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The Hollywood Version
Mark Lawler has always imagined the world as a movie. With his overactive imagination, he can’t help equating life and art. Currently, he’s living the successful actor, beautiful wife, and he works with his best friend, television heartthrob Zach Pericles. The problem is a certain contingent of fans are convinced Mark and Zach are really in love.
When a compromising photo of them leaks to the press, Mark’s life spins out of control. The show’s executive producer plans to kill off Mark’s character, and Mark faces unemployment and life as a single man. He turns to Ross Lockhart, an old acquaintance, to help him pick up the pieces.
Ross has to be the most frustrating man Mark’s ever known, but he’s levelheaded and wise for his years, and Mark envies the honest life he leads. Maybe Ross can teach Mark a thing or two about finding his own happily ever after.
When a compromising photo of them leaks to the press, Mark’s life spins out of control. The show’s executive producer plans to kill off Mark’s character, and Mark faces unemployment and life as a single man. He turns to Ross Lockhart, an old acquaintance, to help him pick up the pieces.
Ross has to be the most frustrating man Mark’s ever known, but he’s levelheaded and wise for his years, and Mark envies the honest life he leads. Maybe Ross can teach Mark a thing or two about finding his own happily ever after.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2013
49 people want to read
About the author
Harry K. Malone
5 books8 followersHarry K. Malone is a native of the Chicagoland area, where he has lived in nearly every neighborhood as well as several suburbs. For better or worse, the city remains the one great love in his life, thanks to museums, excellent restaurants, summer street festivals, and, of course, Lake Michigan. Although new to the m/m publishing world, Harry has been writing stories about unconventional relationships and families since he was a child. When not writing, Harry enjoys watching sci-fi, playing video games, listening to NPR, and contemplating whether or not he should get a cat. Harry is proud to be a part of Chicago’s flourishing LGBTQ community.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 24, 2016
Mark Lawler moved from a small town where everyone was "Minnesota Nice" to make his dreams come true in Hollywood. Somewhere along the way he lost himself. Becoming more focused on his image and living the lifestyle that on being true to himself. A popular television star he seems to have the perfect life; a beautiful wife, awesome best friend and is riding a rising star.
Nothing in Tinseltown is ever as it seems. His relationship with his wife lacks passion, and the rising sexual tension between his best friend and costar Zach has him questioning his sexual orientation.
When rumors begin to run rampant about his so-called relationship triangle the fickle beast of fame turns on Mark and his life begins to fall apart at an alarming rate. Turning to the only friend he has left, a man named Ross from his home town; Mark begins to realize how superficial he has become and it's time to make some hard choices about who he really is.
A well written romance with complex characters, an intricately developed story line, and raw emotional exploration. The Hollywood Version is more than a love story. It's about honesty, making the right choices, and being true to who you are. Readers will fall in love with Mark as they follow him on this unique journey of self discovery.
A copy of The Hollywood Version was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Nothing in Tinseltown is ever as it seems. His relationship with his wife lacks passion, and the rising sexual tension between his best friend and costar Zach has him questioning his sexual orientation.
When rumors begin to run rampant about his so-called relationship triangle the fickle beast of fame turns on Mark and his life begins to fall apart at an alarming rate. Turning to the only friend he has left, a man named Ross from his home town; Mark begins to realize how superficial he has become and it's time to make some hard choices about who he really is.
A well written romance with complex characters, an intricately developed story line, and raw emotional exploration. The Hollywood Version is more than a love story. It's about honesty, making the right choices, and being true to who you are. Readers will fall in love with Mark as they follow him on this unique journey of self discovery.
A copy of The Hollywood Version was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2016
I was given a free copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
If you are looking for a M/M Rom-Com this is it! This was a fun read for me, moved at a nice pace and not too much angst. I liked Ross immediately, Mark had to grow on me; which I think was the point of the story the more Mark grew the more you liked him.
Ok so from the blurb you know Mark is living his dream and it comes crashing down all around him. I really like how the story build to the crash of Mark's dreams and didn't just start out with it. That allowed me to be more caught up in it happening then just knowing that it happened. Watching Mark pull himself together and continue to make mistakes made you root for him and Ross just a little bit more.
Ross is great. He's there to help Mark when he has no one else to turn to. I love Ross's tough love approach with Mark and his push/encouragement for Mark to grow and not be so caught up with Hollywood that he can't even enjoy himself and be happy.
This is one of those fluffy feel good books that makes you laugh and makes you say Oh Damn!
If you are looking for a M/M Rom-Com this is it! This was a fun read for me, moved at a nice pace and not too much angst. I liked Ross immediately, Mark had to grow on me; which I think was the point of the story the more Mark grew the more you liked him.
Ok so from the blurb you know Mark is living his dream and it comes crashing down all around him. I really like how the story build to the crash of Mark's dreams and didn't just start out with it. That allowed me to be more caught up in it happening then just knowing that it happened. Watching Mark pull himself together and continue to make mistakes made you root for him and Ross just a little bit more.
Ross is great. He's there to help Mark when he has no one else to turn to. I love Ross's tough love approach with Mark and his push/encouragement for Mark to grow and not be so caught up with Hollywood that he can't even enjoy himself and be happy.
This is one of those fluffy feel good books that makes you laugh and makes you say Oh Damn!
July 24, 2014
4.5 Stars
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the Don't Buy Me Love program in the M/M Romance group.
First of all I need to say that I absolutely loved this book. It was adorable fluff. And I love fluff. It had it's ups and downs of course, but I found myself smiling much more often than not.
Mark is an actor living in L.A. He is married to Alex, a gorgeous brunette actress. Mark is part of the cast of a quite famous TV series in which he shares the spotlight with Zack, his best mate. Zach and Mark's relationship borders in a bromance. There is clearly some attraction between them and while both of them try to play it cool and in a sort of "nah mate, I was just kidding.. still you're hot" it's easy to see that it's causing both of them a bit of trouble. They're very territorial of their relationship and when in a trip they take together Mark finds out that Zach occasionally sleeps with men he feels sad and heartbroken. Jealous.
When in a party Mark and Zach are found in a compromising situation someone snaps a shot and the photo leaks. Alex demands a divorce from Mark and Mark's world starts falling apart. He's getting a divorce, his relationship with his best friend is now strained and the producers of his show tell him that they're killing his character.
It's after all what Mark has seems to be doomed to fail that he asks for help to a guy he met in high school and who he's just been reunited with.
Ross is also an actor who is trying his luck in L.A. When Ross gets Mark's call asking for advice and help he immediately opens up the door for him, and Mark moves into his flat for a while. As weeks pass by Mark notices that he's attracted to his new room mate.
Ross, for his part, feels the same attraction but he can't be fooled. He knows that Mark is going through a difficult time.. The divorce and the romance-that-wasn't-a-Romance with Zach still occupy a lot of Mark's thoughts, so Ross decides that moving onto something is not the best of the ideas. And I think he was right.
The story has a very slow build up. It's very focused in the emotions of the characters, something I appreciated a lot. I like that kind of story, so I loved it.
