Act Three: A Reverse Harem Romance

by Becca Watts

This movie is my big break. So why does it feel like the biggest mistake I’ve ever made?The idea of being an extra sounded like free food, hanging out with my friend, and seeing ourselves in a movie.And not just any movie, but a Hollywood blockbuster starring three of my favorite Dean, the ripped playboy with a chiseled jaw and star charisma, who shot to stardom from a small town like mine;Isaac, the serious theater actor with dark eyes and a darker past;and Wyatt, the fair-haired comedian from a showbiz family, who longs to be taken seriously.After the lead actress gets fired, the director needs someone to replace her, fast. I know all her lines, but there are two problems. I have no idea what I’m doing. And since when do amputees become movie stars?The guys band together to teach me everything they comedic timing, delving into the emotional background of my character, and steamy love scenes that bleed out of the script and into our real lives.Despite our best efforts, the fired actress is doing her best to sabotage this movie. And it’s not just my reputation at stake — it’s Dean’s, Isaac’s, and Wyatt’s careers, too.Can I pull this off? Or will I fail as an actress and lose these men forever?ACT THREE is a scorching reverse harem romance filled with drama, humor and passion. HEA guaranteed!

Genres: Why Choose

338 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2024

About the author

Becca Watts writes Reverse Harem novels. She lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two dogs, and frequently travels to places that inspire her stories. Her favorite things in the world are music, books, men and wine… although not always in that order. 



Sign up to her newsletter at https://bit.ly/beccawattsnewsletter for exclusive updates, bonus chapters and sneak peeks at her future books.

Reviews

[Cait Ireen | caitireenreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Act Three is the story of an ingénue actress, cast into a movie as a last-ditch effort to save the film from shutting down.

Kyla is your normal, everyday girl, who applied to be an extra on a locally-filmed movie to make some extra money. Little did she know that her photographic memory and old-school film star looks would tee her up to land the female leading role.

Wyatt is comedian of our MMCs, with a family history in showbiz. Isaac is the quietest one of the bunch, taking a role in this rom-com movie after previously sticking to more professional, serious roles. Dean is the hot-shot of the MMC’s, sexy as all heck and from humble beginnings.

After the previous female lead of the movie, Brooke, breaks her contract, Kyla is offered the part of the female lead of the film Pushing Daisy alongside Dean, Wyatt and Isaac. Having little to no acting experience herself, Kyla relies on the advice and coaching of our MMCs to get through long days of shooting. It's during these coaching sessions that Kyla gets cozy with each of her fellow actors and develops steamy relationships with all three. When Brooke reemerges to sabotage Kyla's role and her relationships with her men, she threatens not only Kyla's reputation but also the careers of our MMCs.

This was SUCH an entertaining book! This story took a bit to get to the spice, but once we were there, it was on FIRE. There were moments when the storyline moved a bit quickly and felt a little disjointed, but overall the plot was really fun. Certain aspects of our FMC being disabled had me feeling uncomfortable at points, but I think those aspects also demonstrated how much our MMCs didn't think less of her because of her disability. The constant love and support by each the MMCs of our FMC had me melting! No jealousy tropes, just 100% focus on our leading lady.

This was as super quick, super fun story. I recommend giving it a read!

Tropes in this story:
✨ Reverse Harem/Why Choose (multiple partners at once 👀😏)
✨ Cinderella circumstance / movie star falls for commoner
✨ Disabled FMC
✨ HEA

I received an advanced copy of this book via HiddenGemsBooks, but my review is all my own.

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much better than I expected it to be. Firstly, I got a real surprise in that it's set locally (SE Qld), which is pretty much my backyard. The story was well written and flowed well all the way and the characters interacted well with each other. I liked that you were given insights into the insecurities of each of them which made them more whole and real. I'm not certain I liked the side characters all that much but I liked each of the main 4. There was a nice level of heat but nothing. I was surprised when presented with the disability of one of the main characters, since I didn't remember reading it in the blurb. I kind of understand and like why it wasn't mentioned - the very act of having to mention a 'disability' detracts from the 'ability' of the person. The character wasn't limited at all and was living their best life, why make a big deal out of it? My review lost a star because I felt there were things that I would have liked followed up on, but overall, this is a surprisingly good read

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book was entertaining and interesting, it didn’t wow me or grab my attention and hold it. The relationship between Kyla and the three male characters (Dean, Wyatt, and Issac) felt friendly and colegial versus intense or passionate.

