Lights, Camera, Passion

by Isabel Lucero

Playing a lead role in a book-to-movie adaptation with a wild fan base? Sign me up! The only downside is that I'm cast alongside Jacoby "Heartthrob" Hart—Hollywood's golden boy. If only they knew he was an uppity, pompous snob.

We don't get along, and if you're reading the tabloids, you'd assume it was because I "stole" his girlfriend, but they have it all wrong. Jacoby and his cold shoulder started this, and now we're set to play lovers. The only thing I'd love to do is strangle him, but I'm a professional.

Behind the scenes, we're either bickering or avoiding each other, but when the cameras start rolling, I can't believe how much chemistry we have.

One night, during a passionate argument, something happens that I never anticipated. The chemistry that started out as an act turns into much more behind closed doors, but we both have secrets, and Hollywood is a hard place to keep those.

Contains mature themes.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Forced Proximity, Queer

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2024

About the author

Isabel Lucero is a bestselling author, finding joy in giving readers books for every mood.

Born in a small town in New Mexico, Isabel was lucky enough to escape and travel the world thanks to her husband's career in the Air Force. Her and her husband have three kids and two dogs together, and currently reside in Delaware. When Isabel isn't on mommy duty or writing her next book, she can be found reading, or in the nearest Target buying things she doesn't need.

Isabel loves connecting with her readers and fans of books in general. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/authorisabel...
https://twitter.com/AuthorIsabel
http://instagram.com/isabel__lucero
http://authorisabellucero.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[aleksandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

Either I have a very poor reading streak, or I’m in a reading slump, because the last few books were a big disappointment for me. Unfortunately also including this one, which I thought would save me from it considering it was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I was almost sure I would love it. Which obviously did not happen. I mean, it was quite alright, alright meaning — I got bored after fifty percent of the book and I'll definitely forget about this story the day after I finished it. Two weeks after finishing it, I can confirm that I indeed completely forgot almost everything that happened in this book.

In fact, the only things that come to mind about this story are: forgettable, predictable, boring, insta lust/love, also forgettable characters and were they actors? That’s basically it. In the first forty pages our main characters — Roman and Jacoby, accepted their roles, spent three days alone in the cabin, one of them admitted that he already felt something for the other and they started shooting the film. And then suddenly the rest of the book started to bore me, because barely anything interesting happened. Our heroes jumped into bed together pretty quickly and all the tension seemed to disappear between them. When choosing this book, I expected the tension, the longing, pining, frustration at them filming scenes and then constantly thinking about each other, but instead I got the first real kiss at twenty eight percent of the book. And to think they were supposed to be enemies to lovers.. yeah, I don’t think so.

My review wouldn't exist without quotes, or at least a quote that didn't sit right with me in the book, so let's get to it now.

"Depends,” I answer with a shrug. “It’s basically live porn, and I love porn."

Loving porn is a huge red flag. Sorry not sorry.


I literally had to go back to the book to see what the main characters' names were because I even forgot about that. I guess that shows enough how much I enjoyed this story.


*I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lights, Camera, Passion is an amazing opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance. I loved the perfect chemistry between Roman and Jacoby. I enjoyed their petty squabbles and biting remarks to one another, while their simmering chemistry was always present. Their complicated dynamic was one of the most entertaining aspects of their story as they navigate their complex feelings for one another as reluctant costars.

I loved how the feelings between Jacoby and Roman gradually grew, changed and matured naturally as they spent more time with one another while filming. They both quickly learn their assumptions were misguided and their initial impressions of one another were completely wrong.

Their falling for one another is one of my favorite aspects of this story and I could not get enough of these two together. They are both caring, considerate and completely swoon worthy. Their chemistry is natural, relaxed and earnest, which makes for a wonderful romance. Overall Jacoby and Roman fight hard for their relationship and completely deserve every sweet and tender moment after their HEA.

[Kati *☆･ﾟ]

***no rating***
⇢ dropped @40%


Well shit. I was really excited reading this book at the beginning —if not to say giddy. The premise alone totally cranked my engine.

But when the cat was out of the bag as to why they didn’t like each other at around one third of the story I was just soooo underwhelmed… I still am, tbh. To a point where I’m not interested in the rest of it.

