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Creative Types #2
Home Grown Talent
Are you for real?
From the outside, it looks like model and influencer Mason Nash has it all—beauty, fame, and fortune. With his star rapidly rising, and a big contract up for grabs, Mason’s on the verge of hitting the big time.
When an opportunity arises to co-host a gardening slot on daytime TV with his ex’s brother, Owen Hunter, Mason is definitely on-board. And he intends to use every trick in the book to make the show a hit—including agreeing to his ruthless producer’s demand to fake a ‘will-they/won’t-they’ romance with his co-host…
Owen Hunter is a gardener with a huge heart and both feet planted firmly on the well-tilled ground. He’s proud of the life he’s built and has absolutely no desire to be on TV—yet somehow he finds himself agreeing to do the show.
It’s definitely not because he’s interested in Mason Nash. The guy might be beautiful—and yeah, his spoiled brat routine presses all Owen’s buttons in the bedroom—but Owen has no interest in a short-term fling with a fame-hungry model.
As the two men get closer, though, Owen starts to believe there’s more to Mason than his beautiful appearance and carefully-curated online persona—that beneath the glitz and glamour is a sweet, sensitive man longing to be loved.
A man Owen might be falling for. A man who might even feel the same.
But in a world of media spin and half-truths, Owen is dangerously out of his depth. And when a ridiculous scandal explodes online, with Owen at its heart, it starts to look as though everything he thought was real is built on lies—including his budding romance with Mason…
From the outside, it looks like model and influencer Mason Nash has it all—beauty, fame, and fortune. With his star rapidly rising, and a big contract up for grabs, Mason’s on the verge of hitting the big time.
When an opportunity arises to co-host a gardening slot on daytime TV with his ex’s brother, Owen Hunter, Mason is definitely on-board. And he intends to use every trick in the book to make the show a hit—including agreeing to his ruthless producer’s demand to fake a ‘will-they/won’t-they’ romance with his co-host…
Owen Hunter is a gardener with a huge heart and both feet planted firmly on the well-tilled ground. He’s proud of the life he’s built and has absolutely no desire to be on TV—yet somehow he finds himself agreeing to do the show.
It’s definitely not because he’s interested in Mason Nash. The guy might be beautiful—and yeah, his spoiled brat routine presses all Owen’s buttons in the bedroom—but Owen has no interest in a short-term fling with a fame-hungry model.
As the two men get closer, though, Owen starts to believe there’s more to Mason than his beautiful appearance and carefully-curated online persona—that beneath the glitz and glamour is a sweet, sensitive man longing to be loved.
A man Owen might be falling for. A man who might even feel the same.
But in a world of media spin and half-truths, Owen is dangerously out of his depth. And when a ridiculous scandal explodes online, with Owen at its heart, it starts to look as though everything he thought was real is built on lies—including his budding romance with Mason…
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First published August 25, 2022
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About the author
Joanna Chambers
41 books1,220 followersJoanna Chambers' muse likes red wine, coffee and won't let Joanna clean the house or watch television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
September 21, 2022
me, the queen of dnfs, finished this book. wow. i deserve a standing ovation.
✦ honestly, i strongly disliked this book overall. however, i did want to finish it, because i definitely plan to read the next book in the series. i feel like Jay and Tag have potential to be great together, and i did like book 1 in this series a lot when i read it, therefore, i'm not giving up on this series quite yet.
✦ now, this book... i'm having a difficult time trying to think of positive aspects. i really didn't like either of the mcs tbh. Mason annoyed the fuck out of me lmao. i hate the fact he was so dishonest with Owen about a lot of things throughout the whole book. and i didn't have that many feelings about Owen overall, he just made me bored with how dependable and reliable he was. yawn.
✦ i just wasn't feeling the whole plot in general. i feel like this had too much social media crap and not enough proper relationship development on page. the whole buildup between the mcs was fucked, which is a crucial part in romances imo. i liked the beginning of their relationship a lot, but then suddenly, it's been two weeks, and they've apparently gotten closer/became friends, but the authors didn't even show us any of that shit??? way to ruin the buildup. i absolutely hate when that happens in romance books.
✦ somehow that first sex scene was the most unsexy shit i have ever read lmao. the smut overall was just weak. these two had zero sexual chemistry.
✦ i still love Aaron and Lewis. seeing them again was the highlight of this book.
✦ anyways this gets 2 stars, because i somehow didn't hate it enough to give it just 1. moving on.
✦ honestly, i strongly disliked this book overall. however, i did want to finish it, because i definitely plan to read the next book in the series. i feel like Jay and Tag have potential to be great together, and i did like book 1 in this series a lot when i read it, therefore, i'm not giving up on this series quite yet.
✦ now, this book... i'm having a difficult time trying to think of positive aspects. i really didn't like either of the mcs tbh. Mason annoyed the fuck out of me lmao. i hate the fact he was so dishonest with Owen about a lot of things throughout the whole book. and i didn't have that many feelings about Owen overall, he just made me bored with how dependable and reliable he was. yawn.
✦ i just wasn't feeling the whole plot in general. i feel like this had too much social media crap and not enough proper relationship development on page. the whole buildup between the mcs was fucked, which is a crucial part in romances imo. i liked the beginning of their relationship a lot, but then suddenly, it's been two weeks, and they've apparently gotten closer/became friends, but the authors didn't even show us any of that shit??? way to ruin the buildup. i absolutely hate when that happens in romance books.
✦ somehow that first sex scene was the most unsexy shit i have ever read lmao. the smut overall was just weak. these two had zero sexual chemistry.
✦ i still love Aaron and Lewis. seeing them again was the highlight of this book.
✦ anyways this gets 2 stars, because i somehow didn't hate it enough to give it just 1. moving on.
dnf
September 21, 2022dnf at 36%
I loved book 1, so it pains me to say that I'm not going to finish this one. While I liked Owen and Mason individually, there are a lot of things that didn't work for me:
I loved book 1, so it pains me to say that I'm not going to finish this one. While I liked Owen and Mason individually, there are a lot of things that didn't work for me:
October 30, 2023
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHERS. THANK YOU.
