Book Review: Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance by Emily Franklin and Brendan Halpin.

Product details:
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Paperback, 288 pages.
Release date: March 7th 2011.
Rating: 3½ out of 5.
Ages: 12+
Source: Received from publisher for review.

Fans of romance don't need to look any further than the fauxmance brewing between teen idols Charlie Tracker and Fielding Withers—known on their hit TV show as Jenna and Jonah, next-door neighbors flush with the excitement of first love. But it's their off-screen relationship that has helped cement their fame, as passionate fans follow their every PDA. They grace the covers of magazines week after week. Their fan club has chapters all over the country. The only problem is their off-screen romance is one big publicity stunt, and Charlie and Fielding can't stand to be in the same room. Still, it's a great gig, so even when the cameras stop rolling, the show must go on, and on, and on. . . . Until the pesky paparazzi blow their cover, and Charlie and Fielding must disappear to weather the media storm. It's not until they're far off the grid of the Hollywood circuit that they realize that there's more to each of them than shiny hair and a winning smile.

Jenna and Jonah’s Fauxmance is a quick, fun read and a light-hearted romance that takes us into the lives of pampered teen Hollywood stars Jenna and Jonah™ and gives us a sneak peek into secret lives of Hollywood stars. If you are a slave to celebrity gossip like I am, then you will enjoy this one. This fast paced read has sassy characters and a positive, uplifting message. The bright pink cover suggests a light, fluffy read, and it is that, but this is also a coming-of-age read which deals with, amongst others, topics of self-discovery and self-acceptance. While I loved the premise of this one, and found it to a lot of fun for the most part, I did think that the book took itself a little too seriously in places, but this is only a minor gripe in what was otherwise a fun read.

Charlie Tracker and Fielding Withers a.k.a Jenna and Jonah are a big deal. TV teen sensations, these two are a global phenomenon and a very marketable brand. Of course, their popularity lies in their appeal to the tween crowd and their big spending mom’s, so Jenna and Jonah have to live by a certain set of strict rules, laid out in contract form, by their studio. One of these rules states that they should take their on-screen romance to another level, and engage in a fauxmance – a little fake romance to keep their adoring fans and the ever-present paparazzi happy. So far, so good. What’s a little fake romance with your hot co-star, right? Trouble is, these two just love to hate each other, so “I love you’s” are uttered through gritted teeth and kisses are given with stinky garlic breath.

Charlie and Fielding’s love/hate relationship is so fun, and the celebrity gossip addict in me just loved all of this! Charlie/Jenna is a typical Hollywood brat. She’s lived a privileged, pampered life and is bratty beyond belief. Sassy and snarky, with a real attitude, I felt she was a little harsh towards small-town boy turned Hollywood star, Jonah, real name Fielding, no, make that Aaron. Oh, these Hollywood kids and their stage names! Fielding is pretty much jaded by all of this, and is done with the Hollywood machine. All he wants is a normal life where he can escape Jenna, Fauxmances, and everything else that his Hollywood life entails. When Jenna and Jonah’s fauxmance is exposed a media frenzy ensues, and their whole Hollywood existence hangs in the balance. The two teen stars have to figure out what they really want from life, and from each other.

This is the first collaborative work I’ve read, and I enjoyed it. Sure, it’s predictable, but it’s got and interesting premise, and the characters are well written, each with their own distinctive voice. I’m pretty sure that real life fauxmances are alive and well in teen Hollywood – how else can you explain the Jonas Brothers dating merry go round to me? Not to mention Miley Cyrus and her ever changing date of the week. Fauxmance alert!!

The premise here was fresh and original, and fun! While the ending of the book a little predictable and abrupt, overall this was a good pick me up on a drab night in February. It won’t be for everyone, but if you feel like a little light reading, and just love your Hollywood gossip, then it may be the one for you!