I don’t know why there’s certain people in the world who really bring out the worst and most childish in others, but Jacoby is that person for me. I’m not usually this way, so it has to be his fault.

Moving on.

[Mug · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf @ 45% -

❌lights
❌camera
❌passion

first of all, i was really confused when the actual filming of the movie was completely rushed thru….isn’t that the whole point?? 2 actors who hate each other having mad chemistry and falling in love while filming a movie??? the younger cast members are having their own wrap up party bout a week before the actual wrap up party and this is in chapter 13 at 24% in😭😭😭 like whaattttt???? what are we rushing for!! the shooting for the movie scenes are barely shown and what is is minimally detailed. um wtf! i wanted lights, camera, and PASSION pls????? like they basically shoot all the scenes in the background or some overview narration, therefore, there’s basically no build up during the filming like what ??? even when we get to filming the intimate scenes it was all business, no errant sexual tension being desperately suppressed…..like wtf am i here for!? roman accidentally said jacoby’s real name instead of his character’s name in an intimate scene once, but considering the fact i’ve felt not a single drop of sexual tension this whole time, that didn’t serve at all. they had their first real kiss and i felt like dnfing right then and there😭 kept going and read thru 2 more real sex scenes and it was so awkward and somehow completely devoid of sexual tension or chemistry, quite literally some of the unsexiest shit i’ve read😭😭😭 just STALE in all areas really🥱

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: actors, enemies to lovers, miscommunication
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: dead parents, homophobic parents, misunderstandings

3.25 stars

Jacoby is 29, gay and very closeted. Roman is 24, bi, and closeted but open to coming out. They are both long time actors. They are cast as gay lovers in a angsty and sexually explicit Hollywood movie. They both secretly had a crush on the other. But there is animosity between them. Roman thinks it's because he accidentally dated a woman that Jacoby was fake dating at the time, so he thinks Jacoby blames him for his girlfriend being faithless. But really that's not it, Jacoby heard from a friend that Roman said some homophobic s***and trashed Jacoby. Really it was a dumb miscommunication, Roman was just in the closet and trying to stay there. I wasn't impressed by Jacoby's refusal to tell Roman why he was mad at him, that's deliberate miscommunication trope being thrown in. Jacoby can't rightfully be mad at Roman when he won't have a discussion about it and tell him why he's mad or give him a chance to defend himself.

This book got off to a really slow start chemistry-wise. When I'm reading a book in my Kindle app, I use the highlighter in a color-coded way. I highlight passages that I enjoyed with yellow. Plot points I want to remember in blue. And passages I disliked in red. I think it says something when the first passage that I highlighted in yellow was on page 7. And the next passage that I enjoyed enough to yellow highlight wasn't until the 72% mark. This book had a lot of wasted opportunity during the first 55% or so of the book. There wasn't a lot of chemistry between the characters. They were kind of like cardboard cutouts together. They didn't seem very attracted to each other, there wasn't a sensuality between them or any real sexual tension. Which is crazy because during that time period they were filming a romantic movie that was full of very explicit sex scenes that they filmed. So they were being all up in each other's business but there wasn't a spark between them at all. And to some extent that is a positive because they were able to be professional working together and they weren't sexually harassing each other at work. But I think the author really missed an opportunity to convey growth of feelings, awareness of the other person, pining for the other person, and attraction. During the first 60%, all we got was the occasional case of them telling the reader they liked the other person, but the author wasn't showing us that - there were no moments of hitched breath, prolonged eye contact, or any kind of sensuality.

After the first 60%, they met again and they decided to give what they had together a shot. And they started regularly having sex. So with that naturally the reader could see their sexual preoccupation with each other. And as they started talking more and opening up about their past and meeting each other's sisters, and talking about some of the things that were important to them, you could see that there was a compatibility between them and that there were feelings developing. Again it was more the author telling us than showing us, she didn't really convey things subtly.