My Review: Remember the story of Lewis and Aaron, the grumpy/sunshine boss/PA delight set in the TV world? It lost enough points for its SIX w-bombs not to get to five stars despite my deep affection for its story line and its delightful silliness. All that was wrapping a quite serious love story between two sad, lonely men whose lives are dedicated to a world that uses them for what it can get.
The authors? Nice people, one supposes, but severely addicted to carpet w-bombing the reader. Six was bad. TWELVE IN THIS STORY. Twelve! Using any word not a conjunction, pronoun, proper name, or toponym (and that one's iffy) twelve times in one's story is simply too damned many.
Anyway. The story, as expected from these two mavens of the genre, was a cracker. Owen raised his teenaged brother after their mother's death; as a barely fledged kid himself he...did a great job. He worked. He protected. He never left his brother in the lurch as he got left. His brother's grouchy personality, built to withstand misery and grief, was just more than he could handle. I think it's the most touching story I've ever read, and Owen's power as a character largely began from that base. When we meet him in this story, he's along for the ride at an awards show for Lewis's hit TV show, Leeches. One of the participants' plus-ones is young Mason Nash...Lewis's ex, met at the beginning of episode one, a model/Instagram influencer. Owen judged him harshly while Lewis was dating him. Mason rather curled his lip at Owen, too.
So guess what happens!
It's a rom-com. You know what you're getting, you know when you're going to get it, and this being 2022 we know we're in for some sex. The sex scenes add to the relationship drama, and the last one in particular was deeply, deeply relatable to anyone who's ever had a long-term relationship. So used well, written well, satisfyingly up to snuff on the heat-level scale...nothing tepid about these guys!...and exactly the proper amount of smexytimes for the story. (It doesn't hurt that I identify with Owen, either.)
One of the surprises in the story was the deeply sympathetic portrayal of "an influencer" or massively online person as a regular guy trying to make a living in a very cut-throat industry...two, really, as he was modeling as well as Instagramming his life. Or lifestyle, I suppose...like all the surface-gloss purveyors of Fantasy, there's a lot of effort behind the Glamour. Then there's Owen, simple son of the soil that he is, who runs a gardening business that doesn't require him to tart anything up for the cameras and likes it that way. But...key realization...Owen is a caretaker, with all the control and trust issues that implies. So, funnily enough, is Mason (real name it's not, but you'll find that out for yourself). Different angles, same path, and Owen'd been on it longer so has much, much more invested in the identity without really taking in his façade's effects on others. Mason's simply never, as a twentysomething, thought much about anyone he wasn't responsible for.
What draws the men together is what ultimately causes the only serious explosion neither is equipped to handle: Working together on something neither has any control over. It was a shock to me that Owen said yes, but thinking about myownself in my thirties, well...yeah, I see it. Mason's early-onset adulthood led him to reflect, "Responsibility, once assumed, was almost impossible to put down." This being an eternal verity known to most all of us who've taken it up as Owen had to do, as Mason must do, left me nodding along. Not for the first, or last, time, either. The authors are quite able to repackage Received Wisdom as new knowledge to their characters. It's one of the things that makes me enjoy these stories of younger people more than many, if not most, others.
The unfairness of Mason's life, as it leaks little by little into Owen's awareness, makes their estrangement that much more painful for them both. It was, TBH, about as blatantly signaled as can be. For a wonder, that actually worked to heighten its effect because of a choice I imagine was organic to the process of writing a series with two authors: Dual narrators. It's surprising to me how well the technique, mated to this story line, caused me to flip the pages past faster and faster. Kudos! By the end of the story, each knows the other's burdens, and it truly works as relationship binder. And the happily-ever-after that is part and parcel of the genre's promises to its readers arrived in a welcome, more grounded way than I thought it would...if at the expense of feeling a wee bit rushed.
Rein in the w-bombing, please, and bring on #3 soon!
My Review: Remember the story of Lewis and Aaron, the grumpy/sunshine boss/PA delight set in the TV world? It lost enough points for its SIX w-bombs not to get to five stars despite my deep affection for its story line and its delightful silliness. All that was wrapping a quite serious love story between two sad, lonely men whose lives are dedicated to a world that uses them for what it can get.
The authors? Nice people, one supposes, but severely addicted to carpet w-bombing the reader. Six was bad. TWELVE IN THIS STORY. Twelve! Using any word not a conjunction, pronoun, proper name, or toponym (and that one's iffy) twelve times in one's story is simply too damned many.
Anyway. The story, as expected from these two mavens of the genre, was a cracker. Owen raised his teenaged brother after their mother's death; as a barely fledged kid himself he...did a great job. He worked. He protected. He never left his brother in the lurch as he got left. His brother's grouchy personality, built to withstand misery and grief, was just more than he could handle. I think it's the most touching story I've ever read, and Owen's power as a character largely began from that base. When we meet him in this story, he's along for the ride at an awards show for Lewis's hit TV show, Leeches. One of the participants' plus-ones is young Mason Nash...Lewis's ex, met at the beginning of episode one, a model/Instagram influencer. Owen judged him harshly while Lewis was dating him. Mason rather curled his lip at Owen, too.
So guess what happens!
It's a rom-com. You know what you're getting, you know when you're going to get it, and this being 2022 we know we're in for some sex. The sex scenes add to the relationship drama, and the last one in particular was deeply, deeply relatable to anyone who's ever had a long-term relationship. So used well, written well, satisfyingly up to snuff on the heat-level scale...nothing tepid about these guys!...and exactly the proper amount of smexytimes for the story. (It doesn't hurt that I identify with Owen, either.)
