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Course of Action
A high-stakes romance among the jet-set crowd of actresses, producers, and world-famous entrepreneurs. Carolyn Black – an actress driven by her ambition, desperately wants the starring role in an upcoming film based on a series of famous novels. With a reputation for being willing to do anything to get a part, the actress sets out to impress the woman behind the project. Annelie Peterson – the wealthy publisher with a mysterious past – owns the film rights and will decide who wins the much-coveted role. When Annelie meets Carolyn, the woman she has idolized for years, sparks fly. How far is Carolyn prepared to go for the dream part of a lifetime? And just how far will Annelie bend her principles in the name of desire?
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2005
23 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Gun Brooke
44 books224 followersGun Brooke resides in the countryside in Sweden with her very patient family. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, she now writes full time, only rarely taking a break to create web sites for herself or others and to do computer graphics. Gun writes both romances and sci-fi. She is the recipient of the 2009 Alice B. Medal for "body of work."
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 28, 2018
3.75 Stars. I am working on some of Brooke’s back library. This is actually her debut book. While this book is far from perfect, it is pretty good for a debut.
This is a romance with a Hollywood storyline. I always seem to enjoy Hollywood romances and this book wasn’t an exception. The love story is between a big star and a producer (I think that was her official title). While there is outside conflict that affects the couple, there is almost no relationship angst in this book. It is one of those fluffy almost sappy romances. I read a lot of books with angst so I don’t mind these really sweet stories once in a while.
While this is good for a debut, you can tell this is at the beginning of Brooke’s writing career. The book is a little bumpy in places. It is also pretty long. I think if Brooke would have written this now, she would have edited quite a bit of filler out. I did find myself getting through the story quickly anyway and when it was done, I still wanted to know more. I’m glad these characters appear in her later books as I want to know how they are doing now.
If you are going to read one of Brooke’s earlier books I would recommend Coffee Sonata over this one. But if you are looking for a feel good, sweet romance, this might be for you.
This is a romance with a Hollywood storyline. I always seem to enjoy Hollywood romances and this book wasn’t an exception. The love story is between a big star and a producer (I think that was her official title). While there is outside conflict that affects the couple, there is almost no relationship angst in this book. It is one of those fluffy almost sappy romances. I read a lot of books with angst so I don’t mind these really sweet stories once in a while.
While this is good for a debut, you can tell this is at the beginning of Brooke’s writing career. The book is a little bumpy in places. It is also pretty long. I think if Brooke would have written this now, she would have edited quite a bit of filler out. I did find myself getting through the story quickly anyway and when it was done, I still wanted to know more. I’m glad these characters appear in her later books as I want to know how they are doing now.
If you are going to read one of Brooke’s earlier books I would recommend Coffee Sonata over this one. But if you are looking for a feel good, sweet romance, this might be for you.
April 17, 2020
Since reading Breaking Character I've become obsessed with Hollywood romances so I am really glad to finally have found another good one.
Annelie is a rich publisher and a fascinating ice queen. Carolyn is attractive and alluring actress, everyone she meets, she enthralls in seconds. They both set out to manipulate the other regarding audiobook deal/starring role but instead ended up falling in love. Annelie and Carolyn had sparks like fourth of July. They both had such fascinating personalities, I was spellbound watching them go from friends with hidden agendas to lovers.
Annelie is a rich publisher and a fascinating ice queen. Carolyn is attractive and alluring actress, everyone she meets, she enthralls in seconds. They both set out to manipulate the other regarding audiobook deal/starring role but instead ended up falling in love. Annelie and Carolyn had sparks like fourth of July. They both had such fascinating personalities, I was spellbound watching them go from friends with hidden agendas to lovers.
May 28, 2018
I read the first 200 pages and then had to skim to the end. I wasn't motivated to finish so it was either that or DNF.
The book is a mix of being competently written and heavy on the dialogue (which I like) but also farfetched and sappy. It's one of those reads where the leads are perfect in looks and being as well as rich and have the world at their fingertips yet somehow remain reclusive and guarded. They both have their reasons but anyway...