In the end you have that everyone gets what they deserve. There is a happy ending with a bitter ex-wife. It's funny, because while I wanted to kill her for being such a selfish ass, at the same time I understood her reaction, even if I didn't really supported it. Zach gets what he deserves, and I felt happy about it. I was glad that he saw how much of an idiot he'd been.
Mark... Gee- You see, the guy went through hell thanks to the two people mentioned above and I found it admiring - not impossible, but almost- that he forgave them both. But in the end forgiving may come easy when you're happy and at peace with yourself. And the ending we get shows us that. A happy and peaceful Mark.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the Don't Buy Me Love program in the M/M Romance group.
First of all I need to say that I absolutely loved this book. It was adorable fluff. And I love fluff. It had it's ups and downs of course, but I found myself smiling much more often than not.
Mark is an actor living in L.A. He is married to Alex, a gorgeous brunette actress. Mark is part of the cast of a quite famous TV series in which he shares the spotlight with Zack, his best mate. Zach and Mark's relationship borders in a bromance. There is clearly some attraction between them and while both of them try to play it cool and in a sort of "nah mate, I was just kidding.. still you're hot" it's easy to see that it's causing both of them a bit of trouble. They're very territorial of their relationship and when in a trip they take together Mark finds out that Zach occasionally sleeps with men he feels sad and heartbroken. Jealous.
When in a party Mark and Zach are found in a compromising situation someone snaps a shot and the photo leaks. Alex demands a divorce from Mark and Mark's world starts falling apart. He's getting a divorce, his relationship with his best friend is now strained and the producers of his show tell him that they're killing his character.
It's after all what Mark has seems to be doomed to fail that he asks for help to a guy he met in high school and who he's just been reunited with.
Ross is also an actor who is trying his luck in L.A. When Ross gets Mark's call asking for advice and help he immediately opens up the door for him, and Mark moves into his flat for a while. As weeks pass by Mark notices that he's attracted to his new room mate.
Ross, for his part, feels the same attraction but he can't be fooled. He knows that Mark is going through a difficult time.. The divorce and the romance-that-wasn't-a-Romance with Zach still occupy a lot of Mark's thoughts, so Ross decides that moving onto something is not the best of the ideas. And I think he was right.
The story has a very slow build up. It's very focused in the emotions of the characters, something I appreciated a lot. I like that kind of story, so I loved it.
In the end you have that everyone gets what they deserve. There is a happy ending with a bitter ex-wife. It's funny, because while I wanted to kill her for being such a selfish ass, at the same time I understood her reaction, even if I didn't really supported it. Zach gets what he deserves, and I felt happy about it. I was glad that he saw how much of an idiot he'd been.
Mark... Gee- You see, the guy went through hell thanks to the two people mentioned above and I found it admiring - not impossible, but almost- that he forgave them both. But in the end forgiving may come easy when you're happy and at peace with yourself. And the ending we get shows us that. A happy and peaceful Mark.
June 4, 2014
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review through Don't Buy My Love.
This is an interesting book, with a very gentle and slow tone. Mark is a TV actor in a fairly successful role in a popular show. He’s married comfortably, has a cool bestie, Zack, on the TV show, and is generally happy with things as they are. Until his life veers off-course. Faced with divorce and a best friend who’s avoiding him and the loss of his role in the show, Mark ha to face up to changes in life, and discover who the people who really care are.
Mark is the voice of the book and an interesting character. He’s a drama geek turned model turned actor. The first half of the book, when he’s cruising along as is, he comes across very much as a self- -absorbed guy, doing pretty much what he likes. His moments of introspection are few and he copes with any problems by moving away from them. He’s pretty much indulged by Zack and sort of shielded by Alex, his wife.
There are many well-handed elements in the book. Mark doesn’t suddenly change overnight. He does so gradually. He meets Ross early in the book, meets him again and then very naturally veers towards him when he has no one else to go to. He gradually moves towards being what he considers a better person, making mistakes along the way but learning.
I liked that his confrontations were all non-dramatic and very realistic. I liked seeing him discover himself along the way with the book.
I was also surprised by how well the pace worked. Initially I did wonder in the first one-third of the book where it was going. It seemed then to be slow. However, while the easy tonality is maintained, the pace actually works for the book. It lends itself to how Mark deals with life.
I had a few minor issues – I thought the element of Mark turning from friendless drama geek to popular TV star could have had more meat - it could have been explored in the context of Mark’s initial vapid behavior. And Ross’ self-assurance could be seen in the same context. Ross also was a little too self-assured and a bit of a goody two shoes – possibly because its all from Mark’s POV.
The cover is quite off-putting! It doesn't match the feel of the book at all.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, which manages to pull you in to root along for Mark as he finally finds his way to a happier ending
This is an interesting book, with a very gentle and slow tone. Mark is a TV actor in a fairly successful role in a popular show. He’s married comfortably, has a cool bestie, Zack, on the TV show, and is generally happy with things as they are. Until his life veers off-course. Faced with divorce and a best friend who’s avoiding him and the loss of his role in the show, Mark ha to face up to changes in life, and discover who the people who really care are.
Mark is the voice of the book and an interesting character. He’s a drama geek turned model turned actor. The first half of the book, when he’s cruising along as is, he comes across very much as a self- -absorbed guy, doing pretty much what he likes. His moments of introspection are few and he copes with any problems by moving away from them. He’s pretty much indulged by Zack and sort of shielded by Alex, his wife.
There are many well-handed elements in the book. Mark doesn’t suddenly change overnight. He does so gradually. He meets Ross early in the book, meets him again and then very naturally veers towards him when he has no one else to go to. He gradually moves towards being what he considers a better person, making mistakes along the way but learning.
I liked that his confrontations were all non-dramatic and very realistic. I liked seeing him discover himself along the way with the book.
I was also surprised by how well the pace worked. Initially I did wonder in the first one-third of the book where it was going. It seemed then to be slow. However, while the easy tonality is maintained, the pace actually works for the book. It lends itself to how Mark deals with life.
I had a few minor issues – I thought the element of Mark turning from friendless drama geek to popular TV star could have had more meat - it could have been explored in the context of Mark’s initial vapid behavior. And Ross’ self-assurance could be seen in the same context. Ross also was a little too self-assured and a bit of a goody two shoes – possibly because its all from Mark’s POV.
The cover is quite off-putting! It doesn't match the feel of the book at all.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, which manages to pull you in to root along for Mark as he finally finds his way to a happier ending
June 1, 2014
I receive this book free in exchange of an honest review.
This was a really good read. There are several intertwined relationships in this story that make it a light fun read.
It's about actors and their true personas and what they put on for the public.
The relationships in this story are between Mark and his wife, Alex, Mark and his best friend and co-worker in a TV series Zach, and Mark and a old high school mate Ross. The Bro-mance between Mark and Zach is questioned in the media as to 'Are they together romantically?' and they and Alex play into it for the publicity. Well something happens and things go south. The marriage ends, the best friends end, the job ends, and Mark with help from Ross rethinks his life.