One of the surprises in the story was the deeply sympathetic portrayal of "an influencer" or massively online person as a regular guy trying to make a living in a very cut-throat industry...two, really, as he was modeling as well as Instagramming his life. Or lifestyle, I suppose...like all the surface-gloss purveyors of Fantasy, there's a lot of effort behind the Glamour. Then there's Owen, simple son of the soil that he is, who runs a gardening business that doesn't require him to tart anything up for the cameras and likes it that way. But...key realization...Owen is a caretaker, with all the control and trust issues that implies. So, funnily enough, is Mason (real name it's not, but you'll find that out for yourself). Different angles, same path, and Owen'd been on it longer so has much, much more invested in the identity without really taking in his façade's effects on others. Mason's simply never, as a twentysomething, thought much about anyone he wasn't responsible for.
What draws the men together is what ultimately causes the only serious explosion neither is equipped to handle: Working together on something neither has any control over. It was a shock to me that Owen said yes, but thinking about myownself in my thirties, well...yeah, I see it. Mason's early-onset adulthood led him to reflect, "Responsibility, once assumed, was almost impossible to put down." This being an eternal verity known to most all of us who've taken it up as Owen had to do, as Mason must do, left me nodding along. Not for the first, or last, time, either. The authors are quite able to repackage Received Wisdom as new knowledge to their characters. It's one of the things that makes me enjoy these stories of younger people more than many, if not most, others.
The unfairness of Mason's life, as it leaks little by little into Owen's awareness, makes their estrangement that much more painful for them both. It was, TBH, about as blatantly signaled as can be. For a wonder, that actually worked to heighten its effect because of a choice I imagine was organic to the process of writing a series with two authors: Dual narrators. It's surprising to me how well the technique, mated to this story line, caused me to flip the pages past faster and faster. Kudos! By the end of the story, each knows the other's burdens, and it truly works as relationship binder. And the happily-ever-after that is part and parcel of the genre's promises to its readers arrived in a welcome, more grounded way than I thought it would...if at the expense of feeling a wee bit rushed.
Rein in the w-bombing, please, and bring on #3 soon!
![Profile Image for Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700013408i%2F101358081._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 25, 2024
|| 3.5 stars ||
This book is about gorgeous model/influencer Mason, who is trying to make it in the TV business, and professional gardener Owen, who is Lewis’s brother from book 1. Owen and Mason already vaguely knew each other from when Mason dated Lewis, and Owen has always had a bit of a crush on him. He admired Mason’s beauty, and he wondered if there was more behind the man than the superficial stuff he shows online.
When the opportunity arises for Owen and Mason to do a TV segment together on gardening, Mason jumps at the chance, and Owen tentatively agrees as well, even if it might only be to make Mason happy.
What Owen doesn’t know, however, is that Mason has been instructed by the TV producer to show a flirty “will they/won’t they?” relationship to the viewers, and thus, when the two grow closer over the weeks, the question will remain: what is real between them and what is fake?
I felt like this was written very well and the pacing was also super pleasant. The chemistry between Mason and Owen was great, and their medium slow-burn mixed in with a bit of pining was just lovely. I truly loved Mason and his character was right up my alley.
My only true complaint is that I simply did not like Owen much. His holier-than-thou attitude annoyed me quite a bit and some of his personality traits started to truly grate on me in the second half of the book. Honestly, I personally think Mason could have done better than him. I just feel like Owen didn’t always appreciate Mason for the caring and bubbly person he was aside from his stunning good looks.
But oh well, other than that, they really were cute together. And I did like reading about their relationship a lot. The rest of the actual plot was also very entertaining!
'Creative Types' series:
1. Total Creative Control - 4.5 stars
2. Home Grown Talent - 3.5 stars
This book is about gorgeous model/influencer Mason, who is trying to make it in the TV business, and professional gardener Owen, who is Lewis’s brother from book 1. Owen and Mason already vaguely knew each other from when Mason dated Lewis, and Owen has always had a bit of a crush on him. He admired Mason’s beauty, and he wondered if there was more behind the man than the superficial stuff he shows online.
When the opportunity arises for Owen and Mason to do a TV segment together on gardening, Mason jumps at the chance, and Owen tentatively agrees as well, even if it might only be to make Mason happy.
What Owen doesn’t know, however, is that Mason has been instructed by the TV producer to show a flirty “will they/won’t they?” relationship to the viewers, and thus, when the two grow closer over the weeks, the question will remain: what is real between them and what is fake?
I felt like this was written very well and the pacing was also super pleasant. The chemistry between Mason and Owen was great, and their medium slow-burn mixed in with a bit of pining was just lovely. I truly loved Mason and his character was right up my alley.
My only true complaint is that I simply did not like Owen much. His holier-than-thou attitude annoyed me quite a bit and some of his personality traits started to truly grate on me in the second half of the book. Honestly, I personally think Mason could have done better than him. I just feel like Owen didn’t always appreciate Mason for the caring and bubbly person he was aside from his stunning good looks.
But oh well, other than that, they really were cute together. And I did like reading about their relationship a lot. The rest of the actual plot was also very entertaining!
'Creative Types' series:
1. Total Creative Control - 4.5 stars
2. Home Grown Talent - 3.5 stars
August 25, 2022
When Joanna and Sally announced they were collaborating on a contemporary romance series I was delighted.
When I read Total Creative Control, the first book in the series it was a fabulous 5* read and now, with their second entry, they've pulled it off again.
In fact, this would be a 5+* review because I loved it even more than grumpy Lewis and sunshiny Aaron's romance.
Book one exposed a lot of the fakery and queer baiting with the TV industry, this one runs with a similar TV theme but adds in a whole side-swipe at the unrealistic portrayal of "Instagrammers" and their supposed lifestyle.
And I loved it, every #hashtag, every carefully selected selfie, every conversation between Mason and Owen which highlighted how people get drawn into showing a perfect face to the social media world while behind the scenes they're making a total mess of things.
I'm not going to give away anything about the plot twist here, but let's just say it's pretty believable and it didn't surprise me one bit how things went down.