For me, that set up doesn't make for the most interesting of reads. Carolyn is supposed to be an ambitiously ruthless ice-queen who will do anything to get a role and, except for one thing she does which is more strategic than anything, her actions didn't exactly fit that description. She wasn't a cold character at all.
Annelie seems like someone I should feel sorry for because her life was so hard but actually no it's not really.
Annelie is a lifelong lesbian and Carolyn had no inclination that way until meeting Annelie. These two fall for each other hard so it's a lot of declarations of love said repeatedly along with a number of intimacy scenes.
The farfetched part for me just comes up on the whole premise. Carolyn sounds like an A list celebrity (possibly B) but is having a hard time finding film roles due to her age (early 40s), is a starlet of sorts, but also has a lot of anonymity and seems to move about society without much interruption. And somehow she sounds close to broke but, again, isn't really. ::scratches head:: And the whole lesbian thing doesn't give her anxiety at all about her career. That just doesn't add up.
Annelie is a publisher/producer yet also is somehow so well known she's on the E! and Hollywood news feed circuits. Huh? How is she as famous or even more famous than Carolyn? Do you know any reclusive lawyers/book publishers/producers/philanthropists (yes, she's all of the above) at that level?
Then, Carolyn is doing what she can to land a film role for an audiobook series she's already done the voice for...yet this book series/audiobook series is on the scale of rockstar popular with conventions and everything. The only time I've seen something close to that popularity before the films were made is Harry Potter or maybe Wonder Woman. And this role is for a female investigator who also is lesbian but somehow is on par with those? No. No, no, no, no, no. Maybe in an alternate universe but certainly not this one.
I will say that the couple DOES communicate pretty well. That's a plus.
If you like super feel good sappy love stories for perfect leads that still have a "woe is me" backstory, you may like this. I just wasn't into it.
2.6 stars.
The book is a mix of being competently written and heavy on the dialogue (which I like) but also farfetched and sappy. It's one of those reads where the leads are perfect in looks and being as well as rich and have the world at their fingertips yet somehow remain reclusive and guarded. They both have their reasons but anyway...
For me, that set up doesn't make for the most interesting of reads. Carolyn is supposed to be an ambitiously ruthless ice-queen who will do anything to get a role and, except for one thing she does which is more strategic than anything, her actions didn't exactly fit that description. She wasn't a cold character at all.
Annelie seems like someone I should feel sorry for because her life was so hard but actually no it's not really.
Annelie is a lifelong lesbian and Carolyn had no inclination that way until meeting Annelie. These two fall for each other hard so it's a lot of declarations of love said repeatedly along with a number of intimacy scenes.
The farfetched part for me just comes up on the whole premise. Carolyn sounds like an A list celebrity (possibly B) but is having a hard time finding film roles due to her age (early 40s), is a starlet of sorts, but also has a lot of anonymity and seems to move about society without much interruption. And somehow she sounds close to broke but, again, isn't really. ::scratches head:: And the whole lesbian thing doesn't give her anxiety at all about her career. That just doesn't add up.
Annelie is a publisher/producer yet also is somehow so well known she's on the E! and Hollywood news feed circuits. Huh? How is she as famous or even more famous than Carolyn? Do you know any reclusive lawyers/book publishers/producers/philanthropists (yes, she's all of the above) at that level?
Then, Carolyn is doing what she can to land a film role for an audiobook series she's already done the voice for...yet this book series/audiobook series is on the scale of rockstar popular with conventions and everything. The only time I've seen something close to that popularity before the films were made is Harry Potter or maybe Wonder Woman. And this role is for a female investigator who also is lesbian but somehow is on par with those? No. No, no, no, no, no. Maybe in an alternate universe but certainly not this one.
I will say that the couple DOES communicate pretty well. That's a plus.
If you like super feel good sappy love stories for perfect leads that still have a "woe is me" backstory, you may like this. I just wasn't into it.
2.6 stars.