This could have been a really angst book, but the way it was written it wasn't. I think that was because we really didn't get much about what was going on in any ones head except for Mark. So Alex and Zach are left to be fairly superficial even though in some instances you were led to believe there was more going on than was being said.
I wouldn't usually read a story about the rich and famous, but this was a nice surprise. There was enough of the normal to ease the get over yourself aspect. I think I'll check out another of this authors books.
This was a really good read. There are several intertwined relationships in this story that make it a light fun read.
It's about actors and their true personas and what they put on for the public.
The relationships in this story are between Mark and his wife, Alex, Mark and his best friend and co-worker in a TV series Zach, and Mark and a old high school mate Ross. The Bro-mance between Mark and Zach is questioned in the media as to 'Are they together romantically?' and they and Alex play into it for the publicity. Well something happens and things go south. The marriage ends, the best friends end, the job ends, and Mark with help from Ross rethinks his life.
This could have been a really angst book, but the way it was written it wasn't. I think that was because we really didn't get much about what was going on in any ones head except for Mark. So Alex and Zach are left to be fairly superficial even though in some instances you were led to believe there was more going on than was being said.
I wouldn't usually read a story about the rich and famous, but this was a nice surprise. There was enough of the normal to ease the get over yourself aspect. I think I'll check out another of this authors books.
October 3, 2014
I'm not familiar with this author and I love this book more than I thought I would. I'm not hugh fan of celebrities book and wasn't big fan of this cover. The cover made me think that the story would be cheesy and superficial. I admit in the beginning Mark was a bit superficial in the beginning and as the story progress he became real especially with the help of Ross. The celebrity aspect of the story wasn't so heavy that it became unrealistic. Mark's wife and best friend actions after leak photo was bit much. The story had nice flow to it and I enjoyed the interact between the main character and his love interest. I like that everything wasn't flashy over top.Everybody had a part in this story that felt necessary and not there just to be dramatic. Overall I love this story and will definitely be checking out more books by this author in the near future.
* This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest book.
* This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest book.
June 27, 2013
Years ago, back when I was in my early twenties, I used to read Jackie Collins and Sidney Sheldon novels. They featured really glamorous, Hollywood-type characters, people whose lives were so far removed from my own reality, that they fascinated me. As I started reading this novel, I got that same feeling.
The main character Mark was so different than me I often had to stop and shake my head. Then I'd wonder, is this even realistic? For half the book, I disliked him, and I don't want to sound judgmental. It wasn't that I utterly despised him, but I kind of thought he was pitiful. He was married to this really shallow, harpy woman who treated him like shit all the while harboring this secret crush on one of his male co-stars. Worst of all, he was in denial of his own feelings and bromance-type relationship he had with this other actor.
About halfway through the story, I began to empathize with Mark. He started to recognize his shallowness and hypocrisy, and with the help of a close friend (Ross) he decided to change. Once he made that decision, he found an inner peace and began acting more like a human.
Then, of course, a relationship blossomed between Mark and Ross. At first Ross was portrayed almost as a saint. He seemed perfect in every way. Humble. Considerate. Sweet. Then they became roommates and developed a friendship with each other.
I cringed several times as I read the dialogue of the central characters. The mean way they talked to each other was disturbing to me. At one point, when Ross had hurt Mark's feelings, he was so dismissive and when Mark told him he was being mean, Ross's response was, "Get over it, porcelain." Okay, right then and there I lost almost all respect for him. It was very, very hard for me to get over that and I really kind of didn't even want them to be together any more.
I guess I just don't get why men (gay or straight) feel like they have to say nasty things to each other in order to be close. There is nothing funny about insulting someone. My original perception of the couple was that Mark was the insecure and vulnerable one and Ross was his protector. I didn't know what to think when I saw that Ross was just as capable of being selfish and self-absorbed as Mark.
I came away from this book feeling like a rube. These guys were all about appearances, fashion, expensive material things. They made remarks about clothing, houses, and cars that were beneath their dignity. I don't really care about any of those things, and I just didn't get it.
But with all that being said, I really loved the writing. The whole story was written in very strict third-person limited POV. By the end of the story I was rooting for the main characters and I really cared about Mark. So I guess what I'm saying is that the author ended up winning me over in the end. I think some of the issues I had with the characters were just my own personal biases. This doesn't mean they weren't well developed or realistic. You don't have to love every character in a book to recognize it's a well-written book.
I'd love to see another story by this author, one that is set far, far away from Hollywood.
The main character Mark was so different than me I often had to stop and shake my head. Then I'd wonder, is this even realistic? For half the book, I disliked him, and I don't want to sound judgmental. It wasn't that I utterly despised him, but I kind of thought he was pitiful. He was married to this really shallow, harpy woman who treated him like shit all the while harboring this secret crush on one of his male co-stars. Worst of all, he was in denial of his own feelings and bromance-type relationship he had with this other actor.
About halfway through the story, I began to empathize with Mark. He started to recognize his shallowness and hypocrisy, and with the help of a close friend (Ross) he decided to change. Once he made that decision, he found an inner peace and began acting more like a human.
Then, of course, a relationship blossomed between Mark and Ross. At first Ross was portrayed almost as a saint. He seemed perfect in every way. Humble. Considerate. Sweet. Then they became roommates and developed a friendship with each other.
I cringed several times as I read the dialogue of the central characters. The mean way they talked to each other was disturbing to me. At one point, when Ross had hurt Mark's feelings, he was so dismissive and when Mark told him he was being mean, Ross's response was, "Get over it, porcelain." Okay, right then and there I lost almost all respect for him. It was very, very hard for me to get over that and I really kind of didn't even want them to be together any more.
I guess I just don't get why men (gay or straight) feel like they have to say nasty things to each other in order to be close. There is nothing funny about insulting someone. My original perception of the couple was that Mark was the insecure and vulnerable one and Ross was his protector. I didn't know what to think when I saw that Ross was just as capable of being selfish and self-absorbed as Mark.
I came away from this book feeling like a rube. These guys were all about appearances, fashion, expensive material things. They made remarks about clothing, houses, and cars that were beneath their dignity. I don't really care about any of those things, and I just didn't get it.
But with all that being said, I really loved the writing. The whole story was written in very strict third-person limited POV. By the end of the story I was rooting for the main characters and I really cared about Mark. So I guess what I'm saying is that the author ended up winning me over in the end. I think some of the issues I had with the characters were just my own personal biases. This doesn't mean they weren't well developed or realistic. You don't have to love every character in a book to recognize it's a well-written book.
I'd love to see another story by this author, one that is set far, far away from Hollywood.
May 29, 2014
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
Mark Lawlor is a regular actor in Hollywood. He's got a great gig on a network drama, a beautiful wife--Alex-- and a cool bestie who is also his co-star, Zach. It seems that there's a big bromance between Mark and Zach, one that fans think is The Real Deal. It isn't, though it seems perhaps Zach might be interested--if it was all under cover.
Truth is, Alex and Mark aren't overly swoony. She is a working actress, and doesn't want to be bothered keeping up with Mark all the time. She's also kinda jealous over Mark's tightness with Zach and how the media exploits it. Mark really enjoys his man-time with Zach though everything between them is platonic. Really. In fact, while on a NYC vacation, Mark is stunned to learn that Zach has sex with men. Stunned, and a bit hurt.
