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.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[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.

[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 ✨

[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⭐

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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!

[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.

[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.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
5 stars!
Wow, this was an emotional rollercoaster for me because I can relate to Natalie a little too much. While surprise pregnancy isn't exactly my go-to trope, I really liked this book. Jake is just wow. His character is amazing. And Natalie? Love her. Their story is sweet and heartbreaking and maybe a little frustrating.
I really need to catch up on the other books in this series because all the other characters are very likeable and interesting.

Thank you Kimberly Page and Love Notes PR for providing me an arc!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls at your heart strings until you don’t think you can stand it anymore! You really want them both to succeed and live happily ever after. The struggles they both go through are very realistic and relatable. More times than not when I read a book with a wounded woman who is guarded I get annoyed with the character at some point because it becomes too much but that just wasn’t the case here! You really go through this journey with both characters! I loved this book and already pre-ordered a physical copy for my bookcase! Can’t wait to get it!

[Savanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 ⭐️
I am so so sad to see this series go!!! I have been an ARC reader for almost every story and it has been such an amazing ride. This particular one is no different! I don’t always love the surprise pregnancy trope but this touched my heart in a different way. My only complaint was I wanted a little more balance between how Nat was dealing with her past and how Jake was. At times it felt like we didn’t get a lot of Jake. BUT! Still an amazing way to end the series and a great send off for the characters. 10/10 recommend!

[lyndsey.jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars for this sweet read!

Well, this story started with a bang—pun intended, haha! Right away, I loved the vibe and the characters. Natalie is strong and determined, she goes after what she wants, but still with a vulnerability that’s endearing. And Jake—the literal definition of a good guy. He had me giggling and melting all over the place. They’re just so perfect together and I’m so happy they got their happy ending!

Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review this ARC!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It has a great story line that makes you want to follow along. The characters were all very likeable and I wanted to keep reading to find out how everything turns out. Definitely a feel good book and what I want in a good romance. This was my first Kimberly Page book and I thought it was a great introduction to her writing. I look forward to catching up with the other books in this series and finding more.

[Darlene Gartside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a little bit different to what I have read recently in the world of romances. Also my first encounter of the Backlot series characters.

Very sweet characters with their own baggage regarding past relationships, but do seem rather well fitted for each other.

Loved the setting concept of working in the big smoke of Hollywood in a wild industry.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, a good palette cleanser from the more... intense reads I have been drawn to recently.

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off Script is a delightful romance and having not read any of the previous books, it was easy to jump into this series. I do plan on going back and reading the others.

Jake is genuinely a sweet and good guy. When the woman, Natalie, he had one amazing night with ends up as his new client and is also the daughter of his boss, he isn’t going anywhere. Especially when there is a baby involved.

Their journey is an emotional one and has a few bumps along the way.

[Trish Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author and it will not be my last! Her story was engaging and entertaining with some agnst thrown in! Jake and Natalie have been orbiting each other for a while. When the unexpected happens with Natalie, her world is rocked. Jake is... amazing and everything you want in a guy! Their road is not a smooth one and you will keep turning the pages to see how it plays out.

[Laura Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book!!!! I love the whole Backlot Series!! Such great stories and characters!! I absolutely love Jake & Natalie!!! This book made me laugh and cry! So great to see happiness and love even after a person has been hurt so badly by someone before!! Highly recommend!!!

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I loved the book from the very first chapter. Nat was so guarded in the beginning and it was nice to see her break down her walls for Jake. Jake was so sweet and patient and his character was so good.

Would definitely read this again

[lisa’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really appreciative for the opportunity given by Kimberly Page and Love Notes PR for receiving this ARC!

For anyone wanting a lighthearted book, with a cute story and a very smitten man, this is for you! And it’s a fast read, so perfect!

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 4 out of 5]

surprise pregnancy and one night stand what a fantastic combination. this was my first read by this author and I devoured this story. highly recommended

[Jessica Ljunglof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Love Notes PR and Kimberly Page for this ARC.

I truly enjoyed this book. My absolute favorite trope is surprise pregnancy.
Natalie and Jake's story took some turns along the way but the end product was happiness.
I recommend this book.