Change My Ticket

by Zarah Detand

Where Hollywood glamour meets London lab coats! Dive into a world where a reluctant Hollywood heartthrob finds solace in the company of a witty lab researcher. Amidst British charm and cheeky banter, will two guys from different worlds discover their very own happily ever after?

Gabe Duke, once a teen sensation in spandex, is on a mission. His newest role? Portraying a molecular biologist, a departure from his superhero days. But when it comes to understanding the world of labs and DNA, Gabe’s feeling out of his depth—until he stumbles upon Ray Fadil.

Ray, a lab researcher with a sharp wit, has always steered clear of the limelight. Unaware of Gabe’s fame, he offers insights into the scientific world, while Gabe brings a touch of the unexpected into Ray’s structured life. Amidst picnicking skeletons and dares, the two strike an unlikely friendship.

But the glamour of Hollywood shadows their budding bond. Gabe is hesitant to acknowledge their growing attraction—after all, he’s not about to give an industry outsider a guided tour of his closet. Yet when a twist of fate pushes Gabe to Ray’s doorstep, emotions simmer, and London’s cold winter might just melt under their heat.


This British contemporary MM romance navigates the intersections of fame and privacy, trust and fear, with smart dialogue and a slow-burn connection. As secrets unravel and friendships deepen, two hearts grapple with the choice between the limelight and a quieter, genuine love. Dive into a world where a Hollywood icon and a med-school dropout prove that love, above all, writes the best stories!

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Queer, Slow Burn, Gay

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2023

About the author

Writer of M/M romances. Chaos monkey. Coffee snob. Cheese is her love language.

People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.

Reviews

[Bookreader87(Amanda) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

The beginning had potential. A movie star and a regular person meet and become friends with the eventual possibility of more. Unfortunately the more took way too long to come into existence and by the time it came I was over it.

I wanted to like the book but Ray, one of the main MCs, made it difficult. Gabe is a movie star who is in the closet. Initially Ray doesn't know Gabe is gay. They spend time together and get to know each other. There are sparks but Ray never allows himself to believe someone like Gabe could want him. Something major happens that causes the two of them to become closer but once again Ray's insecurities rip their chances apart.

I don't mind slow burns but give me some tension. Give me something to root for while the burn is catching. These two spent most of the book in a tentative friendship. It took until the 79% mark before something between these two finally happened. But by the 85% mark it all blows up and it isn't until the 97% mark where it was worked out. There just wasn't enough time with them actually being together for me to believe they would work as a couple.

I did like parts of the book. The side characters were all really good people in the MCs lives. Ray's family was kind and his mother was amazing. His best friends were good for him and Gabe's best friend Charlie was a stand up guy. Everything was there for the making of a great read but the romance just couldn't catch fire.

I liked the idea but not the execution.

[ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notting Hill meets heavily disguised Harry/Zayn AU fanfic? Super cute

[BeckieLouLou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. The vibe here is sweet and calm with a simmering low-key type of angst. Not big and flashy and passionate, but a slow simmering angsty sadness about meeting the right person at the wrong time. The MCs are lovely, we learn all about them, their families and friends. It’s a big cast but done well, everyone is memorable in their way, adding a great deal of humor, perspective and personality, never got confusing, which is a great accomplishment with this many people.

This story was about the JOURNEY, about the getting-to-know-you phase of a relationship. More than 3/4 of the book is that phase with an added layer of he-can’t-be-mine due to various circumstances. MCs are young, early 20s, written in a mature and level-headed way. Slow burn, almost no burn as they fumble through their attraction, spice is minimal and fades to black. We don’t get to see this couple be together for many pages, maybe a couple chapters at the most as they don’t officially get together until the very end. Recommended for folks that like the journey part of a romance story.

Contemporary, m/m, famous, actor/celebrity, normal guy, HEA, London.

I recently finished You’re My Beat by this same author and it is an epically angsty friends-to-lovers that I highly recommend. Very different level of angst from Change My Ticket, but full of the push/pull, passion and uncertainty that goes with young love. The couple in You’re My Beat also don’t get together until the very very end of the story, maybe that is a hallmark of this author?