Things I liked:
- Finally some sensuality between them at 61%! Licking lips and staring, sharing significant eye contact. Finally!
- I liked the banter between them
- I liked the close relationship they both had with their sisters. Their sisters seem like cool people, supportive
- I liked that Jacoby trusted Roman when it came to Emerson. Emerson was a current friend and former f*** buddy of Roman's who clearly was in love with Roman. There was a moment where Jacoby could have listened to paparazzi gossip and gotten jealous, but he just talked to Roman and I thought that was mature and a good sign that he trusted Roman.
- I liked how supportive Jacoby was when it came to Roman's dead parents. There were some real emotional moments between them around that.

Things I didn't like:
- The absolute lack of chemistry during the first 50% or so of the book
- It was really hard to tell when we were getting Jacoby's versus Roman's POV. Their voices were far too similar. And they both had sisters and colleagues/friends that they were talking to, I had to keep reading back passages carefully to figure out whose POV I was reading. It's tiring to do that and reduced my enjoyment.
- At one point, Roman was telling Jacoby about how before they had ever met Roman was falling for Jacoby. And the use of the term falling for just rang my bullshit alarm, you can't fall for someone who's just an actor that you've seen perform. You don't know them, it's just a crush. And Jacoby just jumped on the use of that phrase as if it was some big meaningful thing, and I was just giving them the side eye.
- They are so cringe in how they hit on each other in their early relationship (e.g. page 108). And the way that they used the word experiences when asking about their same sex relationship history. Asking things like "have you had many experiences", just rang my cringe alarm. They used the word experiences multiple times and it just didn't seem like natural conversation.
- Page 163 - that was a perfect example of the lack of sensuality that this author writes with sometimes. They were about to have sex. The moment they get on the bed they go straight to applying lube to dick and hole. There's no sensuality at all, no hard breathing, no touching, no foreplay.
- Comment at 48% that made it obvious to the reader that these guys didn't have strong enough chemistry or feeling for each other: "We’re not in love. Sometimes I feel like we hardly like each other. We’re simply attracted to each other." And then at the 51% mark "“I don’t know if he’s who I should come out for.”"
- Their coming out to their professional people before they came out to the public was very dry and cardboard like. It was like a paint by numbers moment of actions. I haven't read a lot of books by this author, but just from multiple instances within this particular book, I think the author has a bad tendency to tell rather than show and to not be subtle.


I was happy with their public coming out. I liked the message that they were trying to convey about not making their sexualities a big deal. I thought it was meaningful as a message. I liked their statements. Also when they refused to come out when they were being rudely questioned about playing a queer character as a straight actor, I liked how they responded. I am a big proponent of not making assumptions about people's sexuality or gender identity or health or mental struggles. You never know what that person is just not telling people. And I think you should make everyone feel safe and welcome and not judged. How Jacoby's parents were with him and his sister being gay angers me. Standing on my soapbox, you shouldn't have a child unless you're willing to love them unconditionally, and for it not to matter if they are queer or trans.

Some notable moments:

"“Funny that you see the word douchebag and automatically assume I’m talking about you.”"

"“You want to wine and dine me?” He dips his chin. “I do.” “Okay, but you’re spoiling me a lot today. I should do something for you.” “Like what?” I shimmy down his legs until my knees hit the ground near his feet. “I’ll think of something, but for now…” Jacoby puts his hands behind his head and spreads his legs. “By all means.”"

*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.

**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.

[Jamie]

nah

[hope]

dnf due to the serve lack of chemistry 😭

i'm still in disbelief that this didn't work for me because this was most anticipated read for the year. i will never recover from this disappointment 💔💔💔💔

[reverie · Rating 3 out of 5]

firmly in the "this wasn't good, but i enjoyed myself" category. could have done with another 50+ pages to expand on them getting to know each other, but i still devoured this and had a good time in one sitting.

[babygyalreadit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ate so bad!!

The chemistry and the storyline were so perfect together. I loved both men equally. Watching them go from enemies to friends to lovers was so sweet. Nothing a bit of forced proximity and communication can’t fix!

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

- celebs/costars
- enemies to lovers
- opposites attract
- secret relationship
- bi awakening

CW: mentions of parental death & grief

Lights, Camera, Passion was such a fun and sexy read, something I have always come to expect from Lucero. I really loved the enemies to lovers dynamic between Rome and Jacoby. The banter and growing tension between them was fantastic, and when things kicked up a notch I was not disappointed with the spice.