While reconciling, the two bros get wasted drunk and a bystander snaps an incriminating photo and posts it online. It's the last straw for Alex, who demands a divorce. Next thing Mark knows his character is getting cut from his show, and Zach won't return his calls.
On the outs with his wife, Mark recognizes he needs to re-focus. He leans on a new acquaintance, Ross, who had gone to high school with Mark though they were never friendly. Ross takes Mark in to his two-bedroom apartment, shielding him from paparazzi and keeping his location secret while the divorce plays out and his giant Oceanside mansion is sold. Turns out Ross is gay. And, Mark is cool with it. What he isn't cool with? The feelings he's developing for his new roommate.
What I adored about his book:
Extra slow burn. Even when the attraction between Ross and Mark becomes palpable, Ross keeps it calm. He doesn't push Mark sexually, only emotionally, urging Mark to make the best decision he can. See, Ross doesn't want to get hurt either--and being with a closeted man isn't his idea of the good life.
Ross was a fantastic foil to self-centered, self-indulgent Mark. He didn't allow his feelings to be trampled, and spoke up for the right people at the right time.
Mark's love for Alex remained, but it didn't compare to the passion he and Ross shared. I was sad that Mark and Zach couldn't repair their friendship, but I truly understood the reasons behind it. At some stages I had begun to suspect Alex was behind the infamous photo that destroyed their shell-of-a-marriage--and the resolution of that issue was exactly how I'd hope it would go.
The smexytimes are more reserved, with a solid focus on the emotional aspects of Mark's relationships. Passing references to recreational drug/alcohol use are made, but are really background. I enjoyed this story. Perfect for readers just getting interested in M/M or Gay For You stories.
Mark Lawlor is a regular actor in Hollywood. He's got a great gig on a network drama, a beautiful wife--Alex-- and a cool bestie who is also his co-star, Zach. It seems that there's a big bromance between Mark and Zach, one that fans think is The Real Deal. It isn't, though it seems perhaps Zach might be interested--if it was all under cover.
Truth is, Alex and Mark aren't overly swoony. She is a working actress, and doesn't want to be bothered keeping up with Mark all the time. She's also kinda jealous over Mark's tightness with Zach and how the media exploits it. Mark really enjoys his man-time with Zach though everything between them is platonic. Really. In fact, while on a NYC vacation, Mark is stunned to learn that Zach has sex with men. Stunned, and a bit hurt.
While reconciling, the two bros get wasted drunk and a bystander snaps an incriminating photo and posts it online. It's the last straw for Alex, who demands a divorce. Next thing Mark knows his character is getting cut from his show, and Zach won't return his calls.
On the outs with his wife, Mark recognizes he needs to re-focus. He leans on a new acquaintance, Ross, who had gone to high school with Mark though they were never friendly. Ross takes Mark in to his two-bedroom apartment, shielding him from paparazzi and keeping his location secret while the divorce plays out and his giant Oceanside mansion is sold. Turns out Ross is gay. And, Mark is cool with it. What he isn't cool with? The feelings he's developing for his new roommate.
What I adored about his book:
Extra slow burn. Even when the attraction between Ross and Mark becomes palpable, Ross keeps it calm. He doesn't push Mark sexually, only emotionally, urging Mark to make the best decision he can. See, Ross doesn't want to get hurt either--and being with a closeted man isn't his idea of the good life.
Ross was a fantastic foil to self-centered, self-indulgent Mark. He didn't allow his feelings to be trampled, and spoke up for the right people at the right time.
Mark's love for Alex remained, but it didn't compare to the passion he and Ross shared. I was sad that Mark and Zach couldn't repair their friendship, but I truly understood the reasons behind it. At some stages I had begun to suspect Alex was behind the infamous photo that destroyed their shell-of-a-marriage--and the resolution of that issue was exactly how I'd hope it would go.
The smexytimes are more reserved, with a solid focus on the emotional aspects of Mark's relationships. Passing references to recreational drug/alcohol use are made, but are really background. I enjoyed this story. Perfect for readers just getting interested in M/M or Gay For You stories.
June 9, 2014
I received this book for free in return for a honest review.
This is an interesting book with a slow pace and unfortunately unsympathetic characters. I never really connected to both the book and the characters. The writing was solid, as was the plot, but I really didn’t like Mark, self-absorbed model turned actor.
In the beginning of the book Mark is married (which I liked), obviously very much in love with his best friend Zack (which I liked), and very much unaware about how obviously gay/bisexual he is (which was kinda annoying). He’s caught in a compromising position with his best friend (because yes, straddling another guy to hug him is perfectly normal behaviour between friends) and after that his life unravels. His wife wants a divorce, his supposedly best friend gets him fired and so he is homeless and will be jobless soon, but for some reason he keeps throwing away money (one of the things that annoyed me).
He reaches out to an old acquaintance, Ross, for a place to stay and they develope a friendship and soon more. Ross was like a mentor to Mark in the sense that he questioned his morals, helped him grow and helped him become less self-centred. Why buying a new Prius means he’s growing, I still don’t understand. But even when Mark is changing, I still never started to like him. I didn’t understand what Ross saw in him, and honestly I was invested in the Zack/Mark relationship and wanted them to work it out. It seemed that Mark had very little consideration for other people’s feeling or motivation and I feel like he should’ve done more to make things right with Zack or try to understand why Zack was betraying him like that. Same goes for his wife’s feelings. She’s portrayed as an evil bitch, but I feel there has to be more to her. Mark hasn’t exactly been a model husband either.
I think the author wanted to start Mark out as unsympathetic, and have us grow to like him as he changed, but I never came over my dislike for him and that made the book hard to like as well. He never felt as an adult, ran away from confrontations and is an idiot so much of the time. If you connect to this book I think it’s an emotional ride that keeps you hooked, but for me it was not.
This is an interesting book with a slow pace and unfortunately unsympathetic characters. I never really connected to both the book and the characters. The writing was solid, as was the plot, but I really didn’t like Mark, self-absorbed model turned actor.
In the beginning of the book Mark is married (which I liked), obviously very much in love with his best friend Zack (which I liked), and very much unaware about how obviously gay/bisexual he is (which was kinda annoying). He’s caught in a compromising position with his best friend (because yes, straddling another guy to hug him is perfectly normal behaviour between friends) and after that his life unravels. His wife wants a divorce, his supposedly best friend gets him fired and so he is homeless and will be jobless soon, but for some reason he keeps throwing away money (one of the things that annoyed me).
He reaches out to an old acquaintance, Ross, for a place to stay and they develope a friendship and soon more. Ross was like a mentor to Mark in the sense that he questioned his morals, helped him grow and helped him become less self-centred. Why buying a new Prius means he’s growing, I still don’t understand. But even when Mark is changing, I still never started to like him. I didn’t understand what Ross saw in him, and honestly I was invested in the Zack/Mark relationship and wanted them to work it out. It seemed that Mark had very little consideration for other people’s feeling or motivation and I feel like he should’ve done more to make things right with Zack or try to understand why Zack was betraying him like that. Same goes for his wife’s feelings. She’s portrayed as an evil bitch, but I feel there has to be more to her. Mark hasn’t exactly been a model husband either.