[Marthea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2+
Nie wiem, czy to po prostu niezmiernie przeciętna historia, czy źle mi trafiła w czas, ale to do tej pory zdecydowanie najsłabsza książka Zarah Detand, którą czytałam. Zupełnie nie mogłam się zahaczyć w historii, bohaterowie ani mnie grzali, ani ziębili, zupełnie tego nie zapamiętam.
Zaokrąglam w górę do trzech, bo w końcu pojawił się epilog 😉

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe Duke, a raising Hollywood hearthrob, finds himself in an unlikely and surprising friendship with Ray Fadil, a lab researcher, whom Gabe meets accidentally while learning for his latest role as molecular biologist. But this friendship is proven very significant for Gabe because that first meeting, Ray didn't recognize Gabe as famous actor. And when Gabe is in need for hideaway, Ray is there for him.

I think Zarah Detand slowly emerged as one of my favorite MM authors this year. I found her earlier works to be just "okay" (I even DNF'ed one) but then the last several recent of works of her truly did me in. I just love how she wrote the connections between the two main lead characters. It feels so natural and intimate.

I loved how Gabe and Ray connected - all those talks, banters, watching Dirty Dancing, eating desserts... and then later on, being with the amazing Fadil family when spending Christmas. I know it is a probably weird description but I felt peaceful when reading this. I adored the friends surrounding Gabe and Ray - from Patrick, to Charlie, to Andrew... and the family members as well.

Yes, I thought the third-act breakup was silly and unnecessary, especially because it was all about Ray being too much in his head, not feeling like he was worthy to be in Gabe's world (stupid, stupid young man!), and I thought Ray probably will need more groveling... but I loved the whole book too much for this one aspect. And that epilogue... another peaceful gentle moment from Detand (I noticed that from one of her more recent title, Amid Our Lines).

Just lovely, LOVELY book!

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noticing that this author writes grest books but I find the grovels unsatisfying. Though to be fair, the crimes committed in this one were War Crimes Lite™

I loved the moment Ray realized definitively that he was in love with Gabe. I loved everything about Gabe. Minus the obliviousness. But that was a mutual affliction so maybe it cancels out?

I love that the friends to both MCs pointed out to the offender that he'd have to initiate the reconciliation since he's the one who fucked up. There's nothing I dislike more than the offended party STILL having to be the one to make the overtures.

Overall this book read like a romance between real people that I could possibly know, not just characters I'm reading about.

That said, it was a little tame, hence the rating.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow burn through baggage
with cameos no-one needs.
Fine; uninspired.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel I've read by this author, and I'm glad I took a chance. There's a little more angst than I usually prefer, but it's well-grounded and well-written. All the characters are excellent, and the ending is just perfect. I'll be hunting through what else she's written, but even if no others appeal, this was a winner.

[Manfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful surprise. This was my first book by this author but it will definitely not be the last. Average guy meets movie star befriends him and falls in love.
It's not really about the big events and dramas in this story, it's about their journey, the insecurities, the fun times and the obstacles they face.
Interesting characters and conversations, it's a feelgood story even though there are a few throwbacks and not just smooth sailings.
The problems are real but they are not blown out of proportion which again was a big bonus.
It took some time for me to get into the writing style but once in the flow I just loved it.
Overall a great read and a 4.5 star story for me.

[DJO · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Oh, I liked this a lot. I’m a sucker for the famous guy meets regular guy trope and very much enjoyed how this story played out. This was a new-to-me author and I really gelled with her. Her writing was thoughtful, engaging, entertaining, and well-paced. Lots of lovely, well-turned phrases. I esp enjoyed the dialogue—often witty and always real. Every character felt fleshed out and authentic. The friendships betw the MCs and their respective BFFs were simply lovely. As was Ray’s family. The way they took Gabe in at Christmas and treated him like a regular Joe made my heart glow.

Ray and Gabe were a great couple. I was rooting for them every step of the way. They were awkward and adorable and frustrating all at once. No doubt Ray was trying at times and a bit of a hot mess. It was exactly as his friends said—he couldn’t get out of his own way. And I gotta say his decision to try to rectify things with Gabe at the movie premiere of all places was painful to read and had me squirming. I get why the author went there but it did make me cringe a bit. But I loved Ray. How could I not? He and Gabe were both just so freaking lovable.

All in all, a charming, heartwarming story. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Cute

This is a very cute story. I enjoyed reading the majority of it. There was a part or two that kind of took away from the story a bit for me but I'm glad I read it.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet as Always

I love all of Zarah’s books! They’re sweet and funny and total page turners. I go through these faster than any other authors books because I never want to put them down.