The book follows the usual pacing for any dramatic telling, we get the big Act Three "break up" but here it's resolved in an interesting way which moves the narrative along pretty rapidly and in a way which I very much appreciated.
Both Mason and Owen are compelling characters, each has faults and both of them are to blame for different difficulties that bring tension points to the plotline.
The dialogue throughout is sharp and witty, it flows beautifully between the funny exchanges which settle Mason's fears and the incredibly hot, mildly kinky passion that sparks each time the two men meet.
With a suitable "villain" to dislike immensely, a heroic act to save the day and an honest piece of conversation that allows each man to lay their hearts on the table, Home Grown Talent delivers on all counts.
Now I'm dying for book three which will be all about...
...wait and see if you can guess who!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
When I read Total Creative Control, the first book in the series it was a fabulous 5* read and now, with their second entry, they've pulled it off again.
In fact, this would be a 5+* review because I loved it even more than grumpy Lewis and sunshiny Aaron's romance.
Book one exposed a lot of the fakery and queer baiting with the TV industry, this one runs with a similar TV theme but adds in a whole side-swipe at the unrealistic portrayal of "Instagrammers" and their supposed lifestyle.
And I loved it, every #hashtag, every carefully selected selfie, every conversation between Mason and Owen which highlighted how people get drawn into showing a perfect face to the social media world while behind the scenes they're making a total mess of things.
I'm not going to give away anything about the plot twist here, but let's just say it's pretty believable and it didn't surprise me one bit how things went down.
The book follows the usual pacing for any dramatic telling, we get the big Act Three "break up" but here it's resolved in an interesting way which moves the narrative along pretty rapidly and in a way which I very much appreciated.
Both Mason and Owen are compelling characters, each has faults and both of them are to blame for different difficulties that bring tension points to the plotline.
The dialogue throughout is sharp and witty, it flows beautifully between the funny exchanges which settle Mason's fears and the incredibly hot, mildly kinky passion that sparks each time the two men meet.
With a suitable "villain" to dislike immensely, a heroic act to save the day and an honest piece of conversation that allows each man to lay their hearts on the table, Home Grown Talent delivers on all counts.
Now I'm dying for book three which will be all about...
...wait and see if you can guess who!
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 23, 2022
[4.25] ever since we were first introduced to Owen in Total Creative Control, i vowed to swoop in and snap him up if nobody claimed him by the end of this year. much to my chagrin, he is a taken man now, but since this story was such a pleasure, i won't complain *too* much….. (but you are more than welcome to introduce any similar Owens out there to me, thanks in advance 😘)
the story begins with landscape gardener Owen getting roped into a gardening tv segment with his brother’s ex Mason. little does he know, the director requests Mason to play up their chemistry for the cameras (with some teasing off-camera) to amass viewership for the show. in an industry of half-truths and illusions, readers will cotton on to the central conflict pretty fast, and the stress was akin to waiting for a train crash to happen. i’m not a fan of Third Act Shenanigans done for the sake of conflict, but in this case, the blowup held a sense of inevitability based on where the characters were at and fit into the story as a necessity.
Mason is one of those characters who start out quartered in the designated timeout corner and will either remain there for eternity or be set free if they manage to garner enough sympathy and understanding by the end. a few of his decisions/actions did make me uncomfortable—the deception, the guilt trips—but gaining insight into his toxic family dynamics and the immense weight placed on the success of his curated image was heartbreakingly illuminating. as much as i didn’t agree with his approach, i could grasp his desperation at the bottom of the food chain. people often preach that you don’t need money to be happy, but there's something to be said for the comforts and security it brings to the table.
could more time have been dedicated to his groveling? sure, but i grew to feel for his fear and frustration at being reduced by the public to just another pretty face and manipulated by his parents on the weekly.
while this can be read as a standalone, i guarantee that you will enjoy this more with previous knowledge of Aaron and Lewis. their cameos were spectacularly integrated and honestly made me proud of how far they've come (and this is coming from someone whose feelings toward Lewis have veered more on the lukewarm side!). as a sucker for sibling heart-to-heart conversations, i was happy as a clam 😌
thank you to GRR for a complimentary copy of this book - this is my honest review :)
the story begins with landscape gardener Owen getting roped into a gardening tv segment with his brother’s ex Mason. little does he know, the director requests Mason to play up their chemistry for the cameras (with some teasing off-camera) to amass viewership for the show. in an industry of half-truths and illusions, readers will cotton on to the central conflict pretty fast, and the stress was akin to waiting for a train crash to happen. i’m not a fan of Third Act Shenanigans done for the sake of conflict, but in this case, the blowup held a sense of inevitability based on where the characters were at and fit into the story as a necessity.
Mason is one of those characters who start out quartered in the designated timeout corner and will either remain there for eternity or be set free if they manage to garner enough sympathy and understanding by the end. a few of his decisions/actions did make me uncomfortable—the deception, the guilt trips—but gaining insight into his toxic family dynamics and the immense weight placed on the success of his curated image was heartbreakingly illuminating. as much as i didn’t agree with his approach, i could grasp his desperation at the bottom of the food chain. people often preach that you don’t need money to be happy, but there's something to be said for the comforts and security it brings to the table.
could more time have been dedicated to his groveling? sure, but i grew to feel for his fear and frustration at being reduced by the public to just another pretty face and manipulated by his parents on the weekly.
while this can be read as a standalone, i guarantee that you will enjoy this more with previous knowledge of Aaron and Lewis. their cameos were spectacularly integrated and honestly made me proud of how far they've come (and this is coming from someone whose feelings toward Lewis have veered more on the lukewarm side!). as a sucker for sibling heart-to-heart conversations, i was happy as a clam 😌
thank you to GRR for a complimentary copy of this book - this is my honest review :)
September 2, 2022
3.75 Stars
Despite a slow start, this actually ended up an okay read for me with Aaron/Lewis cameos an added bonus.