That being said, when things got a bit more emotionally in depth between the two, it sort of lost me. Things just felt a bit too easy between them, and conflicts wrapped up too neatly. Overall though, I really enjoyed this!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! This one hooked me right from the first page, i literally couldn’t put it down. The tension between Roman and Jacoby was crazy hot right from the beginning. I loved these guys so much, they were just so sweet together, eventually lol. Tropes for this one included enemies to lovers, opposites attract, and a secret relationship.

[Miss S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I never want this to end”

What to expect:
❥ Dual POV ❥ MM Romance ❥ Celebrities
❥ Forced Proximity ❥ Coming Out ❥ Enemies to Lovers
❥ Secret Relationship ❥ Opposites Attracts ❥ Low Angst ❥ HEA

So, I just washed my face because I looked like a panda from crying off my makeup in the last 10 % of this book.

This book is incredibly sweet and low angst, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for some serious swooning. I swooned so hard.

Roman and Jacoby are total opposites, one is loud and outgoing while the other is controlled in everything he does and says. They are both actors, and are starring in the same movie, which forces them to spend a lot of time together, and that causes some issues since they don’t like each other at all. Yet, they have both been attracted to each other for years, so there is this whole sexy hate chemistry going on with lots of banter and bickering.

“I’ve fantasized about you before I even met you”

Things does get rather steamy, but it’s all very complicated since they’re both in the closet. Their feelings grow as they get to know each other better, and they are having a hard time staying away from each other, which involves sweet and sexy secret meetings and stolen touches.

“I want you to be slow and deliberate. I want you to worship me”

These guys are simply the sweetest, most passionate and adorable couple. I was constantly swooning. There were some insecurities, but they were still so verbal with what they wanted and how they were feeling. And those feelings… I can’t believe I cried over sweet words. I devoured this book within 24 hours, and it’s going to be one of my comfort books on a bad day, because this book is a guarantee for brining some smiles.

“Holy fuck, I think I’m obsessed with you”

I’ll just add that one of my embarrassing cries was caused by a very sad scene concerning Roman’s loss of his parents. This can be triggering to some.

“I have so much life left, and they won’t see any of it”

Song to set the mood: Haiden Henderson - Deep End

I was so lucky to receive this ARC to review with my honest opinion.

Read the full review on my blog here.

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nice and sweet. The pace was a bite fast, specially in the filming part. Needed more drama and Hollywood shenanigans, but overall it was totes adorbes 💖 💖💖

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Roman and Jacoby are actors and despise each other. They are both in the same movie, based on a book, about two guys, two lovers.
Imagine the difference in front or behind the cameras. Still, they have to act as if they are friends in real life, just for their fans. Pfffew thank goodness they are actors, or else.

The cause of this all… they had a few awful encounters in the past.
Pssst, *whispers behind hand* based on misinformation.

There’s a chemistry that can’t be denied. The heat was dripping from the pages.
They’re actors, not out, not now, maybe later, maybe never. It’s so complicated.

“His mouth opens as he takes in slow and deep breaths, and I have the thought that he may be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Bit by bit, and beautifully done, the story unravels the layers of Roman and Jacoby, watch them!

The enemies-to-lovers part worked convincingly. The course of the story was absolutely fabulous, it felt honest and so natural. Their lovemaking was just a piece of art.
I loved their characteristics, introvert, extrovert, bossy, puppy excitement, prickly, serious, timid, there’s so much to know about these ultimate lovable men.
The author has a kind, decent, strongly captivating way of writing. The story had my attention from page one till the very last one!
Recommendation worthy!

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A STEAMY MM romance with actors who hate eachother, rivals to lovers with a dash of forced proximity, banters, sweet & emotional moments, secret relationship, & eventually coming out!
I loved Roman & Jacoby, their sisters are lovely too. Devoured my #ARC in 7hrs!

Roman is 24, talkative, flashy, easygoing. As an actor, he finally gets a movie starring role in a book-to-film adaptation of a gay romance. BUT his Co-Star is Jacoby!
Jacoby is 29, quiet, introvert, serious & a great actor. I liked to see J's cocky, confident side when he's in his element & R's shy side then 🤭, Opposites attract 😉.