I think the author wanted to start Mark out as unsympathetic, and have us grow to like him as he changed, but I never came over my dislike for him and that made the book hard to like as well. He never felt as an adult, ran away from confrontations and is an idiot so much of the time. If you connect to this book I think it’s an emotional ride that keeps you hooked, but for me it was not.
June 13, 2014
As some may know, I love books with characters who are celebrities, so this book was right up my alley! I got a copy from the writer to review and it did not disappoint me!
The main character is Mark Lawler (as a non-native English speaker, I wonder how to pronounce that surname, it sound so unnatural and forced when I say it!). He is an actor and plays in a TV show and there he met his best friend Zach Pericles. He also met his wife on set there; she had a guest role. He and his wife don't seem to have the greatest relationship (at least in my eyes). There is always a lot of pressure because of rumors going around that Mark and Zach are in a relationship. The crazy thing is, his wife Alex actually FUELS the rumors. She is obsessed with the media and spends a lot of time looking them up on the Internet or getting their name out there (which for me already screams ALARM BELLS).
It is not crazy people think Mark and Zach are secretly in love: they have a very tight bromance, which almost leads to a real romance. However things go bad, Mark loses Zach as a friend and his marriage falls apart. Then Ross, who went to High School with him, comes back into his life. Ross won a talent show and wants to become an actor too. They are quite different people (Mark has this obsession with appearance and how people think about him), but somehow they start to get along and help each other out.
I liked this story. Some characters have great developments. The story moves very slow, though. The first half or so of the book is mostly focused on Mark and Alex's marriage, the troubles they have and his friendship with Zach. It takes a while to get to the real M/M part of the book. I like slow burn, but there were moments where I wondered where this was going to. I also liked the Gay for You aspect of the book. Mark seems straight and has never had any feeling for a man. There are some feelings there for Zach, though it's not completely looked into and then there are feelings for Ross. So yeah, it has some great aspects and I thought it was a very good read.
The main character is Mark Lawler (as a non-native English speaker, I wonder how to pronounce that surname, it sound so unnatural and forced when I say it!). He is an actor and plays in a TV show and there he met his best friend Zach Pericles. He also met his wife on set there; she had a guest role. He and his wife don't seem to have the greatest relationship (at least in my eyes). There is always a lot of pressure because of rumors going around that Mark and Zach are in a relationship. The crazy thing is, his wife Alex actually FUELS the rumors. She is obsessed with the media and spends a lot of time looking them up on the Internet or getting their name out there (which for me already screams ALARM BELLS).
It is not crazy people think Mark and Zach are secretly in love: they have a very tight bromance, which almost leads to a real romance. However things go bad, Mark loses Zach as a friend and his marriage falls apart. Then Ross, who went to High School with him, comes back into his life. Ross won a talent show and wants to become an actor too. They are quite different people (Mark has this obsession with appearance and how people think about him), but somehow they start to get along and help each other out.
I liked this story. Some characters have great developments. The story moves very slow, though. The first half or so of the book is mostly focused on Mark and Alex's marriage, the troubles they have and his friendship with Zach. It takes a while to get to the real M/M part of the book. I like slow burn, but there were moments where I wondered where this was going to. I also liked the Gay for You aspect of the book. Mark seems straight and has never had any feeling for a man. There are some feelings there for Zach, though it's not completely looked into and then there are feelings for Ross. So yeah, it has some great aspects and I thought it was a very good read.
May 31, 2016
3-3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was an entertaining read centered around Mark Lawler, who is a TV-celebrity in Hollywood. Mark is married to Alex, another minor TV actor and in love with his best friend and Co-star Zach - although he is not aware of this himself. When compromising pictures of the two TV stars appear online Marks world start to unravel.
Mark suddenly finds himself homeless, jobless and in the middle of a divorce. An old friend from High school, Ross, puts him up and from there a friendship and later more develops.
My main issue with this novel was, that I didn't really like any of the characters. I am pretty sure that the author meant for me to dislike shallow Mark at the beginning, but grow to like him as he grew as a person. Unfortunately that really didn't happen for me. Sure, he seemed nicer at the end, but I was still not sure he was "hero material" for this Hollywood version.
Zach was an absolute asshat, but I was still kind of invested in the relationship between him and Mark, and it made it hard for me, to start rooting for Ross.
The relationship between Ross and Mark was strange to me for other reasons too. I had trouble accepting that Mark could have been so absolutely blind to what he and Zach had, and yet happily - and with no effort or internal struggle what so ever - accept a relationship with Ross. The only struggles he seemed to have revolved around appearences and what it would mean for his career. There really wasn't any issues with suddenly identifying as gay...
All in all though, I did enjoy the story. The writing was well paced and the story flowed nicely. I particularly enjoyed when the author took us on the little detours of how each scene would have played out, had it been different kind of films or shows, and I wish that had been done more.
I would definitely try out another book from this author.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was an entertaining read centered around Mark Lawler, who is a TV-celebrity in Hollywood. Mark is married to Alex, another minor TV actor and in love with his best friend and Co-star Zach - although he is not aware of this himself. When compromising pictures of the two TV stars appear online Marks world start to unravel.
Mark suddenly finds himself homeless, jobless and in the middle of a divorce. An old friend from High school, Ross, puts him up and from there a friendship and later more develops.
My main issue with this novel was, that I didn't really like any of the characters. I am pretty sure that the author meant for me to dislike shallow Mark at the beginning, but grow to like him as he grew as a person. Unfortunately that really didn't happen for me. Sure, he seemed nicer at the end, but I was still not sure he was "hero material" for this Hollywood version.
Zach was an absolute asshat, but I was still kind of invested in the relationship between him and Mark, and it made it hard for me, to start rooting for Ross.
The relationship between Ross and Mark was strange to me for other reasons too. I had trouble accepting that Mark could have been so absolutely blind to what he and Zach had, and yet happily - and with no effort or internal struggle what so ever - accept a relationship with Ross. The only struggles he seemed to have revolved around appearences and what it would mean for his career. There really wasn't any issues with suddenly identifying as gay...
All in all though, I did enjoy the story. The writing was well paced and the story flowed nicely. I particularly enjoyed when the author took us on the little detours of how each scene would have played out, had it been different kind of films or shows, and I wish that had been done more.
I would definitely try out another book from this author.
August 2, 2014
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Mark is a married, supposedly straight, TV Star.
Zach is his co - star, with whom people think he is having an affair.
When pictures of a drunken Mark, sitting in Zach's lap looking like they are making out hit the newsstands, his life starts to fall apart.
His wife asks for a divorce, he moves out of his home and learns that he is to be killed off in his show.
He turns to an old high school friend Ross, for a place to live. Ross, is out and proud and slowly the relationship develops between them.
I liked the premise of the book. I love GFY but I am not sure if this is a true GFY book as I could never decide if Marks was actually straight in the first place.