[Anaide · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was cute, sweet and so tender. It was a slow burn and the conversations and awkwardness that comes with the territory of a new love interest felt on point. Both characters had a lot of issues, but the way it was delt with wasnt forced. And even though the issues were quite serious the book did not drown in it. I just loved it.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

the ending seemed rushed. this book would have benefitted from being a duet

[Anastacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Not bad, not good. Very much a kindle unlimited read.

[E.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

This book had all the ingredients of a good british rom-com. It's funny and mostly light with layers of harder and deeper subjects (homophobic parents, forced coming-out, death of a parent in the near past) mixed in. It was a good balance of cute and angsty with just the right amount of found family thrown into the mix. Plus, if you've read the author's other books, there's some easter eggs in there too. I'll admit, this was my first forey into Zarah's universe but even I can link a blurb with mentionned characters. I'm sure it's a lot more fun when you've read the refered books, but honestly I didn't feel like I missed anything. It just made me want to check out the other couples.

I loved the banter both between the MCs and between them and their friends and family. The secondary characters were well rounded and fleshed out without taking over the story, but they also weren't just there to nudge the characters in the right direction (even if they do that as well). They felt like true characters, not just accessories there to say the right thing when the plot needed it.

The main characters are both very insecure, but they have reasons to be and it was interesting to peel back the layers and discover more of them during the story. And their friendship is just so, so sweet. I wasn't a huge fan of the 3rd act conflict, but really it's one you see coming from the start and it's not a surprise. I did love how it was resolved though, and each character's reaction to "The Grand Gesture". The epilogue rounds up the story nicely and by then I was happy with where the story ends, ready to let go of the characters reassured they would make it and keep their HEA for the foreseeable future.

The blurb mentions Christmas, and there is a bit of it, but if you're a seasonal mood reader I really think this is a book you can read anytime. Christmas is more of a background, not a character of the story. It's more about a family reunion than Santa, presents, and Christmas carols.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. It didn't influence my review in any way.

[Reading Rommance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another slow burn from Zarah Detand! This was just as fun as the last one. Gabe and Ray are both wonderful characters. I loved their insecurities and how they fit so well together. Gabe’s family added some drama and Ray’s family was absolutely wonderful. These two had a great story. I wish there wasn’t a short time jump, but only because I wanted these two together so badly. 1/5 spice levels.

[Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite book from the author so far. Ray and Gabe are both really sweet and I really enjoyed having a double POV showing their insecurities and fears; their falling-in-love journey from each of their perspectives and what they loved about each other. The book is sweet while being complex, tackling a few difficult topics without extreme depth but in a very conscious way.

Beware of TW such as homophobia, a kid being kicked out of their house for being gay, abusive parents, being outed, being sold to the media, death of a parent, grief, anxiety, panic attacks, self doubt and extreme insecurity.

The secondary characters, as always with this author, were more than on point. The friendship between Ray, Patrick and Andrew, their whole dares thing, their banter and their loyalty was literally heart warming. Same goes for Gabe and his best mate Charly. Gabe’s sister and Ray’s sisters and mother are also very sweet and portrayed as complex human beings, even though some of them have only brief appearances in the book.

The friendship between the two MCs, their affection, the way their bond grows through time and how they are there for each other as friends first, plus their humor, inner jokes and soft mocking each other come across very relatable and thoroughly lovely. And I also really liked both their individual archs, how each of them grew a bit into themselves and figured out some stuff along the way.

What I didn’t love was the last 10% of the book. Ultimately, the “conflict” comes across as unnecessary and, honestly, not very believable. I’m not gonna clarify because it would be an unnecessary spoiler, but honestly the way they come together naturally and organically just for them to fall apart a second later over
something honestly quite ridiculous , doesn’t make a lot of sense. The resolution later on follows the same lines. If the problem is Ray being overtly insecure and literally not being able to even realise that he has one or many problems with himself, needing therapy and a grief counselling group; him realising so a three days later, writing the whole thing down and immediately putting it into practise, getting also a new clarity on what he wants to study, plus the almost miraculous ability to afford it thanks to an arrangement with his workplace, plus going back to working out, all in three months…? Yeah, not very likely. And even if that was the case, him getting literally all his sh*t together in 3 months in every aspect, but not even sending a message to Gabe?! Overly unrealistic, borderline fantastic. The way they come back together after one conversation in a very public setting that actually none of them are really comfortable with because they are both introverts… also quite far from the rest of the narration of the book. . So, basically, the ending (which develops entirely in the last 15% of the book, biggest “conflict” included), is really not very realistic, nor is the resolution.