January 6, 2018
4 stars. Overall an enjoyable read. I'd give it 4.5 or even maybe 5 stars if not for some pet peeves of mine like "I love you" that drops too fast or overstated and grand declarations of love all the time. It's a bit too soapy for my taste but I did enjoy both the characters and the story. I also wish the story explored the family aspect with Beth more and her/her husbands reaction of their relationship which was completely skipped. Instead a lot of drama was focused on more external things. I felt something's missing in general but can't point it out at the moment. But it's a good read nonetheless. And apparently it's the first book by Brooke? If so, then she's a talented author indeed.
May 14, 2023
5-
A FAVORITE!
I savored this story this time around. I loved the slow buildup between the two MCs Annelie and Carolyn. And the vulnerable girl that comes out when Carolyn sets the 'Diva' in herself aside. I also loved how protective she was of Annelie when anyone tried to hurt her. Very sweet love story that I will read again and again.
2023 In re-reading this I thought some of the dialogue was a little over-the-top sappy.
A FAVORITE!I savored this story this time around. I loved the slow buildup between the two MCs Annelie and Carolyn. And the vulnerable girl that comes out when Carolyn sets the 'Diva' in herself aside. I also loved how protective she was of Annelie when anyone tried to hurt her. Very sweet love story that I will read again and again.
2023 In re-reading this I thought some of the dialogue was a little over-the-top sappy.
December 9, 2019
Edit: I had given this four stars, but I'm revising it to five because I've read it three times now, so I clearly love it.
Lovely. There wasn't really any conflict to their relationship, but this was one of those times where I didn't mind because I liked watching them grow from like to love to something established.
2016 reread: still love it. It has problems, but I love it so much that I can overlook or skim past all of them.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/cours...
Lovely. There wasn't really any conflict to their relationship, but this was one of those times where I didn't mind because I liked watching them grow from like to love to something established.
2016 reread: still love it. It has problems, but I love it so much that I can overlook or skim past all of them.
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/cours...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2019
I really wanted to like this one, but I found it tough to finish. Love the age gap and the Hollywood side of things, but I think it was just too sappy for me. Cheesy even... I found some of the dialogue jarring/unrealistic. The subplots were more of a distraction than an addition. This one was just okay for me. 3 stars.
May 20, 2018
I am rereading some of Gun Brooke's books and I enjoyed Course of Action immensely again. Four and a half stars, rounded up considering it is the author's first published novel.
May 11, 2017
just some quick notes. both because late at night and because one of my hands has kind of died on me (as in, it all numbed and stuff) so can't write/type.
My second book by this author. I read this one next, after the one I loved, because of two reasons - (1) first book released; (2) involves Hollywood and stuff like that.
I had several problems with the book. Some of the action/reaction/stuff seemed over the top. I didn't need to read yet another book involving a straight woman who suddenly realizes that she's a lesbian (at least for one other woman) - though that one's on me. Some of the chemistry between the two mains seemed forced. Mind you there were some rather nice moments where they really seemed to click, but there were also a lot of moments where they 'felt' as 'plastic' to me as the 3d avatars that occasionally inhabit Brooke's covers. I'm not being very exact there. Maybe I can be later when I've more than one hand and it's not past midnight.
Plus - there were scenes that occurred that didn't work for me for many reasons. There seemed to be an emphasis on how much Carolyn needed to be shown to be trustworthy, etc., to overcome her 'reputation', while, many occasions, it was Annelie who acted like a massive bitch.
There were many good moments. It was . . . for the most part, readable. They had kind of a fucked up relationship though. heh.
For all the burden placed on Carolyn to break down the barriers . . . . there sure wasn't a lot done to show why there were barriers. (1) Carolyn had a reputation; (2) she apparently was straight; (3) Anneliee was considering her for a role. All of these create barriers that needed to be broken, but not the solid walls that seemed to put all burden on Carolyn's side. Maybe I missed it. I know Carolyn was married twice before (see: reputation). But I don't exactly recall much in the way of past relationships being mentioned regarding Annelie. Beyond the 'are they gold diggers or do they actually care for me' level of history. Again, I'm probably missing something, or forgetting something.
I will leave with a final note: It's odd, but I actually liked the side characters better than the mains. Mostly the Australians, and Jem (or whatever her name was). Jared was a dick. Grey was an agent and acted like an agent (i.e., something approaching being a dick). So, obviously enough, I'm being both narrow in which side characters I liked better, while being vague about actually pinning them down and noting their names.