Their hatred of eachother stems from misunderstandings. It's fun to uncover– what why & when. Now due to working together, there's bickering, teasing, tensions & eventually the truths 😍. Oh the sparks fly high! 🥵 Crushes? Fling? MORE?

They're both closeted, with much on line. With fears, insecurities, hopes. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of feels. But when they're in, ALL IN! So sexy & love me a vers couple 🥰. This story is so much fun! RTC.

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5❤️/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😁😆😉😳🥺😩🤣😋😭😍🤫🤭😯🥵🥰
4) Steamy scenes: 4/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Love, Stardom, Coming out) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5

[Grace Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Isabel Lucero book & I’m blown away!! I loved this book so much. The premise is such a good idea, us romance lovers always want actors to be together in real life & this fed that desire 😍 Roman and Jacoby get to bring a book adaptation to life, while not really liking each other enough to work together 😂. From some past miscommunication, they both harbor bad feelings about each other, that once cleared up, the tension changes 🥵

These two are so passionate, they are so sweet and their banter is so well done. I wanted to squeeze them and hold them forever. Very well done 🥹

[Sid · Rating 3 out of 5]

oh that's super cute

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman and Jacobys story is an adorable low angst double celebrity romance! They don’t really know each other, but between things said and done in Hollywood, they’re not each other’s biggest fans. That all changes when they are cast in a movie together and the on screen chemistry spills over into real life feelings! Ugh it’s so adorable how they fall and try to navigate their feelings outside of the spotlight. They are filming a very much loved queer books movie adaption and the fans are falling for them right along side their real life secret romance, I loved every second of it honestly. Roman and Jacobys banter was a highlight for me, so funny and natural. So, if you love celebrities falling in love, chemistry on and off screen and just adults being mature about falling for each other, you’ll love this one.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like if actors from your fave queer movies/shows actually fell in love IRL. (Think RWRB, Elite, Young Royals, etc)

This was zero angst. I did find the characters indistinguishable at times. There were several instances where it felt like something dramatic was going to happen but nothing did. The pacing was kind of off. I wanted more relationship building. I wish the book was dedicated to filming their movie together and seeing that dynamic really build over time.

However, this was so stinking sweet that I did like Jacoby and Roman. They were sexy and swoony together. I loved their banter and passion. They did bring out the best in each other! I loved that they finally found their forever person!

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacoby is not a moanable name. Roman is one of God's strongest soldiers. Also, probably why he kept calling out to God and not, you know, Jacoby.

This book is so idyllic, and ordinarily I'd hate the hell out of it. But you know what? I love when the big bad doesn't come knocking. We can have a little idealism. As a treat.

There was a moment where I thought I'd have to tag this with my dreaded MCs I'd never forgive. Really glad to have been wrong.

“I’ve been trying to play it cool, afraid I was feeling things you weren’t, but my god, all I want is to be with you. Every minute of the day is littered with thoughts of you and hopes for us.”

Sorry, but I'd fold embarrassingly quickly.

I loved so much about these two.

Including the fact that they were into each other before they met.

Including the fact that the reason Jacoby was a being a dick to Roman wasn't spun as something that had been a misunderstanding.

Including the fact that they made a conscious effort to communicate. Especially given their past. I loved that they talked about stuff, even when it could be embarrassing.

Including the fact that Roman was willing to show his cards, emotionally, again and again, until Jacoby opened up.

Including the fact that Jacoby was so deathly scared but when he committed? Yeah. No half measures for my man.

I loved everything about this. It was the right amount of snark, but cute and funny and sweet and ugh!

[haletostilinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐︎ 3.5 stars rounded up ⭐︎

My second outing with this author was better than the first, buttt...not a whole lot better.

Overall, I found this more enjoyable than my first try with this author, but it was still lacking that something to make me truly love it.

I rounded up instead of down because even though I wasn't entirely happy with how everything was handled, I still found enough enjoyment in what I was reading that it wouldn't have felt right to round down.

I liked Roman and Jacoby together. The "enemies" portion was very...so-so, so I didn't bother to tag it, just love/hate as they did have a bit of a back and forth for a good portion of this because of misunderstandings, before they cleared it all up and it was all love.

But did they ever intensely hate each other? Nah. Especially when we learn they both had crushes on each other before they ever met, before misunderstandings got between them.

