suze_1624's review
4.0
4.5, only the ending kept it down for me - it felt rushed after the longer, more tension filled segments before. I won this book from the author on the Musa Publishing anniversary blog tour. I hadn't read any of her books before but will certainly gives some others a go now.
Nick and Alex, both actors, have known each other a long time and worked together well. Alex, bisexual veering towards gay, and Nick, vehemently straight (or does he protest too much?), have the chance to make their breakthrough movie together - but it does involve them being together on screen, something Alex is more sure about and leads to much soul searching on Nicks part - really as their personal and professional lives and conflicts run in parallel. This first third of the story really drags you into Nick's turmoil - is he gay or not?
The middle portion of the book covers from their first kiss to making love (Nick)/ having sex (Alex). Both these parts of the story were strongly written, didn't drag and evoked lots of empathy for the turmoil Nick faced.
I found it interesting that the balance of power then changed. Whilst still innocent in terms of experience, Nick in the surety of his feelings put world weary Alex on the defensive. I came away thinking that Alex was bit of a player, not sure of his real feelings - was he fighting them or is he really a bastard?
I thought the final third of the book was slightly weaker part. I kept waiting for the Drake shoe to drop - when would the nasty paprazzi show his colours, so whilst I enjoyed his comeuppance, I did feel cheated of his scoop. The end felt a bit rushed and too quick and neat - if I was Nick I'd've made Alex suffer more (but maybe thats the female mindset vs the male) or maybe because we didn't see as much of Alex's soul searching, it just seemed a quick about face.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, would recomend to those who like a HEA with some angst and soul searching and no harsh realities. This has been my longest review, which probably says how much I liked it.
Nick and Alex, both actors, have known each other a long time and worked together well. Alex, bisexual veering towards gay, and Nick, vehemently straight (or does he protest too much?), have the chance to make their breakthrough movie together - but it does involve them being together on screen, something Alex is more sure about and leads to much soul searching on Nicks part - really as their personal and professional lives and conflicts run in parallel. This first third of the story really drags you into Nick's turmoil - is he gay or not?
The middle portion of the book covers from their first kiss to making love (Nick)/ having sex (Alex). Both these parts of the story were strongly written, didn't drag and evoked lots of empathy for the turmoil Nick faced.
I found it interesting that the balance of power then changed. Whilst still innocent in terms of experience, Nick in the surety of his feelings put world weary Alex on the defensive. I came away thinking that Alex was bit of a player, not sure of his real feelings - was he fighting them or is he really a bastard?
I thought the final third of the book was slightly weaker part. I kept waiting for the Drake shoe to drop - when would the nasty paprazzi show his colours, so whilst I enjoyed his comeuppance, I did feel cheated of his scoop. The end felt a bit rushed and too quick and neat - if I was Nick I'd've made Alex suffer more (but maybe thats the female mindset vs the male) or maybe because we didn't see as much of Alex's soul searching, it just seemed a quick about face.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, would recomend to those who like a HEA with some angst and soul searching and no harsh realities. This has been my longest review, which probably says how much I liked it.
the_novel_approach's review
4.0
The story told in this book is not a new one. You have two men who have been friends for what seems like forever. They pretty much grew up together and have spent most of their adult lives working together.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/2013/11/02/acting-out-brings-calm-and-chaos-together-to-make-everything-work/
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/2013/11/02/acting-out-brings-calm-and-chaos-together-to-make-everything-work/
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