February 23 2016
My second book by this author. I read this one next, after the one I loved, because of two reasons - (1) first book released; (2) involves Hollywood and stuff like that.
I had several problems with the book. Some of the action/reaction/stuff seemed over the top. I didn't need to read yet another book involving a straight woman who suddenly realizes that she's a lesbian (at least for one other woman) - though that one's on me. Some of the chemistry between the two mains seemed forced. Mind you there were some rather nice moments where they really seemed to click, but there were also a lot of moments where they 'felt' as 'plastic' to me as the 3d avatars that occasionally inhabit Brooke's covers. I'm not being very exact there. Maybe I can be later when I've more than one hand and it's not past midnight.
Plus - there were scenes that occurred that didn't work for me for many reasons. There seemed to be an emphasis on how much Carolyn needed to be shown to be trustworthy, etc., to overcome her 'reputation', while, many occasions, it was Annelie who acted like a massive bitch.
There were many good moments. It was . . . for the most part, readable. They had kind of a fucked up relationship though. heh.
For all the burden placed on Carolyn to break down the barriers . . . . there sure wasn't a lot done to show why there were barriers. (1) Carolyn had a reputation; (2) she apparently was straight; (3) Anneliee was considering her for a role. All of these create barriers that needed to be broken, but not the solid walls that seemed to put all burden on Carolyn's side. Maybe I missed it. I know Carolyn was married twice before (see: reputation). But I don't exactly recall much in the way of past relationships being mentioned regarding Annelie. Beyond the 'are they gold diggers or do they actually care for me' level of history. Again, I'm probably missing something, or forgetting something.
I will leave with a final note: It's odd, but I actually liked the side characters better than the mains. Mostly the Australians, and Jem (or whatever her name was). Jared was a dick. Grey was an agent and acted like an agent (i.e., something approaching being a dick). So, obviously enough, I'm being both narrow in which side characters I liked better, while being vague about actually pinning them down and noting their names.
February 23 2016
January 24, 2019
Love this book - full of spice and the twists and turns feel real and keep the book buzzing along without losing the meat of the story. Superb back characters - it really gives you all need in a book. many thanks as much appreciated.
September 18, 2016
Maybe this is closer to three stars when you factor in context, but I spent a lot of time rolling my eyes here. So. Let's write a little script, shall we?
Scene: Miami house owned by Annelise, also known as ANGELDUST. House somehow manages to be both ostentatious and understated. Angeldust, resident publisher/producer/lottery winner/philanthropist/all around A+ amazing/classy person, swans classily around the house. Enter Carolyn, also known by her street name CRISSYMETH. Crissymeth, an actress, wants a role in Angeldust's upcoming movie.
ANGELDUST: You'd be perfect for the role. Perfect! But this other actress, who doesn't understand the role and isn't very smart, is young and sexy, soooo there's that.
CRISSYMETH: *Rubs temples dramatically* That's okay. I can bide my time. Right now I'm just using you for your pool. I DON'T FIND YOU ATTRACTIVE I DON'T I'M STRAIGHT I SWEAR I'M NOT INTERESTED.
ANGELDUST: *sotto voce* She's so pretty. What an amazing body she has!
Montage: Something involving the characters eating pizza. Angeldust and Crissymeth stare into each other's eyes a lot and pretend they're not attracted to each other. Montage culminates in a kiss. Carolyn's presumed straightness is shunted off-screen.
ANGELDUST: We shouldn't do this. We shouldn't! Not one character has presented a single reason why not, but...we shouldn't...oh well. Let's do it anyway. But slowly! Must go slowly!
CRISSYMETH: Mmmm ladykisses. I can't believe I've been missing this! I can't keep my hands off you!
ANGELDUST: I can't keep my hands off you!
CRISSYMETH: You're the most beautiful woman in the world! I want you! I need you!
ANGELDUST: How did I ever live without you?
CRISSYMETH: Honey, baby, sweetheart, darling.