I liked the premise and the MC’s. Owen & Mason weren’t perfect and they both made mistakes (Mason more so) but they were genuinely decent guys who had each made sacrifices for family. Whilst Owen won me over in the first book, it took me awhile to warm up to quite a snarky, Mason. Even when his vulnerabilities were laid bare, the non stop self promotion/internalising left me conflicted. Yet, with his waste of space parents draining his finances, I understood his motivations and when everything came to a head, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the poor guy.
My biggest bug bear was their sexual dynamic, which took me a little by surprise. Who knew cinnamon roll, Owen would turn out to be such a stud muffin? Some of the dialogue and specifically the first couple of scenes were off-putting because it seemed out of character and was just too much too soon for my taste. Any other author and I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid but I guess I expected something different after the artfully crafted intimate scenes with Lewis/Aaron, whereas these in comparison left me wincing. I much preferred all the snuggling and pillow talk which was a lot more endearing.
Whilst I liked this, it couldn’t compete with its predecessor - Lewis/Aaron are a hard act to follow and the chemistry/tension/angst I experienced with their story was sadly a little lacklustre here. Despite this, Owen’s and Mason’s journey was cute, albeit predictable with a sweet HEA. I ended up rooting for them both and relished most of their scenes. I’ll be back for more!!!
Despite a slow start, this actually ended up an okay read for me with Aaron/Lewis cameos an added bonus.
I liked the premise and the MC’s. Owen & Mason weren’t perfect and they both made mistakes (Mason more so) but they were genuinely decent guys who had each made sacrifices for family. Whilst Owen won me over in the first book, it took me awhile to warm up to quite a snarky, Mason. Even when his vulnerabilities were laid bare, the non stop self promotion/internalising left me conflicted. Yet, with his waste of space parents draining his finances, I understood his motivations and when everything came to a head, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the poor guy.
My biggest bug bear was their sexual dynamic, which took me a little by surprise. Who knew cinnamon roll, Owen would turn out to be such a stud muffin? Some of the dialogue and specifically the first couple of scenes were off-putting because it seemed out of character and was just too much too soon for my taste. Any other author and I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid but I guess I expected something different after the artfully crafted intimate scenes with Lewis/Aaron, whereas these in comparison left me wincing. I much preferred all the snuggling and pillow talk which was a lot more endearing.
Whilst I liked this, it couldn’t compete with its predecessor - Lewis/Aaron are a hard act to follow and the chemistry/tension/angst I experienced with their story was sadly a little lacklustre here. Despite this, Owen’s and Mason’s journey was cute, albeit predictable with a sweet HEA. I ended up rooting for them both and relished most of their scenes. I’ll be back for more!!!
Read
September 11, 2022DNF at 38% so no rating.
I loved Owen as a character from book 1, I loved his dedication and love for his brother, even though said brother was an ass.
But this book, made him to be a very boring character, dull, he shined in the brief encounter he had in the first one, in here it was just boring, he didn't bring much to the table and I know he had more to give.
I actually didn't really mind Mason, until the percentage I read that is, I thought that the first chapters where they were at the awards was a solid attempt to put the bases of the story. They both were interesting and complex, the dynamics were fine also.
Then it all evolved to the series that they were gonna do together and it was really boring, Mason was delusional and Owen was just really plain as a character. They got together so fast and they weren't ready to me, the relationship just wasn't there, the connection was absent.
I left it at that, because I wanna remember the Owen from the first book, so yeah. This authors are definitely not for me.
I loved Owen as a character from book 1, I loved his dedication and love for his brother, even though said brother was an ass.
But this book, made him to be a very boring character, dull, he shined in the brief encounter he had in the first one, in here it was just boring, he didn't bring much to the table and I know he had more to give.
I actually didn't really mind Mason, until the percentage I read that is, I thought that the first chapters where they were at the awards was a solid attempt to put the bases of the story. They both were interesting and complex, the dynamics were fine also.
Then it all evolved to the series that they were gonna do together and it was really boring, Mason was delusional and Owen was just really plain as a character. They got together so fast and they weren't ready to me, the relationship just wasn't there, the connection was absent.
I left it at that, because I wanna remember the Owen from the first book, so yeah. This authors are definitely not for me.
September 30, 2022
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
I really liked Total Creative Control, the first book of The Creative Types series, and had seen raving reviews about Home Grown Talent. I wanted to start a thriller but decided I needed some distraction first.
This book definitely delivererd what I needed, it’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s easy readable, and it’s also a bit boring. Oops, did I really say that out loud? Uhm, I just didn’t feel what the other readers felt. Yes, I liked Mason and Owen, I loved to see Lewis and Aaron back again and I enjoyed the overall story. But this story felt as an in-between. That’s all I have to say, I guess.
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I really liked Total Creative Control, the first book of The Creative Types series, and had seen raving reviews about Home Grown Talent. I wanted to start a thriller but decided I needed some distraction first.
This book definitely delivererd what I needed, it’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s easy readable, and it’s also a bit boring. Oops, did I really say that out loud? Uhm, I just didn’t feel what the other readers felt. Yes, I liked Mason and Owen, I loved to see Lewis and Aaron back again and I enjoyed the overall story. But this story felt as an in-between. That’s all I have to say, I guess.
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November 28, 2022DNF @50%
I liked the first book and think both authors are supremely talented, but I hated everything about this story: shallow MCs; too many secondary characters; and a focus on toxic social media culture.
I absolutely despise TikTok and its ilk. The content is scripted, and most social media "stars" try too hard and are downright pathetic. Like, ffs, Becky, I don't give a flying fuck about your twelfth kid's gender reveal. Maybe buy a condom.
This is probably a case of "it's not you; it's me," so no rating, but I don't think I'll be reading any more books in this series.
I liked the first book and think both authors are supremely talented, but I hated everything about this story: shallow MCs; too many secondary characters; and a focus on toxic social media culture.