I was a bit disappointed by the s*x scene (singular, there is only one in the book, plus a couple of hints). Won’t explain further though because it would spoil the book, but compared to other books from this author, I found it disappointing and found myself thinking that maybe none would have been better.

The epilogue is nice, if a bit out of context (we don’t even know how much time has passed between the previous chapter and the epilogue) and some parts of it ring quite random (Ray and Gabe have been together for months, they are ready to move in together, but they haven’t gotten around to using “babe” or any other pet names till that moment? Mmm not really buying that one) . But it was nice overall.

Which applies to the whole book in my opinion: some parts of it rung a bit out of context and some border impossible to believe, but I really liked the story as a whole.

[Hira Chaudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this book! This story just completely made my life complete, and I am now totally in love with Ray and Gabe.

Gabe and Ray meet when they run into each other in a medical research building, where Gabe is finishing up a scene for his latest movie, and Ray is sneaking into his lab to complete a dare from his two best friends. Gabe decides to ask Ray to help him get into the head of his character with information about what it's like to be a researcher in exchange for not outing Ray for his antics.

The two of them meet up a few times, and then they start texting, and the friendship that blossoms between them is like nothing either of them has really experiences before. Ray has never liked someone romantically who was actually a decent person. And Gabe has never met someone he likes so much he wonders what it would be like to be out and open with Ray.

But when Gabe's time in London comes to an end, Ray is certain he will never hear from the movie star again. He is certain that they were just strangers on a train, and that it was fun while it lasted, but something of a fantasy. And Gabe feels the same.

Until Gabe's best friend, Charlie, encourages him to text Ray back once he's left. And they fall right back into texting each other constantly. Gabe is going to return to London by the end of the year, but as they get close to that time, they both start stepping back from each other, neither of them wanting to get hurt. Neither of them believing that what's between them has a chance of really surviving in the real world.

Gabe is deep in promo for his upcoming movie, drifting, a little lost, when his parents decide to out him to the world just before Christmas. He doesn't know where else to go, so he ends up at Ray's door, and Ray welcomes him inside, holding him close and being there for him in a way no one other than Charlie has ever been there before. I loved how Ray held Gabe and how he became Gabe's safe space.

Ray invites Gabe to come home with him for Christmas, and Gabe gets to meet Ray's wild and loving family and feels at home in a family house for the first time. His parents were nothing like Ray's family. I loved how Charlie came and how he and Ray got along. I loved Deborah and how she cut herself off from their parents. I loved how Ray's family welcomes Gabe.

I died over how they fell in love in quiet moments, holding onto one another and being there for each other. I died over Gabe being ready to come out and how Ray thought that meant he was going to leave him. I died over the two of them and how Ray ended things before they could get hurt further. I died over how hurt they already were by losing one another.

Gabe having to face everything alone broke my heart. I liked how Patrick convinced Ray to think through his insecurities and how it wasn't about Gabe, but about himself and how he saw himself. I loved Patrick and Andrew and what good friends they were to Ray and how they got him to go to the movie premier to go after Gabe.

That big gesture kiiiiilled me! I loved how Ray went after Gabe and how he cut into the group of people even though being among so many people is hard for him. I loved how Ray admitted how he felt and how Gabe gave him a second chance. I loved the two of them to no end. Their story was everything. This book was amazing and I loved everything about their story and their incredible slow-burn and how sweet and adorable they both were <3

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe has found himself suddenly famous in his twenties as the face of a new super-hero franchise. He loves acting, is grateful for the fame and even more the fortune, even if it's mostly based on how his abs look in green spandex. He's been offered a more serious role as the younger scientist in a bio pic about Watson & Crick, who were credited with discovering (or maybe stealing) the structure of DNA. If he can pull this off, he might have a longer career than just one franchise.

Ray was headed towards a career in medicine when his beloved father suddenly died. Loss and guilt and the absence of the man he wanted so much to make proud sent his grades and his scholarship into a tailspin. He's left his university course and won't be able to afford to go back. His new job as a bio lab tech is sometimes fun, sometimes boring, and mostly a refuge as he tries to get himself back on track.

Thank heavens for good friends. Even if Ray's relationship with roommates Patrick and Andrew includes daring each other to harmless but questionable pranks. One of which - arranging some skeletons in the museum section of his lab into a Halloween picnic display - is where Ray is when Gabe comes looking for the bathroom on his location shoot.