Stuff happens. Characters eat lots of pasta. Angeldust and Crissymeth decide that slow is boring and hop into bed together. Angeldust wakes first, apparently decides that this means Crissymeth is sleeping her way to the top, and leaves a very cold note rewarding Crissymeth with the lead role in the movie. Nobody seems to take issue with this.
CRISSYMETH: I love you so much.
ANGELDUST: I love YOU so much.
CRISSYMETH: Oh, pookie, did you have a hard day? Let me fix it with kisses.
More pizza. Characters have been dating for...an undetermined amount of time...say a week and a half. Their two-week anniversary is coming up, and Angeldust wants to mark the occasion with something tasteful, because as we know Angeldust is always tasteful. She buys Crissymeth a vintage car.
CRISSYMETH: Oh! How sweet! How tasteful! I love you so much!
ANGELDUST: It is but a token of my love for you.
Montage of drama. Evil-father drama for Angeldust. Sex. Family drama for Crissymeth that is never fully resolved. Sex. Evil-FAKE-father drama for Angeldust, also never fully resolved. Sex. Tears. Sex. Media. Sex. Medical drama. Sex. Pizza.
ANGELDUST: Oh, darling.
CRISSYMETH: *gasps* You called me darling! You never use endearments! What does this mean?
ANGELDUST: It means that I love you more than I have ever loved before, my darling darlingest darling. *orgasmic explosions of love love love*
Reader's eyes roll straight out of her head. Script ends prematurely as a result while reader seeks medical attention.
Scene: Miami house owned by Annelise, also known as ANGELDUST. House somehow manages to be both ostentatious and understated. Angeldust, resident publisher/producer/lottery winner/philanthropist/all around A+ amazing/classy person, swans classily around the house. Enter Carolyn, also known by her street name CRISSYMETH. Crissymeth, an actress, wants a role in Angeldust's upcoming movie.
ANGELDUST: You'd be perfect for the role. Perfect! But this other actress, who doesn't understand the role and isn't very smart, is young and sexy, soooo there's that.
CRISSYMETH: *Rubs temples dramatically* That's okay. I can bide my time. Right now I'm just using you for your pool. I DON'T FIND YOU ATTRACTIVE I DON'T I'M STRAIGHT I SWEAR I'M NOT INTERESTED.
ANGELDUST: *sotto voce* She's so pretty. What an amazing body she has!
Montage: Something involving the characters eating pizza. Angeldust and Crissymeth stare into each other's eyes a lot and pretend they're not attracted to each other. Montage culminates in a kiss. Carolyn's presumed straightness is shunted off-screen.
ANGELDUST: We shouldn't do this. We shouldn't! Not one character has presented a single reason why not, but...we shouldn't...oh well. Let's do it anyway. But slowly! Must go slowly!
CRISSYMETH: Mmmm ladykisses. I can't believe I've been missing this! I can't keep my hands off you!
ANGELDUST: I can't keep my hands off you!
CRISSYMETH: You're the most beautiful woman in the world! I want you! I need you!
ANGELDUST: How did I ever live without you?
CRISSYMETH: Honey, baby, sweetheart, darling.
Stuff happens. Characters eat lots of pasta. Angeldust and Crissymeth decide that slow is boring and hop into bed together. Angeldust wakes first, apparently decides that this means Crissymeth is sleeping her way to the top, and leaves a very cold note rewarding Crissymeth with the lead role in the movie. Nobody seems to take issue with this.
CRISSYMETH: I love you so much.
ANGELDUST: I love YOU so much.
CRISSYMETH: Oh, pookie, did you have a hard day? Let me fix it with kisses.
More pizza. Characters have been dating for...an undetermined amount of time...say a week and a half. Their two-week anniversary is coming up, and Angeldust wants to mark the occasion with something tasteful, because as we know Angeldust is always tasteful. She buys Crissymeth a vintage car.
CRISSYMETH: Oh! How sweet! How tasteful! I love you so much!
ANGELDUST: It is but a token of my love for you.
Montage of drama. Evil-father drama for Angeldust. Sex. Family drama for Crissymeth that is never fully resolved. Sex. Evil-FAKE-father drama for Angeldust, also never fully resolved. Sex. Tears. Sex. Media. Sex. Medical drama. Sex. Pizza.