I absolutely despise TikTok and its ilk. The content is scripted, and most social media "stars" try too hard and are downright pathetic. Like, ffs, Becky, I don't give a flying fuck about your twelfth kid's gender reveal. Maybe buy a condom.
This is probably a case of "it's not you; it's me," so no rating, but I don't think I'll be reading any more books in this series.
August 31, 2022
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Similar to the first book in this series, I enjoyed this but certain quibbles left this in the good but not quite great category for me. I enjoyed Mason and Owen and found their dynamic of indifferent acquaintances—>friends—>more-than-friends enduring. I will be getting into some spoilery territory so proceed with caution.
🚫🚫⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️🚫🚫
Mason, Lewis’s brief ex we meet in book 1, is a model/influencer/hopeful tv personality who is hoping to take his moderately successful career to the next level. Owen, Lewis’s older brother, is a gardener with a successful small landscaping business and is fairly removed from the social media/celebrity world. Mostly indifferent, yet physically attracted, to one another the two find themselves presented with an opportunity to do a short-term gardening stint on a lifestyle morning show and their fledging friendship quickly turns to more.
The writing in this story was solid, albeit a bit slow moving for me at times. Owen, the strong nurturing type paired with Mason’s easy going charisma fit nicely together. Mason who on the surface can seem self absorbed and shallow carries the weight of family obligation on his shoulders and let’s this drive several poor decisions throughout the book. Poor decisions aside, I never felt as though his actions came from a selfish place even though well…they were selfish. Bad editing or not his part in #pineapplegate and the subsequent secrecy over it was capital N not good. I do think the media and branding urgency from Mason never felt too far and always seemed to come from a place of “I can’t lose this job❗️” and not from an obsession to be famous, which for me was an important distinction.
I’m not going to lie though, I empathized a lot with Owen throughout this story. I myself have a strong squick towards social media and curating your personal life for a brand. Maybe that makes me a self-righteous twat, but it’s less to do with others and more that the idea of heavily private introverted me having my life picked apart by strangers just sounds like complete hell. So every time Mason asked for a selfie or talked about upping their online engagement and Owen recoiled a bit, I recoiled right along with him. The whole fiasco of #pineapplegate seemed so minor on the surface, but I actually thought it was a smart choice. The obvious route would’ve been revealing how Misty encouraged Mason to pursue Owen, but the pineapples signified the final straw in a series of white lies and exaggerated truths that Mason had been building from day 1. The fallout was inevitable and in my opinion necessary.
There were a few things that lessened the story for me a bit. As I mentioned above, some of the plot was slow moving. I’m not sure this needed to be almost 400 pages. Another point, which is completely personal preference, is I wasn’t a fan of the sex scenes. The dynamics aren’t something I personally find all that intriguing so I skimmed a bit.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I will definitely be tuned in for Jay and Tag’s story next 👀
Similar to the first book in this series, I enjoyed this but certain quibbles left this in the good but not quite great category for me. I enjoyed Mason and Owen and found their dynamic of indifferent acquaintances—>friends—>more-than-friends enduring. I will be getting into some spoilery territory so proceed with caution.
🚫🚫⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️🚫🚫
Mason, Lewis’s brief ex we meet in book 1, is a model/influencer/hopeful tv personality who is hoping to take his moderately successful career to the next level. Owen, Lewis’s older brother, is a gardener with a successful small landscaping business and is fairly removed from the social media/celebrity world. Mostly indifferent, yet physically attracted, to one another the two find themselves presented with an opportunity to do a short-term gardening stint on a lifestyle morning show and their fledging friendship quickly turns to more.
The writing in this story was solid, albeit a bit slow moving for me at times. Owen, the strong nurturing type paired with Mason’s easy going charisma fit nicely together. Mason who on the surface can seem self absorbed and shallow carries the weight of family obligation on his shoulders and let’s this drive several poor decisions throughout the book. Poor decisions aside, I never felt as though his actions came from a selfish place even though well…they were selfish. Bad editing or not his part in #pineapplegate and the subsequent secrecy over it was capital N not good. I do think the media and branding urgency from Mason never felt too far and always seemed to come from a place of “I can’t lose this job❗️” and not from an obsession to be famous, which for me was an important distinction.
I’m not going to lie though, I empathized a lot with Owen throughout this story. I myself have a strong squick towards social media and curating your personal life for a brand. Maybe that makes me a self-righteous twat, but it’s less to do with others and more that the idea of heavily private introverted me having my life picked apart by strangers just sounds like complete hell. So every time Mason asked for a selfie or talked about upping their online engagement and Owen recoiled a bit, I recoiled right along with him. The whole fiasco of #pineapplegate seemed so minor on the surface, but I actually thought it was a smart choice. The obvious route would’ve been revealing how Misty encouraged Mason to pursue Owen, but the pineapples signified the final straw in a series of white lies and exaggerated truths that Mason had been building from day 1. The fallout was inevitable and in my opinion necessary.
There were a few things that lessened the story for me a bit. As I mentioned above, some of the plot was slow moving. I’m not sure this needed to be almost 400 pages. Another point, which is completely personal preference, is I wasn’t a fan of the sex scenes. The dynamics aren’t something I personally find all that intriguing so I skimmed a bit.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I will definitely be tuned in for Jay and Tag’s story next 👀
August 20, 2022
4.5
That was amazing.
Compelling and tough and romantic and sexy and heartfelt, and the two leads were both beyond lovable, wonderfully human and complex.
"Home Grown Talent" was one of my most anticipated books of the summer, and it does not disappoint, at all. Mason and Owen's journey was an utter joy to witness: their relationship was a rollercoaster of ups and downs, fraught with some very frustrating miscommunication issues (and some subsequent, and very much needed, groveling!) but it was exciting and lovely and sweet, and their chemistry was explosive. And the steam? *fans herself* it was so good, so dirty, so exciting. And 100% my cup of tea.
