The Big Day

by Ian O. Lewis

“I've been betrayed so many times, I can’t trust any man. Why should I believe you are any different?”

Manolo's world crumbles when he discovers his lover's infidelity. Determined to protect his heart, he vows to never let love in again. But fate has other plans when his best friend Daniel seeks a favor. Can Manolo's picturesque mansion become the sanctuary for Daniel's son Hugo, a Hollywood heartthrob, to wed away from the intrusive gaze of the press?

As preparations for the wedding unfold, an unexpected guest arrives—Ram Khapour, a captivating Bollywood actor. Bound by cultural expectations and an arranged marriage in his homeland, Ram wants to experience true love for the first, and possibly last time. When Ram and Manolo's paths intertwine, their connection is undeniable. Sparks ignite, shattering their emotional barriers. In a whirlwind of passion and longing, Manolo and Ram navigate the complexities of their desires. Will their fears of commitment and past traumas threaten the love they've discovered?

The Big Day is the third novel in the Hollywood Hearts series. It’s a gay romance between a closeted actor and a film director who lives his truth, and expects nothing less from those he loves. Can they defy societal norms and choose their own path?

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2023

About the author

Ian writes LGBTQ fiction, mainly romance. Growing up, he could never find many books portraying guys like him, so now he's helping to fill the shelves with gay-friendly tales. He tends to write more romance, because he loves nothing more than a happily ever after.

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this insta love story. Manolo and Ram both have some big hurdles to overcome but they still find their happy ever after. Manolo is recovering from a disastrous relationship with Felix and is hesitant to start another. Ram is a famous actor in India and not only is he closeted, but his parents are pushing him to marry a woman. All the while they are planning a wedding for Hugo and Beck. I enjoyed once again getting to spend time with Hugo and Beck. There is a lot of craziness going on and it kept me thoroughly entertained.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love When You Need It

Manolo and Ram's story is another good story in this series. This is a good hurt/comfort story and was entertaining to read.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ram and Manolo's Story . . .

Manolo finds his boyfriend Felix in his bed with someone else. Felix tells Alex to wait in the car while he talks to Manolo about starting an open relationship because “everyone else is doing it”! Felix had been part of the catering staff when they first met. Now Felix partied too much and kept pushing for more as he lied about his behavior. If he couldn’t trust him, what was the point in staying together? Without commitment, there was no real relationship. He kicked Felix out and vowed he would never trust another.

When friends were looking for a way to have privacy for their wedding, Manolo offered his home. One of the guests, Ram Khapour, is locked into an arranged marriage. Before that occurs, he wants to know real love in this, his only opportunity. He and Manolo are drawn together, the attraction strong. Is their relationship stronger than they expected? Is it strong enough to rock their world? Will they let down their protective barriers and allow themselves to claim the love they are both experiencing? Or are their lives too complicated to makes these big changes, especially when the drama with Felix is apparently not yet over?

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right time, ready to free your mind, heart and soul. Manolo, suffers a big romantic disappointment, from Felix. As a result, he is determined to protect his heart. Ram, is deep in the closet fearful of career and family expectations. I absolutely love both of these men. They grow emotionally and open their eyes to what they need and want. The author did an amazing job creating a world where these men could grow, explore and set new expectations. I enjoyed this story so much, I really want to read more about how these two live out the rest of their lives. Great group of friends and a sharp adventure thrown into the story. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very complex storyline with past hurts and not being fully honest in who you are. Enjoyed these characters as they navigate their feelings, and learn to be open, trusting and to give love a chance to thrive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Akasha721 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice story about one in and one out and proud gay men. Ram is able to be his true self once he meets Manolo and falls head over heels for him. Manolo is willing to make an exception for Ram when he lays eyes on him about having a fling. The two have a surprise happily ever after! Love this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manolo's ex wanted an open relationship and he didn't. Now Manolo is on his own and lonely. Ram is in the closet because his parents wouldn't be able to handle him being gay. Manolo and Ram meet through mutual friends. They both decide they'll have a fling but it becomes much more. I really enjoyed this book.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Hollywood Hearts series and I really enjoyed it. I loved Ram and Manolo together and reading everything they went through to get to their HEA.