ANGELDUST: Oh, darling.
CRISSYMETH: *gasps* You called me darling! You never use endearments! What does this mean?
ANGELDUST: It means that I love you more than I have ever loved before, my darling darlingest darling. *orgasmic explosions of love love love*
Reader's eyes roll straight out of her head. Script ends prematurely as a result while reader seeks medical attention.
February 6, 2014
Carolyn Black, what a great character. That she is a famous actress does not mean that she isn't just as sensitive as any other woman. She comes across differently than who she really is. But that does not work with Annelie Peterson, she looks through Carolyn rigid character and sees her for who she really is. But if Annelie discovers how this version of Carolyn touches her, she does not know whether she should be happy about it. Love runs as it should. Even though it is sometimes difficult, it is worth it. This is one of my favorite books of Gun Brooke. The interaction between Carolyn and Annelie is beautiful. It was the character of Carolyn, that got me thinking about the vulnerability of famous people.
February 22, 2016
3.5 stars. I didn't mind this book but felt there were too many subplots/ distractions being introduced throughout the book (the father, the sister, the headaches, etc). It could have been 50-100 pages shorter with more focus on the actual story and character development of the main protagonists.
Read
March 28, 2010I'll leave that to others - since I wrote this one! :-)
July 29, 2015
2.5 stars
Quite flat and the writing is not exactly smooth, even too cheesy at times. I have always wonder how Carolyn, being the influential Hollywood diva, seems to struggle with money.
Quite flat and the writing is not exactly smooth, even too cheesy at times. I have always wonder how Carolyn, being the influential Hollywood diva, seems to struggle with money.
December 3, 2015
3.5
Definitely better written than most, but I felt like there was something missing. Not sure what. Enjoyable read still though.
Definitely better written than most, but I felt like there was something missing. Not sure what. Enjoyable read still though.
September 11, 2023
an amazing book, I read this near the end of my gun brook marathon, I'm a bit saddened by that. I knew some things already, but most stuff I didn't know about. that did make me happy.
It's a great book
It's a great book
April 2, 2015
Actual score 1.75 rounded up to 2 because at least there were minimal typos etc
All the characters were too perfect -- there was basically no conflict, or angst or anything to make it interesting.
Personal peeve -- I can't stand the word 'lover' and it was (over)used a huge amount
I swoon at a declaration of love as much as the next person but these were way too frequent and nauseatingly sickly sweet.
Lots of over explaing and telling rather than being drawn in to feel things with / alongside the characters...
I liked the premise of this book and wanted to like it more than I did but... :(
All the characters were too perfect -- there was basically no conflict, or angst or anything to make it interesting.
Personal peeve -- I can't stand the word 'lover' and it was (over)used a huge amount
I swoon at a declaration of love as much as the next person but these were way too frequent and nauseatingly sickly sweet.
Lots of over explaing and telling rather than being drawn in to feel things with / alongside the characters...
I liked the premise of this book and wanted to like it more than I did but... :(
October 18, 2013
Absolutely love this book! It is a rare glimpse into the first few months of a lovely relationship. Most books are mostly about how the characters come together. The characters here come together and then we get to read about how their relationship blossoms. It so sweet and tender. A few loose ends(ie telling some family members) and at some points the dialogue is a little unrealistic but overall such a darling love story!
August 27, 2020
Looking for a job she found herself
“Nothing…nobody…has ever affected me this way. It simply has to be you. I can’t imagine feeling…this, with anyone else.”
+ • + • + • +
Loved this journey of attraction, recognition, understanding & love as it developed & intensified— all while in the midst of a redefining self-discovery of understanding & acceptance their transformed identities, was crafted marvelously!!
“Nothing…nobody…has ever affected me this way. It simply has to be you. I can’t imagine feeling…this, with anyone else.”
+ • + • + • +
Loved this journey of attraction, recognition, understanding & love as it developed & intensified— all while in the midst of a redefining self-discovery of understanding & acceptance their transformed identities, was crafted marvelously!!
June 13, 2021
This was such a good book!!