Individually, Mason and Owen are fabulous characters. Mason was lovely, oddly shy and vulnerable and insecure, even with his supermodel looks and success: I admit, I wanted to scream at him a few times for how he ends up treating Owen, but ultimately, he manages to reemed himself beautifully (and I was so damn proud of him).
Owen was a dreamboat: he had that Gently Stern, Sexily Competent Daddy vibe going on that was *chef's kiss* and his more infuriatingly stubborn moments only made me love him more. I adored his relationship with Lewis, and seeing Lewis (and Lewis and Aaron) through Owen's eyes was utterly priceless.
I loved this story to absolute bits, and although I found book one a bit more snarky and darkly humorous, "Home Grown Talent" was sweeter and more romantic, and it reads like a gentle punch of feelings to the gut.
Joanna Chambers and Sally Malcolm are a fabulous writing team and their second novel together just confirmed it. "Home Grown Talent" was impressive and sweetly sexy, and now I cannot wait to read the third book: I'm already highly invested in the next leads' very antagonistic journey to romance.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
That was amazing.
Compelling and tough and romantic and sexy and heartfelt, and the two leads were both beyond lovable, wonderfully human and complex.
"Home Grown Talent" was one of my most anticipated books of the summer, and it does not disappoint, at all. Mason and Owen's journey was an utter joy to witness: their relationship was a rollercoaster of ups and downs, fraught with some very frustrating miscommunication issues (and some subsequent, and very much needed, groveling!) but it was exciting and lovely and sweet, and their chemistry was explosive. And the steam? *fans herself* it was so good, so dirty, so exciting. And 100% my cup of tea.
Individually, Mason and Owen are fabulous characters. Mason was lovely, oddly shy and vulnerable and insecure, even with his supermodel looks and success: I admit, I wanted to scream at him a few times for how he ends up treating Owen, but ultimately, he manages to reemed himself beautifully (and I was so damn proud of him).
Owen was a dreamboat: he had that Gently Stern, Sexily Competent Daddy vibe going on that was *chef's kiss* and his more infuriatingly stubborn moments only made me love him more. I adored his relationship with Lewis, and seeing Lewis (and Lewis and Aaron) through Owen's eyes was utterly priceless.
I loved this story to absolute bits, and although I found book one a bit more snarky and darkly humorous, "Home Grown Talent" was sweeter and more romantic, and it reads like a gentle punch of feelings to the gut.
Joanna Chambers and Sally Malcolm are a fabulous writing team and their second novel together just confirmed it. "Home Grown Talent" was impressive and sweetly sexy, and now I cannot wait to read the third book: I'm already highly invested in the next leads' very antagonistic journey to romance.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2022
I'm going with 3.5 stars for now.
Positives:
Owen: He was by far the highlight of this book for me. I loved everything about him. His personality, his steadfastness, his support for the people he loves. I even loved his insecurities. He was a very well-built character, layered and very real.
I loved the plot that surrounds Social Media and its effects, how poeple have a persona they have to build to keep their followers and hain even more. It was very realistic and I especially enjoyed Owen's reactions to that.
The steam: I love a shy wholsome man who is a beast in the sheets! And Owen was yummy in this aspect.
However:
I didn't warm up to Mason. He was one of the nagatives in this book. I didn't like the fact that he came across as coldish and calculating at times. Owen carried the book on his shoulders imo and Mason did very little to warm himself up for readers.
I also think that the book dragged for a bit in the middle.
Positives:
Owen: He was by far the highlight of this book for me. I loved everything about him. His personality, his steadfastness, his support for the people he loves. I even loved his insecurities. He was a very well-built character, layered and very real.
I loved the plot that surrounds Social Media and its effects, how poeple have a persona they have to build to keep their followers and hain even more. It was very realistic and I especially enjoyed Owen's reactions to that.
The steam: I love a shy wholsome man who is a beast in the sheets! And Owen was yummy in this aspect.
However:
I didn't warm up to Mason. He was one of the nagatives in this book. I didn't like the fact that he came across as coldish and calculating at times. Owen carried the book on his shoulders imo and Mason did very little to warm himself up for readers.
I also think that the book dragged for a bit in the middle.
August 27, 2022
4,5 stars.
There were a few reasons why I really couldn't wait to read this book:
1. I loved the first installment in this series
2. I wanted Owen's story
3. I adore Sally Malcolm's writing
4. The blurb
So when the opportunity came to request an ARC, I didn't hesitate, even when I had put myself on an 'ARC requesting ban'. And I don't regret it one single minute. It appeared I loved this one even better than the first book.
Maybe that's because grumpy/sunshine isn't always what I'm in the mood for (Lewis and Aaron from Total Creative Control), but so is fake relationship. I had a feeling that what Mason and Owen had, wasn't your average fake relationship, though, and I was right about that. It never was anything fake for Owen at least. I just loved everything about Owen's and Mason's relationship - they had chemistry, they clicked in and outside the bedroom and I felt their connection through and through. Soft cinnamon roll Owen had so much patience and care to give and without Mason himself realizing how much he needed it, Owen just knew. He's the sweetest man around, and I was surprised how different he acted behind the bedroomdoor! A nice surprise, though!
If you have read the first book, you might remember Owen as Lewis's older brother, the gardener. And Mason might ring a bell too - for a short while he was Lewis's boyfriend. Or fling is more like it.
Despite the fact that Owen thought Mason to be shallow and caring for nothing else but his Instagram following and other social media, his status as a model and his possible TV career, when Owen gets to know him better, he realizes there's more to Mason than that.
When Mason gets the opportunity to work on a TV item with Owen about gardening, he does everything he can to persuade a reluctant Owen to go along with it. Mason needs the money and he's convinced this is the first step to a TV career.
A lot of things happened, but they never took away the pleasure of Mason's and Owen's romance. I loved watching them together, to see how organic their relationship developed, how they fit.
And it was really nice to see cameo's from Lewis and Aaron, to see how they are doing, and I have to admit Lewis appeared to be a more lovable person here than he seemed to be in the first book!