Ray doesn't know who Gabe is, and that lets them start off on even footing - one man looking to round out the background of a character he's playing with expert advice, and a man with a bioscience background who can advise him. They even have outside interests in common, and a similar way of looking at the world. So by the time a roommate clues Ray in to whom he has befriended, there's enough connection between them to want to stay friends.

But just friends. Ray is out, has been since high school, but everything he's seen or heard about Gabe says he's straight. And even if he wasn't, he's way out of Ray's league.

Gabe, despite his success, is isolated and locked down personally. Rejecting parents, and an industry where a newcomer is likely to lose if he waves the rainbow flag, have kept him in the closet. His best friend Charlie and his sister have been his lifeline. He's managed a few anonymous encounters. But being around Ray makes Gabe want the things he's never had - a lover, arms to hold him, and a safe place where he is wanted and belongs.

But Gabe isn't at all sure he can have what he wants and survive the fallout. And he isn't sure he can or should ask Ray to join him in his closet.

This one is slow, slow burn, but that's something I love. Ray has reasons for his lack of self-confidence, Gabe has reasons for his fears of coming out. Sometimes I wanted to give them a shove (especially Ray) but they both captured my heart. The supporting characters are great, especially the trio of best friends. I find this author very comfortable reading, and have been on a bit of a binge, and this one hit the spot.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray works in a lab, and one Sunday while he is fulfilling a dare, a handsome young man discovers him and asks for information about what it is like working in a lab and what he does, all as background for a movie part. Gabe is a young actor, known for his superhero part, but he is now working on a new movie and he needs motivation for his character. Ray has no idea who Gabe is, he invites him to his apartment to ask his questions, and a fledgling friendship begins. Over the course of the filming, the friendship grows and there is an attraction but nothing comes of it. The two keep in touch by text, and just before Christmas, Gabe shows up at Ray’s apartment, distraught about a newspaper article coming out the next day, outing him as gay. Ray takes him in, offering refuge and escape from reporters, and during this time strong feelings develop between the two men, complete with complications and obstacles to any future together which must be resolved if a HEA is in the works.
Sweet story of opposites attract, closeted actor and out lab rat, lack of communication, misinformation, fear of crowds, and feelings of inadequacies and low self-worth from both characters for different reasons. Satisfactory resolution to the complications and growth as individuals with the MCs, great supporting characters.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standalone. POC representation. Slow burn. Found family. Dual POV. In the midst of secretly using some lab equipment for a humorous photo, lab assistant Ray bumps into the young and gorgeous Gabe Duke, but he doesn’t realize Gabe is a famous actor. Gabe finds the handsome lab technician charming and wants to pick his brain about all things working in a lab for a new part in a movie, but their budding friendship may not last once Ray sees that hanging out with a popular actor comes with a big loss of privacy. A really sweet story of two guys navigating life, building a friendship, finding a special person and determining what they are willing to risk in order to make that person a part of their life. Both Gabe and Ray have problematic pasts, but fortunately have a few supportive friends and family members that really help them through their ups and downs. The yearning and growing feelings are so well written and heartfelt, both Gabe and Ray were endearing and relatable in their thoughts and actions that made them feel realistic. The romance was beautiful, developing over time, and with all the thoughts, hesitations, and complicated feelings anyone would feel when falling in love. With a sweet HEA, this book was a joy to read.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray is a lab assistant playing a joke on a dare involving a skeleton tea party. Gabe is playing the role of Watson from the duo who discovered the DNA helix.

Their meeting leads to Gabe asking Ray about science for his role, and Ray doubting he wants to be friends. Even when Gabe stays in touch after the film is done, Ray doubts himself as worthy.

When Gabe’s family outs him in the press, he turns to Ray and they have a beautiful Christmas with Ray’s family and Gabe’s supports, his sister and best friend.

Even after they declare their love for each other, Ray still has doubts about Gabe staying. It takes him a few months to start believing in himself, and then he finally feels he can be worthy of Gabe too.

Great story, two sweet guys, but Ray has some changing to do, not realizing until it’s nearly too late what he’s let slip through his fingers. When you have something good, hold on, or you’ll regret losing it later. Very enjoyable book.

