Review: Off The Record

Off The Record
by Jennifer O’Connell
NAL Trade
September 2005
5/5 Stars

What would you do if you found out a childhood schoolmate had named a famous love song after you?

When Jane Marlowe, a highly organized lawyer about to be made partner at her firm, finds out from her brother that the kid that grew up across the street from them has written a song about her, she is confused. After all, she had never gone out with Teddy, the now-famous rock star in question. She doesn’t want to believe it. After all, she likes to keep her life organized and complication-free. She doesn’t have time for this.

But unfortunately her brother is determined to push her into the spotlight and shed light on the fact that yes, she is the “Janey” in the song. Jane meanwhile decides one night on a whim to live it up. After all, how often is a famous love song written for you? Her life quickly turns into talk shows and interviews. But are things what they really seem? And what about Drew, the guy at her office that seems sort-of interested in her?

I thoroughly enjoyed Off the Record. The characterization is excellent, the plot believable and fun, and the story line unique and refreshing. O’Connell’s writing style is fast becoming one of my favorites- she has a knack for telling an excellent story with just a hint of subtle romance and uncertainty present in the background. Best of all, Jane was a great main character. She was smart, funny and quirky enough for anyone to like.

Other than a tiny bit of predictability found in the story, I couldn’t find much I didn’t love about this book.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for a fun abd thoroughly enjoyable read.

reviewed by Rian Montgomery

Tags: 5 Star Rating, Reviews