So, I liked these two, and they had sweet moments together, and they had enough going for them to have me, for the most part, engaged throughout.

Buttt...I had to give this 3.5 stars because...it did get a tad slow at places, especially near the end. I almost skimmed because I just couldn't find it in myself to care about their scenes with their sisters or best friends or whatever. I just didn't really care about the secondary characters. And while I liked Roman and Jacoby, I didn't love them, so I was just practically feeling done with this story by around 80%, and kinda wanted it to get on with it. But I kept reading and the last 20% was fine.

I do wish this had had a lot more focus on their time filming the movie. I actually was bummed that there was barely any scenes of them filming it, and even when it did focus on them filming, the scenes were very short, very quickly described but not written out. We only got a few scenes fully written out, and even though weren't as detailed as I would have liked.

Like...these two are supposed to fall in love - or have intense hatred which could have great 'i hate you but am so attracted to you' vibes - but we never got any description of them being attracted while filming those scenes. It was all "they were very professional and once they finished, then they barely spoke to each other" blah blah blah, like...okay, but I want to see them be very unprofessional and get all the unexpected feels and attraction during those scenes. Like...they were playing romantic leads! They played being in love with each other! Very attracted to each other! And I was getting nothing with the few glimpses we got of the filming.

It was very disappointing, overall. And like sure, once their relationship developed and they realize their feelings for each other, that was all well and good - although could have been better - but I'm just like...oh, so they felt nothing during the kiss and sex scenes they had to film? How boring.

And like I get in real life if it's like that, but I want more juiciness in my book, more titillating moments to feast on.

Everything just happened so...perfectly, so easily. By that I mean that they hid their relationship well, they got to tell people when they were ready - except for one moment that was a bit iffy that another actress walked in on, but it wasn't them kissing or anything, just standing real close together, so they were even able to kinda explain that away a bit - and they got to come out on their own terms.

Which in real life, that's absolutely wonderful - but...I'm expecting a bit more drama from two actors falling in love with each other with a massive fanbase from a book who had to hide their relationship for a bit. I'm thinking if Taylor Zahkar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine all the sudden game out as queer and that they were in a relationship. That would be a huge, massive deal and we'd all go crazy over that news.

Which, we're told the fans did...at the VERY very end after they did everything proper, made statements, all that good stuff...but we weren't really shown it...and they didn't have some dramatic reveal of their relationship where they were photographed when they shouldn't have been, etc etc...all very near and nice and drama free, really. It didn't make for the most exciting end to the story.

Still enjoyable, still likable, but not amazing. I just expected more and everything happened too easily, too neatly.

So it was good, but not amazing. Hence my 3.5 rating. But Roman and Jacoby were likable enough together for me to round up instead of down on that.

Since this was better than my first outing with this author, I'm not opposed to reading more. Buttt...I'm not chomping at the bit to read more either. Like...if another book with an intriguing blurb like this one had come out by this author, I'll give it a read. But otherwise I won't be seeking out more from this author.

So if you dive into this yourself, I wouldn't expecting amazingness, but still an enjoyable read overall.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love romances in the entertainment world, be it acting, singing, dancing, you name it. It’s always so much fun! And I really loved reading this one!
‌
At the start, there is a lot of heated UST, tension, and animosity between Roman and Jacoby, and it is just delicious. We also get to read about them filming the movie and what they say in character, which I thought was fun!
‌
While filming they have to pretend to be friends, and there is just so much tension between the two as they work to get on the same page and clear up previous misconceptions and misunderstandings. I love how they learn about who the other is as a person, not the public persona and actor. Once the two start falling for each other, they are so smitten and sweet together, I just loved it!

There is no third act breakup, which honestly I had been waiting for, and we have two men who just fall totally for each other, enough to risk the consequences of coming out, to have love and happiness in their lives. No stupid big misunderstandings, no melodrama. This was sweet, sexy, with enjoyable minor characters and friendships, and I really loved reading this.

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Marina]

Tried twice to read it but I'm just not feeling it.