Mark is a married, supposedly straight, TV Star.
Zach is his co - star, with whom people think he is having an affair.
When pictures of a drunken Mark, sitting in Zach's lap looking like they are making out hit the newsstands, his life starts to fall apart.
His wife asks for a divorce, he moves out of his home and learns that he is to be killed off in his show.
He turns to an old high school friend Ross, for a place to live. Ross, is out and proud and slowly the relationship develops between them.
I liked the premise of the book. I love GFY but I am not sure if this is a true GFY book as I could never decide if Marks was actually straight in the first place.
June 3, 2014
I was given a free copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
4.5 stars
This book took me by surprise, I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I didn't take to Mark at the beginning, he has flaws. This actually made the story a little more interesting and gave me quite a few laughs. The other main character, Ross is great. Its well worth reading. I have a new favorite author, yeah!
4.5 stars
This book took me by surprise, I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I didn't take to Mark at the beginning, he has flaws. This actually made the story a little more interesting and gave me quite a few laughs. The other main character, Ross is great. Its well worth reading. I have a new favorite author, yeah!
May 11, 2013
originally reviewed for: http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
3.5 stars
This is the mostly up, sometimes down, yet always engaging, story of a Midwestern boy who finds fame in Hollywood before he has truly found himself. I enjoyed this story and its’ somewhat unique take on celebrity.
From what I could determine, this is the first published story by the author. He’s off to a good start.
This is a character driven story, which centers on Mark, a charismatic and likeable guy from Minnesota, who bypassed college to pursue a modeling career. Mark eventually makes his way to Hollywood, finds himself on a popular TV series and ends up in a bromance with his co-star, Zach.
Early in his Hollywood days, Mark meets an actress, Alex (Allesandra), who takes an immediate interest in him, and his impending success. The two marry. She proves to be married more to his career, his bank account and his fans than she was to him. She never misses a chance to tweet or post on Facebook about what they are doing, where they are going, or who they’ve been partying with. Alex seems to thrive on the media and fan speculation that Mark and Zach may be “more than friends”. Mark seems closer to Zach than he is to Alex, who on the surface, seems fine with this dynamic. He is not egotistical and has virtually no “star attitude”. Oh he enjoys the money, the perks, the huge ritzy house, the beautiful wife, yet he maintains being an ordinary guy at his core. Mark is existing in a comfortable bubble of denial. What he doesn’t realize is that he needs to dig down and find the “real Mark” again. He gets there, but unfortunately it involves a rough road of being used, and discovering dark truths about himself, others, and Tinseltown.
I really liked how the author had me wondering how and when Mark’s relationship with Zach was going to possibly coalesce into something more concrete, only to blam!.. be hit with something (or rather, someone) from left field. Very good!! Mark meets Ross, someone he went to high school with and who is also working in Hollywood now. Through Ross, Mark proceeds to discover how his success doesn’t need dictate that he fit into some pre-conceived ideal. He finds his way back to his roots and his true self.
I love that Mark always retains the core essence of who he is. He’s faithful to his wife. While he does “party”, he never gets sloppy drunk, doesn’t OD, doesn’t whore around, doesn’t develop a mile wide ego, doesn’t develop a “wild child” or “diva” reputation. While the story portrays people using other people, it doesn’t get dark or overly angsty. The on page sex is minimal, which works just fine. The author gifts us with some really great dialogue, especially between Mark and Ross. I love when two people actually communicate and work on figuring out what needs to happen!
I would have preferred less time spent on the build-up of the Zach, Alex and Mark dynamic, and more time exploring Mark’s feelings regarding the revelations he encountered from Zach and Ross. I certainly don’t expect people to label themselves, however I was left unsure as to whether Mark considered himself gay and in denial, or bi, or what. More insight to his inner dialogue would have been welcome. I also found myself wishing for more of an in-depth exploration of just how badly Mark must have felt to be played by people that he was so attached to, and emotionally reliant on. In the same vein, once he made his choices, what were all of the repercussions? How did his fans react? How did his next career project turn out? How is life as an openly gay man? Happily, the author does promise a short follow up on his blog, so these questions may get some answers then!
I will be looking for the promised follow-up short on the author’s blog, and would be interested in his future works.
One last notation. I love cover art, always notice it, and consider it important in enticing potential readers. Unfortunately I find the cover of this book is actually a big turn off.
May 30, 2013
This one has a slow start. I had moments of hesitation over this, but it’s worth it to persevere. After I got past the slow opening it picked up, and I started to really enjoy it. This would have been a B rating for me except for a few sticking points.
It is a behind the scenes look at Hollywood from a TV series actor’s perspective. I really enjoyed the way the author didn’t make it all glamourous, but showed how much pressure there is to be beautiful, for men as well as women, and how much hard work goes into making a television series. Mark’s view of Hollywood and his constant comparisons of his life as a script were fun and sometimes funny.
Sucked into the false reality and surface relationships based on popularity and career possibilities, Mark has lost his sense of who he is and where he came from. He runs into Ross, who he knew in high school, while out partying with Zach. They end up reconnecting and in a moment of panic and uncertainty Mark calls Ross. Mark is reeling and feeling lost, betrayed and alone and Ross is a lifeline. Ross welcomes Mark into his home and helps him heal.
Mark is married to another actor who is less successful, she alternates between being understanding and being jealous. Especially of the close relationship that Mark shares with co-star Zach. The end of their relationship, which in many ways was more of a roommate/companionship dynamic than any sort of romance, was not a surprise.
I am still unsure if the trope of this book is gay-for-you or so-far-in-the-closet-of-denial-I don’t-even-know-I’m-gay. Mark’s relationship with Zach was very confusing. I'm a little amazed it took them as long as it did to get into a compromising situation. Mark’s rapid acceptance of his sexual and emotional desire for Ross increased my confusion as to what was happening in Mark’s mind. Which is saying something since the story is told from his perspective.
Here’s the thing that got me with this book, in a bad, rant to Beans about it way. This is the type of double standard story that if it was with your girlfriend you would tell her to get out of the relationship. Ross admits that he is mean to Mark, that he constantly finds fault with him, that he is very critical and tells him things in a very negative way that he has never done with anyone else. Ross is constantly telling Mark what he doesn’t feel, know, need, desire, and/or is ready for and Mark is supposed to follow along because of the gay-for-you trope and Ross being out. I think that when it came to their sexual interaction and romantic relationship it was Ross who had more issues and needed more time.
All of Mark’s close relationships were very dysfunctional and came with a demand that he must constantly adapt to the other person’s expectations. It started to become apparent that he wanted the other person to be in charge and control him. Although he would at times rebel against that, he would quickly panic and after much internal angst, where he convinced himself that he was going to ruin everything, he would overcompensate and apologize. Mark needs therapy, a lot of it. Honestly, almost every character in this book needs extensive therapy, maybe that was part of the author’s statement about Hollywood.