It is rare to find an age gap romance in which the older one isn't the ice queen. So I was very surprised to see this unfold. Carolyn who seemed to be the one to not care much about people was the one who really convinced Annelie that they could make it work.
Annelie on the other hand was harder to get a hold on. She was more reserved, distant, colder. It made for a difference that I'm not used to and that I enjoyed very much.
Also, the fact that their relationship didn't go public despite being in the public eye. Only their friends were in on the secret.
It is rare to find an age gap romance in which the older one isn't the ice queen. So I was very surprised to see this unfold. Carolyn who seemed to be the one to not care much about people was the one who really convinced Annelie that they could make it work.
Annelie on the other hand was harder to get a hold on. She was more reserved, distant, colder. It made for a difference that I'm not used to and that I enjoyed very much.
Also, the fact that their relationship didn't go public despite being in the public eye. Only their friends were in on the secret.
January 29, 2024
3,75/5
Never in my life I remember reading about such a healthy couple.
They were so perfect for each other, I can't think of anyone else for them,they complet and understood themselves ,the connection between their thoughts and actions was all it was needed to know the fact that they loved each other,and not the kind of love that consumes you,the kind of love that makes you stronger.
I liked the characters individually as much as together,each one having their own kind of charisma.
I love the celebrity trope,gotta love rich women😍😍🙏🙏
Never in my life I remember reading about such a healthy couple.
They were so perfect for each other, I can't think of anyone else for them,they complet and understood themselves ,the connection between their thoughts and actions was all it was needed to know the fact that they loved each other,and not the kind of love that consumes you,the kind of love that makes you stronger.
I liked the characters individually as much as together,each one having their own kind of charisma.
I love the celebrity trope,gotta love rich women😍😍🙏🙏
February 1, 2021
Low angst romance. Actress Carolyn Black wants the starring role in a movie franchise where she played the character on the audio book. The publisher and producer, Annelie Black, gets to make the final decision. She befriends and pushes her way to get the role of a lifetime. After they are romantically involved there are side stories that allow them to support each other during different crisis. This was a debut novel from 2005 and if written now would have probably been edited by 50-75 pages. But I enjoyed getting the extra time with the characters.
June 15, 2018
Very good, couldn't put it down.
June 11, 2021
My favorite book! Thanks!
May 20, 2018
This is one of that story. A Hollywood story!!!!
Sorry, my excitement goes up. But I totally love Hollywood story. It always interesting to see how people deal with so much fame and everything, and being lesbian in Hollywood just make it more hot. But this story is mostly not about it lol.
Story start with Carolyn so desperate to get a role and she start to seduce Annelie (who have right to choose the actress of the film) for that role. It was interesting premise but for some of reason it didn't turn out as I predicted, which is good and exciting for me.
Annelie is lesbian and more or less she attracted to Carolyn before they meet as person. Carolyn is straight but she found herself drawn to Annelie as the story progress. It's hard to write a story about a straight woman turn gay in believable ways and I guess this books is not the best when it came to it but for me this is enough. Annelie is so gentle with Carolyn, how the author describe her action to Carolyn is enough to convince me that Carolyn might have a feeling for her at the point of story.
Some part of story feel repetitive, especially after they became a couple. Sometimes so cringe but regardless I really love Carolyn and Annelie, I don't mind.
The books is not perfect. We came to part where Carolyn acted like she a teenager, the part where drama feel cringe, the part where we question if some of aspect even make a sense in real life--like, how everyone just so okay with Carolyn turn of her sexuality. This books has many flaws which normally I can't stand but I'll declare it again--I really love Carolyn and Annelie.
When the romance start build on them it was so good. The part where Carolyn start to have feeling for Annie was so good. Carolyn who just discover that side of her, the aching she feel to touch Annie. There confusion on her side and the rejected she feel after Annie pushed her. That part of story is amazing.
I don't lie, the part after they became a couple is kinda make them more less appeal than the begining. The hit HEA fast, and after that the story need still to going. The route didn't come to be really exciting and I can understand if someone stop at there but I choose to see Carolyn and Annelie story till the end despite the temptation to not finish it.
I can't recommend this to everybody as I feel I so biased on this review. I liked this books and this books is not really brilliant or everyone liking.