I received this free ARC and am providing my honest review as a thank you.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The regular person/famous person trope is one with plenty of potential and I think that potential is well realized in this story, which offers a slow burning buildup to a romance for Gabe and Ray. There’s real chemistry between them, and they’re bolstered by a deeply interesting cast of supporting characters and the author’s gift for writing dialogue that somehow manages to balance the witty with the realistic (and often a bit awkward). Both Ray and Gabe are interesting and likable. Ray is, at times, a hot mess and his own biggest obstacle– to degrees that are at times frustrating but also manage to be relatable and endearing– but that honestly made him, at least for me, the most compelling character. Overall, while there are some things I struggled with a bit– pacing being one of these things– I found this on balance to be a really enjoyable read, one well worth checking out.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet and the slowest slow burn ever romance

This is my first book from Zarah and I liked it very much. The two main characters, Ray and Gabe, both had issues which affected their lives and Zarah dealt with them sensitively.
The meet cute between Ray and Gabe was great and the resulting friendship between the Hollywood film star and the regular person was sweet. The slow burn was reeeeally slow but it suited them and it didn't bother me until the end, when there was a contrived separation then reunion, neither of which quite rang true to their characters and the rest of their story.
There was a marvellous supporting cast of characters who, with their warmth, affection, love and the special kind of teasing that only happens between family and close friends, made the story so much better. Patrick and Andrew, Charlie, Ray's family, Gabe's sister, I loved all of them.

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I like the premise here, it has tons of potential for a wonderful romance. The meeting was well done and pretty cute, Gabe is nervous about realistically playing a scientist in his new acting role. So, after a charming run in with Ray (a researcher) he catches in the middle of a prank, Gabe hires Ray to be his on set science coach. I love the idea. I also thought the writing was quite good all around. This feels like a fully fleshed out world, there are lots of excellent side characters to keep things interesting, I enjoyed the dialogue and humor, and the setting is well developed. For me, the romance side of the story was okay but too slow moving and felt a little underdeveloped. However, the writing and characters are well done and I will definitely read more from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!!! This is my first book of 2024 and may I just say I am more than impressed. I loved the perfect amount of angst while not going overboard. The entire plotline with the daily mail and the outing was so well written and made what Gabe was experiencing easy to imagine and relatable for the reader. I love the witty nature of Ray and how he and Gabe are a perfect balance for each other. The way they are brought back together after the whole I love you debacle was so adorable. I love how Ray truly bettered himself and tried to become a better person in the months leading up to seeing him at the premiere. THE APARTMENT ENDING OH MY GOD. It had me in tears in the best way possible. From subtly including Ray in the decoration to the map to the ENGRAVED KEY sobbing. I need the kind of love Ray and Gabe have. Would read again!

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so there were a lot of good points about this book. For starters, it's British. I love a book set in the UK and I don't get to read a huge amount of them, so it's a refreshing change. Also, it's well written and well edited. There were a huge amount of side characters, which is usually a good thing.

I really really enjoyed this book to start with. The first few chapters were great. Mutual pining and a lot of witty dialogue with the housemates, I loved it. Now, I don't mind a slow burn, but I'm pretty sure this burned so slowly it actually went out. As time went on it read less and less like they were into each other and more like they were slightly codependent friends. I don't mind a slow burn, but I do like there to be a bit of a spark, a bit of tension at the very least. Any sexual tension they had soon faded, and they pretty much ended up in the friend zone. There was a few times I thought something romantic might happen, and it didn't, and by the time it did I no longer cared or found it remotely believable. Which is such a shame because it started off so well. If you like a really really slow burn with no spice and a large cast of family and friends, you might enjoy this book.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time author for me and I must say although this book was a real slow burn it still had a lovely storyline and premise that made the slow burn worthwhile although the chemistry between the movie star and the research assistant fizzled out during the slow burn it did ignite in an explosive way….

I loved the support of the side characters and the new found family.

Their dynamic started out as friends but it stayed there as both were wary about starting something with Gabe having to live in the USA and Ray in the UK unless…

The character build was also slow but added to the storyline.

All in all it was a cute slow burn with a bit of angst, humour and steam!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

This is a charming MM romance set in London between a closeted Hollywood star and a charming yet introverted lab technician. I enjoyed this slow burn romance where the Gabe and Ray got to know each other through in-person interactions and through text.

I appreciated the author's attention to the cost of fame at the expense of privacy. Both characters had histories that lead them to each other and finding affection and appreciation in just being there. Ray's friends and Charlie made for excellent back up as both MCs fumbled through getting to know each other.

3.5 stars for a story about how genuine connection can lead to happily ever after.