I enjoyed the POVs from each of the 4 main characters as it helped flesh out the growing relationship and what they were all thinking and feeling. I feel Kyla being an amputee as a result of a drunk driving accident when she was 8 years old should have been given more prominence in the story versus something that was sprung on other characters and used for shock value. The consequences of the accident (death of her mother and the loss of her leg) and her choice not to drink could have been used to build bonds with the guys.

I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyla is a great character: she’s down to earth, intelligent, and resilient. She’s given an opportunity of a lifetime and runs with it to make her mark. Her costars: Dean, Wyatt, and Issac have their own strengths and weaknesses but they are more than willing to mentor Kyla’s acting. They’re all attracted to Kyla and she finds them very appealing.

Becca Watts did a phenomenal job with her character
development through a dialogue and narrative that was insightful, engaging, and entertaining. The steamy scenes were fluidly executed and so much fun! I love a RH that’s a beautiful mix of story and passion and this one fits that description perfectly. I love their HEA!.

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

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute story. Things like this don’t really happen in real life but I suppose that’s part of the fantasy. The whole prosthetic thing weirded me out a bit but I got used to it. All in all, I enjoyed the story and it was written well for being a new author.

I received this as an ARC.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for my honest review. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Each one has their own personalities. While I loved their personalities, I thought that all the guys and the female main character needed more deeper drive. I felt like it was lacking for them. Also didn't see much of a relationship starting between the men. Not even really a friendship. So it was hard to see how they could just be okay with all sharing her. But this book flowed really well and the plot was well thought out really well. I loved the sweet love story between Kyla and each of the men. The smut was tamed more then other reverse harem books I have read in the past. But it didn't take away from the rest of the book. Though, it would be great for the ending to not jump so much and I didn't think her leg being amputee really added anything to the story. I recommend checking this book out.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Please note: I got a free copy of the book, and I voluntarily leave an honest and fair review.**

I didn't know the author before, and I found this book more by chance. And the premise of the story sounded interesting enough, that I wanted to give it a try.

So, it's not bad at all. The writing is fluent so far, the story is cohesive. Of course, not everything makes sense and I didn't agree with some actions.

But that's the typical approach with fictional stories. Not everything is realistic, and we don't know for ourselves how the real thing is.

So, overall, it was a good read.

But I didn't like, that the disability was hidden. Meaning, it wasn't mentioned in the blurb, and it wasn't listed as a trigger.

While I don't mind disabilities in books and I'm all for diversity, I find it questionable, that I was caught unaware of the disability, until I read it on the page.

I don't like that. When I read a blurb or start a book, I trust the author to be transparent with the content. And I like to be prepared for unusual or sensitive topics.

Disability is such a topic. While it isn't anything bad per se, but for some people, disability is indeed a trigger. Or it is uncomfortable to read about.

Which is why I say, it should be mentioned either in the blurb or at least as a content warning at the beginning, so that everyone knows what they get themselves into. It shouldn't be a surprise.

It can even influence the reading experience. Which is, what happened to me in a way. I was unprepared when I read about it the first time.

And while the message seems to be, that it isn't anything bad, and it isn't an issue, it was thematized many times throughout the book.

Otherwise, a lot of the things that happened were predictable. Which is hard to avoid, since there isn't much you can write, that hasn't been written before or was done in similar fashion in other books.

The characters were unfortunately run-of-the-mill kinds of people. They did have different personalities, traits, and backgrounds. But it was the typical kind of classification. One sexy, but reluctant guy. One serious/broody and another one more laid-back and funny. At least, they made sense and their motivation was understandable. They had issues and struggles to overcome.

Kyla grew over the book, which was another thing I did like. Even though, I couldn't understand all of her actions. But she was likable, and I could relate in some parts.

I didn't really like April. She was supposed to be a best friend, and while in an overall note, she was supportive, she did a lot of stuff, that I wouldn't think a best friend would do or say.

She was jealous of her, talked down on her and resented her for things, that Kyla couldn't help.

Generally, I had different expectations and taste is always subjective. For a new author, it's definitely not bad. The epilogue was rather short, and I wasn't happy that there was pregnancy mentioned, but not shown. I think it would have been more interesting, if it had been shown how their life is after their relationship was outed and about her plan to become a screenwriter. It was pretty suddenly to change her mind about being an actress. And what about her dad?