Sorry, my excitement goes up. But I totally love Hollywood story. It always interesting to see how people deal with so much fame and everything, and being lesbian in Hollywood just make it more hot. But this story is mostly not about it lol.
Story start with Carolyn so desperate to get a role and she start to seduce Annelie (who have right to choose the actress of the film) for that role. It was interesting premise but for some of reason it didn't turn out as I predicted, which is good and exciting for me.
Annelie is lesbian and more or less she attracted to Carolyn before they meet as person. Carolyn is straight but she found herself drawn to Annelie as the story progress. It's hard to write a story about a straight woman turn gay in believable ways and I guess this books is not the best when it came to it but for me this is enough. Annelie is so gentle with Carolyn, how the author describe her action to Carolyn is enough to convince me that Carolyn might have a feeling for her at the point of story.
Some part of story feel repetitive, especially after they became a couple. Sometimes so cringe but regardless I really love Carolyn and Annelie, I don't mind.
The books is not perfect. We came to part where Carolyn acted like she a teenager, the part where drama feel cringe, the part where we question if some of aspect even make a sense in real life--like, how everyone just so okay with Carolyn turn of her sexuality. This books has many flaws which normally I can't stand but I'll declare it again--I really love Carolyn and Annelie.
When the romance start build on them it was so good. The part where Carolyn start to have feeling for Annie was so good. Carolyn who just discover that side of her, the aching she feel to touch Annie. There confusion on her side and the rejected she feel after Annie pushed her. That part of story is amazing.
I don't lie, the part after they became a couple is kinda make them more less appeal than the begining. The hit HEA fast, and after that the story need still to going. The route didn't come to be really exciting and I can understand if someone stop at there but I choose to see Carolyn and Annelie story till the end despite the temptation to not finish it.
I can't recommend this to everybody as I feel I so biased on this review. I liked this books and this books is not really brilliant or everyone liking.
July 5, 2014
Two main characters. Annelie Peterson owns a publishing company, and is also a philanthropist thanks to winning the lottery. She decides to produce the movie versions of the best selling Diana Maddox (lesbian criminal investigator) books. The other lead is heretofore straight Carolyn Black described several times as "older" and a "diva" but also talented actress who is the popular voice in the audio version of those books. She is aggressively pursuing the starring role in the movies. In the course of this pursuit Carolyn falls for Annelie. There's a good bit of back and forth regarding trust issues, personal and professional, before things get worked out.
Although I initially found the premise of the novel fresh and interesting, it didn’t take long for me to realize that Course of Action was not going to be a compelling story. Once the characters broke through their initial boundaries, the plot became fragmented with many loose ends. I think it should have had more about actually making the movie(s) instead of getting the role and moving in together. Sure, there’s sex, plentiful, but it never really goes where both characters say they want it to. Carolyn made the transition to lesbianism quite effortlessly and without a moment's trepidation though she was 45yo and hadn't previously thought about it ... ever. As an aside, let me just say I do not like my strong, wealthy, great looking leading characters to be needy. Needy does not work for me.
I think this book is a good barometer of how far lesbian writing has come in the last few years. While this story is good (2006 winner of a GCLS award), it is not put together anywhere close to the quality of writing today.
Although I initially found the premise of the novel fresh and interesting, it didn’t take long for me to realize that Course of Action was not going to be a compelling story. Once the characters broke through their initial boundaries, the plot became fragmented with many loose ends. I think it should have had more about actually making the movie(s) instead of getting the role and moving in together. Sure, there’s sex, plentiful, but it never really goes where both characters say they want it to. Carolyn made the transition to lesbianism quite effortlessly and without a moment's trepidation though she was 45yo and hadn't previously thought about it ... ever. As an aside, let me just say I do not like my strong, wealthy, great looking leading characters to be needy. Needy does not work for me.
I think this book is a good barometer of how far lesbian writing has come in the last few years. While this story is good (2006 winner of a GCLS award), it is not put together anywhere close to the quality of writing today.
March 3, 2015
This was my third or fourth reading of "Course of Action", and somehow it just gets better and better every time!
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