she’s pregnant, they’ll find some way to fire her because they always do that to women in the screenwriting industry.

Can Natalie have a family and a career? Can Jake convince Natalie to have a relationship?

[Misty Boozer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So when I was reading book 4 these were the two characters I really hoped would be book 5. I will not lie. She brought it to life. I did kind of worry because she brought it to life and the way I was not expecting, but like you could tell their chemistry throughout the other books and this was who you were rooting for. But there were some turns in there that I was not expecting. I absolutely loved it. Honestly, I kind of expected that they would have kids eventually, but I was not expecting that level of thoroughness and the pregnancy to pretty much be the center of the book. That book was amazing. She opened my eyes to the fact that not only did she do the pregnancy throughout the book. So many books you read that say they have like a pregnancy trope. They don't have it from almost the beginning to the end. You kind of get like bits and pieces of it but you don't get like a lot of the pregnancy and what I really liked was the in this one. You seen that pretty much all the way through the book. Like it tells you that and the tropes and it tells you that and what it says on the back of the book. But she delivers it throughout the book consistently, unlike other books that I have read with that trope.

[Ashlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first opened this book, I won’t lie — the author’s note had me panicking a little. How emotional was this about to get? Knowing this was the final book in the series, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this story (and that epilogue!) absolutely quenched my thirst. It felt real and natural from start to finish.

Maybe Jake leans a little “book boyfriend–y” with how amazing he is… but honestly, isn’t that exactly why we read romance? I don’t think I could have asked for a better wrap-up.

From the first book, I had a feeling Jake would be a deep character and one of the final stories we’d get to experience. Natalie was always there in the friend group, but we never really learned much about her through the others, which made finally getting her story even more satisfying.

I originally picked up book one because I wanted the backstory before diving into the finale — and I ended up flying through it. By the time I started this last book, I only put it down once. That first installment had already hooked me, and this one sealed the deal.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta say I am a bit sad to see this series end. I have really enjoyed this series even though I am not a huge fan of Hollywood/behind the scenes stuff. There was never so much Hollywood stuff that it weighed it down. The characters and their relationships have always been fun to experience.

Book 5 belongs to Jake and Natalie. Jake is so likable right from the beginning and you can’t help but like him more and more as the book progresses. Natalie is all about her career and it finally taking off. A lot of books with characters like Natalie can become repetitive talking about the woman’s drive and ambition. I did not find that to be the case here which was very refreshing.

While surprise pregnancy is not everyone’s favorite trope, I love it and it was done so well in this book. Watching them fall in love while expecting the baby was just lovely. Also, if you’ve read the whole series, it was so fun to see all the couples from the other books. It really brought the series to a perfect conclusion. 🩷🩷

[Andrea Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS!

Ohhhh…this book is still on my mind after finishing it yesterday. What an absolute pleasure to read. This book was surprise pregnancy perfection!!! Ahhh…they were so good together. Kimberly Paige gave us a the most perfect book for the end of this wonderful series.

Natalie had finally made her dreams come true, her years of writing have paid off. The day she signs the contract, everything changes. Her whole world is flipped upside. Jake Reyes, her one night stand is there helping to make sure her contract is airtight. Both their lives change on this day. And Jake becomes Natalie’s one constant even though she doesn’t see it quite yet. These two have such a connection and it is felt on each page of this book.

I have a Jake and my heart was so full reading this story. He’s solid, he’s there without thought, he’s a protector and such a lover. Jake Reyes is one perfect book boyfriend. These two go through a rollercoaster of emotions but when the walls finally shatter, there is no stopping these two. True romance perfection.

Highly recommended.

[Victoria Laubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

Off Script by Kimberly Page is the final book in the Backlot series—and wow, did it deliver. What a way to end a series. This was hands-down my favorite book of them all.
I’m not usually a big fan of the pregnancy trope, but this one? Hot. Emotional. Done so well that it completely won me over.
Jake is, without question, my favorite man from the entire series. He falls first (we love to see it), and the chemistry between Jake and Natalie is absolutely off the charts. Both are coming off painful breakups, trying to heal while figuring out how to open their hearts again. Jake’s patience with Natalie as she relearns how to trust a man—and slowly lets her guard down—was everything.
This book had heart, heat, and so much emotional payoff. I loved every second of it and couldn’t imagine a better ending to the series.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and Natalie

One-night stand with consequences
Forbidden (boss’s daughter)
Black cate x golden retriever

It doesn’t stand on ceremony. It gets right into it. It starts with an open door, and ends with potential… we all know what’s about to happen….

Such a good story, we revisit so many earlier characters, and I enjoyed getting to see them.

In this, Natalie is scared… she’s pregnant, starting out in a new job, and has trauma from a prior relationship.
Jake is the golden retriever hero who’s all in from the start. Unfortunately (or maybe not), his boss is her dad, and there were a few funny moments about that.

Mildly angsty due to her history, there’s a pretty confronting scene towards the end. Be warned, you know they’ll get the HEA, but you don’t know how hard it will be to get there!