This is going to sound weird because I am of two minds about this one. This book in many ways frustrated me and made me a little sad. At the same time, I enjoyed this book and liked a lot about it and felt that the end was sweet and cute. I felt that Mark should tell Ross to stuff it and walk out. While at the same time I enjoyed their relationship once Ross put on his big girl panties and manned up to wanting this relationship and accepting that Mark was actually a decent human being, and wasn’t going to leave him.
Reviewed by Nina
It is a behind the scenes look at Hollywood from a TV series actor’s perspective. I really enjoyed the way the author didn’t make it all glamourous, but showed how much pressure there is to be beautiful, for men as well as women, and how much hard work goes into making a television series. Mark’s view of Hollywood and his constant comparisons of his life as a script were fun and sometimes funny.
Sucked into the false reality and surface relationships based on popularity and career possibilities, Mark has lost his sense of who he is and where he came from. He runs into Ross, who he knew in high school, while out partying with Zach. They end up reconnecting and in a moment of panic and uncertainty Mark calls Ross. Mark is reeling and feeling lost, betrayed and alone and Ross is a lifeline. Ross welcomes Mark into his home and helps him heal.
Mark is married to another actor who is less successful, she alternates between being understanding and being jealous. Especially of the close relationship that Mark shares with co-star Zach. The end of their relationship, which in many ways was more of a roommate/companionship dynamic than any sort of romance, was not a surprise.
I am still unsure if the trope of this book is gay-for-you or so-far-in-the-closet-of-denial-I don’t-even-know-I’m-gay. Mark’s relationship with Zach was very confusing. I'm a little amazed it took them as long as it did to get into a compromising situation. Mark’s rapid acceptance of his sexual and emotional desire for Ross increased my confusion as to what was happening in Mark’s mind. Which is saying something since the story is told from his perspective.
Here’s the thing that got me with this book, in a bad, rant to Beans about it way. This is the type of double standard story that if it was with your girlfriend you would tell her to get out of the relationship. Ross admits that he is mean to Mark, that he constantly finds fault with him, that he is very critical and tells him things in a very negative way that he has never done with anyone else. Ross is constantly telling Mark what he doesn’t feel, know, need, desire, and/or is ready for and Mark is supposed to follow along because of the gay-for-you trope and Ross being out. I think that when it came to their sexual interaction and romantic relationship it was Ross who had more issues and needed more time.
All of Mark’s close relationships were very dysfunctional and came with a demand that he must constantly adapt to the other person’s expectations. It started to become apparent that he wanted the other person to be in charge and control him. Although he would at times rebel against that, he would quickly panic and after much internal angst, where he convinced himself that he was going to ruin everything, he would overcompensate and apologize. Mark needs therapy, a lot of it. Honestly, almost every character in this book needs extensive therapy, maybe that was part of the author’s statement about Hollywood.
This is going to sound weird because I am of two minds about this one. This book in many ways frustrated me and made me a little sad. At the same time, I enjoyed this book and liked a lot about it and felt that the end was sweet and cute. I felt that Mark should tell Ross to stuff it and walk out. While at the same time I enjoyed their relationship once Ross put on his big girl panties and manned up to wanting this relationship and accepting that Mark was actually a decent human being, and wasn’t going to leave him.
Reviewed by Nina
May 7, 2013
3 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Mark is living the highlife, he’s a popular actor, he has a beautiful wife, Alex, and the greatest best friend, Zach, but everything begins to fall to pieces when a compromising picture of Mark and Zach leaks out. The producers of his show plan to kill him off, his wife demands a divorce and his best friend turns his back on him, and Mark doesn’t know who to turn to in his time of need except Ross, an old acquaintance who is also in the business. Ross thinks Mark has lost touch with his roots, Mark immersed himself in the Hollywood life and lost some of himself, Ross begins to bring Mark back to what is real and important and Mark acknowledges a part of himself he never really noticed before.
This is an interesting story that while it holds your interest also confuses the senses as you try to make heads and tales of the main character Mark. Mark is straight, he is very happy with his wife, Alex, and enjoys the close friendship he has with his co-worker Zach. With rumours flying about his relationship with Zach among the fans that there is more between them, Mark never examines what he truly feels until he loses it all and he turns to Ross. With Ross Mark can’t help but notice how he feels and although he has to keep things quite, he embraces a side of himself that he has largely ignored.
This is one of those stories that I wasn’t sure how to react to, I really liked that Mark found something special with Ross and really worked at making things right, but I was also vastly disappointed in his reaction to his circumstances caused by his so-called best friend and his wife. Ross is a great character and he isn’t a fool who topples into love, he makes sure that Mark has faced his feelings and really knows what he is getting into, Ross isn’t about to be an experiment or a rebound. Mark is a bit self-centred and is very Hollywood conscious, even when he is trying to do something nice, it’s about how it would make him look.
The writing and storyline are very good, I just found myself lost when it came to Mark, Mark was very casual about his sexuality and discovering his real feelings. I liked Ross a lot, he seemed to be the only solid character who knew what he wanted and didn’t sell himself out for the Hollywood dream. The relationship he has with Mark isn’t easy for him when he can’t be sure that Mark actually knows what he wants, especially after so much turmoil. The sexual relationship between them is great and I am glad that Ross made Mark wait.
I will recommend this to those who love Hollywood actor stories, being true to yourself, finding the real you, finding love, accepting love and a great happy ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Mark is living the highlife, he’s a popular actor, he has a beautiful wife, Alex, and the greatest best friend, Zach, but everything begins to fall to pieces when a compromising picture of Mark and Zach leaks out. The producers of his show plan to kill him off, his wife demands a divorce and his best friend turns his back on him, and Mark doesn’t know who to turn to in his time of need except Ross, an old acquaintance who is also in the business. Ross thinks Mark has lost touch with his roots, Mark immersed himself in the Hollywood life and lost some of himself, Ross begins to bring Mark back to what is real and important and Mark acknowledges a part of himself he never really noticed before.
This is an interesting story that while it holds your interest also confuses the senses as you try to make heads and tales of the main character Mark. Mark is straight, he is very happy with his wife, Alex, and enjoys the close friendship he has with his co-worker Zach. With rumours flying about his relationship with Zach among the fans that there is more between them, Mark never examines what he truly feels until he loses it all and he turns to Ross. With Ross Mark can’t help but notice how he feels and although he has to keep things quite, he embraces a side of himself that he has largely ignored.
This is one of those stories that I wasn’t sure how to react to, I really liked that Mark found something special with Ross and really worked at making things right, but I was also vastly disappointed in his reaction to his circumstances caused by his so-called best friend and his wife. Ross is a great character and he isn’t a fool who topples into love, he makes sure that Mark has faced his feelings and really knows what he is getting into, Ross isn’t about to be an experiment or a rebound. Mark is a bit self-centred and is very Hollywood conscious, even when he is trying to do something nice, it’s about how it would make him look.
The writing and storyline are very good, I just found myself lost when it came to Mark, Mark was very casual about his sexuality and discovering his real feelings. I liked Ross a lot, he seemed to be the only solid character who knew what he wanted and didn’t sell himself out for the Hollywood dream. The relationship he has with Mark isn’t easy for him when he can’t be sure that Mark actually knows what he wants, especially after so much turmoil. The sexual relationship between them is great and I am glad that Ross made Mark wait.