[Jess.bookrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this gave me the same serotonin that reading Cupid Calling by Viano Oniomoh gave me.
It was so so so good.. I binge read it and I had so much fun. There were a lot of miscommunications between the MMC’s which Ik can be off putting but I ate it up; infact I think the miscommunication did a lot for the development of the story.
The emotional intimacy was not the highest and that’s where it falls short of 5 stars for me, I feel like there is a lot about the way Roman and Jacoby were raised individually that made them who they are but that wasn’t touched on enough which made it hard for me to appreciate their individual character arcs and have a connection with any of them
The physical intimacy was good tho.. not too much… just enough for their story. I appreciated the amount of emotions the author put into it when necessary.
All in all, this is probably sitting up there with some of my favorite reads so far.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[kylie ‧₊˚☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ahhh i flew through this book, it was such a cute and easy read! perfect if you need a palette cleanser between the angsty reads

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This story was so freaking wonderful, I enjoyed it very much. It felt like I was reading two stories in one (one the movie they were filming and the other their own story) and I liked both of them. I love the author's writing style and the way she writes the emotions and the swoony moments gahhhh I am a sucker for them and this book had it all.

Jacoby Hart is a Hollywood heartthrob and a famous actor but he is hiding a secret which makes him put a big wall in front of him and act accordingly because he is scared his secret might be revealed.
Roman Black is a Hollywood actor who is new in the industry not literally but recently his movies have started getting attention and gained him quite a popularity. He is also a very happy-go-lucky person but it is a front he uses to hide his grief.
Roman and Jacoby both are cast for an adaption of a book into the movie, which is also a queer movie but they both kinda hate each other. Jacoby and Roman both had a misunderstanding in the past because of which they hated each other but in reality, they might had a crush on each other. But once they cleared all the misunderstandings, they had a sizzling hot chemistry.

I enjoyed all their scenes, even though they were opposite from each other they were perfect together. I liked how Jacoby could be himself around Roman and Roman even if he was sassy, he would be vulnerable with Jacoby. Their relationship had some ups and downs but I loved their HEA, it was so satisfying.
I loved their sisters and Faye and how supportive they were, the moments they had with them were my favourites.

I highly recommend you start this book if you like opposite attracts, low angst and enemies to lovers trope.

* I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency and this is my honest review *

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

Lights, Camera, Passion in my opinion was a unique book. Two actors, Jacoby and Roman, who are playing in a big role in a romance book, turning into a movie adaptation. Both Jacoby and Roman start off as enemies. Although they are enemies, they are still aware of how great of an actor the other is, plus what they are usually up to (social media, paparazzi, etc.).
I would say at least the first half of the book truly had me wanting to read more. Sometimes they would drive me a bit mad haha because my gosh could they at least let the other finish their sentence before saying "I'm leaving" or "I dont want to listen anymore".
The main 'issue' was a mixture between miscommunication/misunderstanding (kind of). Roman and Jacoby just had to sit down and listen to each other out. And they did.... Eventually. They just had to drag it out for us.
By the end, it was very much the HEA anyone could want where everything you want for the MCs would be accomplished. Overall, it was a good read totally different from my first book from this author, which was Dysfunctional. There is tension between the MCs and everyone on set because they feel them not getting along, banter, and bickering. Looking forward to reading what other books this author has published.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆

𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖:🔥🔥
𝕃𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕤:🤣🤣
𝕋𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤:🥲
𝕄ℂ𝕤: Jacoby, Roman
ℙ𝕆𝕍: 1st, Dual.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤: Enemies to Lovers, Secret Relationship, Opposites Attract

Segundo libro que leo de Isabel y me ha encantado, en este libro te enamoras fácilmente de los perosnajes y su historia, la química entre ellos es genial los persones secundarios son demasiado agradables y ni hablar de las hermanas de Jacoby y Roman son las mejores. Pero estos protas definitivamente te roban el corazón con su historia, aclaro que no es el mejor libro pero una vez que entras no puedes dejar de leer.

[꧁•Zakiyya•꧂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟's

I was not expecting this to be such a light read but I still found it enjoyable, mostly because the characters were really interesting.

Once you get into it you don’t even notice the length or how fast you’ve reached the end.

The characters were well fleshed out but I have to say their story was not as exciting as I would have liked it to be.

One thing I can say for sure however, was that Roman and Jacoby were extremely hot together... 💖💙💙🥰🔥