I preferably would want to give 3.5 stars, if that was possible. But I still gave 4 stars, because it's more on a positive scale for me than on the negative.

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Replacement

One of the things that I've enjoyed about Becca's books is that the characters have a fairly organic connection turned romantic entanglement. This is a good example of that. There are some parts that are a stretch, but this feels like it truly could happen.

If only it'd happen to me. 😘

Dean Hart, Isaac Williams, Wyatt Cole, and Kyla Wright are an interesting foursome. Their backgrounds and motivations are different, but their goals align pretty well. I like the little things that connect them - be it reading, overcoming adversity, or other. It's a mostly easy union, but there's a vindictive diva and some jealousy thrown in the mix for good measure.

“Capuchins are polygamous,” Wyatt read ahead of me. His sunglasses covered his eyes, but his dimples popped when he gave a cheeky grin. “Lucky bastards.”

“The female can mate with up to six males in one day,” I [Kyla] read on, and peered into the enclosure, shading my eyes from the sun. “That sounds exhausting!”

I like the cute moments that they share, like their trip to the wildlife refuge. Not surprisingly, I really love when they fog up the windows. 🔥🔥🔥

Kyla is hiding something under her skirts. No, I'm not talking about that. 😄 I mean, she has a prosthetic. I love this inclusion, but how she would handle different situations isn't always taken into consideration. There are different types of prosthetics used for different activities, such as swimming or wearing high heels. It's not a one leg (or foot) fits all kind of thing. See Amy Purdy talk a little about that here: https://youtu.be/tFG2WyW9kfA?si=k26tx....

I didn't feel like the character development, especially of our leading men, was as crisp and sussed out as it could've been. Other than that, I really had fun reading this.

H1-3 = 27-40s?; h = 24

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyla and her friend April are off to be extras in a movie starring 3 of the hottest guys – Dean, Wyatt, and Isaac. Dean is with the female star of the show, Brooke. When Brooke decides that she can’t memorize her lines and would rather party it up, Kyla is brought in to be the star since she knows the lines word for word.
Dean, is fighting his own demons with his past, hence the reason he is in a relationship with Brooke. When Dean and Kyla hook up, Dean starts ignoring her and Kyla turns to Wyatt and Isaac. When pictures surface of Kyla with Dean and then later with Wyatt and Isaac, damage control is started. Brooke is brought back and Dean is miserable.

Will Kyla be able to finish the film, or will Brooke do everything she can to sabotage her? What is going to happen when the film is over and everyone goes their separate ways? Drama (literally), passion, secrets, and love are plenty!

I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

While all of the main characters in the story were nice, for me there wasn’t anything that made this story really draw me in.

This is not a trigger warning but it is letting you know the female lead is an amputee. Some may find that information a bit disconcerting and a bit off putting. Having a disability doesn’t make the character any less lovable. It should have been mentioned in the blurb so people are better prepared.

The characters seemed to fit the standard mold of one being grumpy, a sexy one and a reluctant one. With a female lead that is insecure and needs shoring up. It was great to see Kyla’s growth as the story progressed.

Would have liked a bit more depth with the characters as they seemed to be like so many other reverse harems without much substance.

The men didn’t really seem to have a deep connection with each other which makes them sharing Kyla a bit of a head scratch.

I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has got a job as an extra with three of her favorite actors. The actress then loses the job and they need a replacement quickly. They pick her but she has never acted before. How will it all go? Can she do well? Will they help her? See what is going to happen
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[J.L. Cres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book! It was a quick and cute standalone but the characters were all memorable. Only critique for me is that the end of the book felt abrupt. I think there should have been 2 or 3 more chapters since it felt rushed and unfinished at the end.

[Thais Videl · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good history, but I was sad it had no MM action.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing to write home about. Overall okay read. It just fell flat for me. I loved the fact that the MFC has a disability. I couldn’t connect with the characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from Hidden Gems.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Act Three,” Becca Watts

I found this book to be a standard romance contemporary book. The standout points of the book is that the FMC is has a fake leg from an injury, that the main characters are actor/actress, and it’s a reverse harem. All in all, it is a good book, and worth the read. 3 out of 5 stars.

-Disability
-Reverse Harem
-Actors
-One Room Trope

Thank you for the ARC.