I will recommend this to those who love Hollywood actor stories, being true to yourself, finding the real you, finding love, accepting love and a great happy ending.
June 15, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's kind of hard for me to review this one, because it didn't evoke very strong feelings in me.
The beginning of the book felt a bit slow and I must admit I had an instant dislike toward the wife. She seemed detached yet demanding, I don't know, I just couldn't sympathise with her even thoug Mark was hardly perfect himself. What I did like, was how the author made Zach seem very nice and caring before showing his flaws. He was a very interesting character and I kept wondering if there'll ever bee a book about him, because I certainly got the feeling that we barely got to scratch the surface with him.
Ross was a great character, even if I didn't exactly love him, but he was fleshed out in a way that made him seem human and help Mark grow up. There was chemistry and the overall tone of their relationship worked for me.
Especially toward the end I started to really enjoy this book, because of the way Mark had changed and the peace he and Ross seemed to have in their relationship.
Three solid stars from me for this book and I would recommend it for people who want to read a steadily paced story with character growth and romance.
My thanks to the author as well as the DBML program for the chance to read this book.
It's kind of hard for me to review this one, because it didn't evoke very strong feelings in me.
The beginning of the book felt a bit slow and I must admit I had an instant dislike toward the wife. She seemed detached yet demanding, I don't know, I just couldn't sympathise with her even thoug Mark was hardly perfect himself. What I did like, was how the author made Zach seem very nice and caring before showing his flaws. He was a very interesting character and I kept wondering if there'll ever bee a book about him, because I certainly got the feeling that we barely got to scratch the surface with him.
Ross was a great character, even if I didn't exactly love him, but he was fleshed out in a way that made him seem human and help Mark grow up. There was chemistry and the overall tone of their relationship worked for me.
Especially toward the end I started to really enjoy this book, because of the way Mark had changed and the peace he and Ross seemed to have in their relationship.
Three solid stars from me for this book and I would recommend it for people who want to read a steadily paced story with character growth and romance.
My thanks to the author as well as the DBML program for the chance to read this book.
May 16, 2013
3.5 Stars
This is the mostly up, sometimes down, yet always engaging, story of a Midwestern boy who finds fame in Hollywood before he has truly found himself. I enjoyed this story and its’ somewhat unique take on celebrity.
From what I could determine, this is the first published story by the author. He’s off to a good start.
This is a character driven story, which centers on Mark, a charismatic and likeable guy from Minnesota, who bypassed college to pursue a modeling career. Mark eventually makes his way to Hollywood, finds himself on a popular TV series and ends up in a bromance with his co-star, Zach.
Early in his Hollywood days, Mark meets an actress, Alex (Allesandra), who takes an immediate interest in him, and his impending success. The two marry. She proves to be married more to his career, his bank account and his fans than she was to him. She never misses a chance to tweet or post on Facebook about what they are doing, where they are going, or who they’ve been partying with. Alex seems to thrive on the media and fan speculation that Mark and Zach may be “more than friends”....
Read Dianne's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
This is the mostly up, sometimes down, yet always engaging, story of a Midwestern boy who finds fame in Hollywood before he has truly found himself. I enjoyed this story and its’ somewhat unique take on celebrity.
From what I could determine, this is the first published story by the author. He’s off to a good start.
This is a character driven story, which centers on Mark, a charismatic and likeable guy from Minnesota, who bypassed college to pursue a modeling career. Mark eventually makes his way to Hollywood, finds himself on a popular TV series and ends up in a bromance with his co-star, Zach.
Early in his Hollywood days, Mark meets an actress, Alex (Allesandra), who takes an immediate interest in him, and his impending success. The two marry. She proves to be married more to his career, his bank account and his fans than she was to him. She never misses a chance to tweet or post on Facebook about what they are doing, where they are going, or who they’ve been partying with. Alex seems to thrive on the media and fan speculation that Mark and Zach may be “more than friends”....
Read Dianne's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
June 15, 2014
Mark Lawler is doing well for himself as a series regular on a television show. His chemistry with co-star Zach Pericles is grounded in their friendship. However, both seem to want more, unfortunately at different times. Mark's marriage is shattered when a picture of he and Zach is misconstrued. That leads to major career changes instigated by unlikely parties. Fortunately, a high school friend of Mark's, Ross Lockhart is there to help him.
Mark's life undergoes major changes in the book, and while he gets some measure of redemption, how much is up to the reader. I wasn't as convinced that he had really changed. Also, Mark's wife Alex, plays a bigger part in the book than many wives do in this genre, so beware. The main characters are very well written and the flow is well done. Even though it's Hollywood, nothing seems inconceivable except Mark not having any friends outside his show. I would give it 3 stars. This review was written for the Don't Buy My Love program.
Mark's life undergoes major changes in the book, and while he gets some measure of redemption, how much is up to the reader. I wasn't as convinced that he had really changed. Also, Mark's wife Alex, plays a bigger part in the book than many wives do in this genre, so beware. The main characters are very well written and the flow is well done. Even though it's Hollywood, nothing seems inconceivable except Mark not having any friends outside his show. I would give it 3 stars. This review was written for the Don't Buy My Love program.
May 18, 2013
It started off okay, but as I read more and more I felt my teeth clench together tighter and tighter. I really wanted to just smack all the characters and yell, "What the hell?!?!". Whine and obsess much, Mark? Oh, you but you're the ones who are acting betrayed? Insecure, egotistical, childish, etc. are not emotions I want in a grown man as a "hero" of a book.
I guess the writing is great if the emotions that I was feeling are what the author wanted the reader to feel. It's an enigma.
If you want a happy, fluffy story... Turn and run away, do not pass go, do not stop to smell the roses. This is full of angst, whining and other feelings. If you enjoy that stuff, then hey! Here you go. Enjoy!
I guess the writing is great if the emotions that I was feeling are what the author wanted the reader to feel. It's an enigma.
If you want a happy, fluffy story... Turn and run away, do not pass go, do not stop to smell the roses. This is full of angst, whining and other feelings. If you enjoy that stuff, then hey! Here you go. Enjoy!
June 8, 2013
Mark thought he had the perfect life with the perfect wife and a terrific best friend.
That is, until the actor was "outted" innocently.
Mark learns just who his true friends are and how much his life was becoming a Hollywood drama.
Meeting Ross was the Hollywood ending he needed with his life crumpling at his feet. Ross made him become the man he should have been.
Enjoyed this book and have added it to me to be read again pile.
That is, until the actor was "outted" innocently.
Mark learns just who his true friends are and how much his life was becoming a Hollywood drama.
Meeting Ross was the Hollywood ending he needed with his life crumpling at his feet. Ross made him become the man he should have been.
Enjoyed this book and have added it to me to be read again pile.
July 14, 2013
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
This review sums up my 'in two minds' reaction to this book.
This review sums up my 'in two minds' reaction to this book.
maybe-read
April 30, 2013Something about that cover makes me uneasy. Toe-itchingly uneasy.
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