There's depth to this story and great character development. There's fun and drama and the story that's told is really engaging. At times it pulls at your heartstrings and these authors even managed to get me a little teary eyed in the end!
I love how Sally Malcolm and Joanna Chambers write together and I can hardly wait to read Tag's and Jay's story!
If you love a cinnamon roll mc and one who hides his scars deep on the inside, if you enjoy an age-gap romance, a bit of drama, but a lot of fun and (unexpected) heat, hurt/comfort and a bit of a fake relationship, I'm sure you're going to love this one.
Highly recommended.
I was kindly given an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
There were a few reasons why I really couldn't wait to read this book:
1. I loved the first installment in this series
2. I wanted Owen's story
3. I adore Sally Malcolm's writing
4. The blurb
So when the opportunity came to request an ARC, I didn't hesitate, even when I had put myself on an 'ARC requesting ban'. And I don't regret it one single minute. It appeared I loved this one even better than the first book.
Maybe that's because grumpy/sunshine isn't always what I'm in the mood for (Lewis and Aaron from Total Creative Control), but so is fake relationship. I had a feeling that what Mason and Owen had, wasn't your average fake relationship, though, and I was right about that. It never was anything fake for Owen at least. I just loved everything about Owen's and Mason's relationship - they had chemistry, they clicked in and outside the bedroom and I felt their connection through and through. Soft cinnamon roll Owen had so much patience and care to give and without Mason himself realizing how much he needed it, Owen just knew. He's the sweetest man around, and I was surprised how different he acted behind the bedroomdoor! A nice surprise, though!
If you have read the first book, you might remember Owen as Lewis's older brother, the gardener. And Mason might ring a bell too - for a short while he was Lewis's boyfriend. Or fling is more like it.
Despite the fact that Owen thought Mason to be shallow and caring for nothing else but his Instagram following and other social media, his status as a model and his possible TV career, when Owen gets to know him better, he realizes there's more to Mason than that.
When Mason gets the opportunity to work on a TV item with Owen about gardening, he does everything he can to persuade a reluctant Owen to go along with it. Mason needs the money and he's convinced this is the first step to a TV career.
A lot of things happened, but they never took away the pleasure of Mason's and Owen's romance. I loved watching them together, to see how organic their relationship developed, how they fit.
And it was really nice to see cameo's from Lewis and Aaron, to see how they are doing, and I have to admit Lewis appeared to be a more lovable person here than he seemed to be in the first book!
There's depth to this story and great character development. There's fun and drama and the story that's told is really engaging. At times it pulls at your heartstrings and these authors even managed to get me a little teary eyed in the end!
I love how Sally Malcolm and Joanna Chambers write together and I can hardly wait to read Tag's and Jay's story!
If you love a cinnamon roll mc and one who hides his scars deep on the inside, if you enjoy an age-gap romance, a bit of drama, but a lot of fun and (unexpected) heat, hurt/comfort and a bit of a fake relationship, I'm sure you're going to love this one.
Highly recommended.
I was kindly given an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
October 2, 2022
I've given this an A- at AAR, so 4.5 stars rounded up.
Joanna Chambers and Sally Malcolm earned a DIK from me for their first collaboration, Total Creative Control, a funny, sexy grumpy/sunshine romance set in the world of television production. Now they’re back with its sequel, Home Grown Talent, an opposites-attract romance between a cinnamon roll and a “lemon tart” (this NEEDS to be a new trope!) that takes a long hard look at the intrusiveness of social media and the behind-the-scenes toxicity found in certain types of broadcast media. The characters are loveable, complex and fully-rounded, their romance is beautifully written and although the story is perhaps a little more serious in tone than the previous one, it’s every bit as full of warmth, humour and feels.
Owen Hunter (older brother of Lewis from book one) is a private and very down-to-earth sort of guy with a big heart and a desire to smooth the way for those he cares for. He runs a successful landscaping and gardening business, and, okay, so maybe he isn’t loved up like Lewis and his boyfriend Aaron are – they’re just a bit sickening in their lovey-dovey-ness – but he’s happy for them and content with his life, even though he wouldn’t mind finding someone to share it with. He’s been attracted to the gorgeous Mason Nash – Lewis’ ex – for a while, but has resigned himself to the fact that beneath the beautiful exterior, Mason is probably shallow and a bit dull. Even if he wasn’t and Owen ever got up the courage to actually ask him out, no way would a guy like Mason look twice at a guy like him.
Mason makes a pretty good living as a model and is good at his job, but it’s not something he ever envisaged himself doing and can’t say he likes it all that much. The main thing is that it pays well and he needs to keep earning good money so he can support his mother and younger sisters, but he’s looking to move on from modelling. He’s working on building his Instagram numbers so he can attract more lucrative sponsorship deals and has just picked up a temporary presenting gig on the health, beauty and fitness segment of a magazine TV show called Weekend Wellness. If rumours are to be believed, one of the main presenters is leaving, and Mason hopes maybe something permanent will open up for him there.
Lewis invites Owen to an awards dinner, and even though it’s not really Owen’s scene, there’s no way he’s going to miss out on his little brother getting recognition for his work on his TV show, Leeches. He doesn’t know anyone else at their table – other than Mason, who is there as the guest of Leeches’ lead actor – and is surprised when Misty Watson-King, the producer of Weekend Wellness, takes an interest in him. Owen is astonished when she suggests that maybe he would consider taking part in the gardening segment she wants to add to the show, and although he insists he’s not the TV type, Misty won’t let it go, delighted with her idea that the slot should feature Owen teaching basic gardening techniques to a total newbie. Mason.
Owen isn’t wild about the idea, but does eventually agree to do the show, and over the next few weeks spent preparing – working out what each week’s segment will include, what plants and techniques to use – Mason and Owen get to know each other better and find they really enjoy each other’s company. As the chemistry between them crackles and their attraction grows Owen realises he’s misjudged Mason and, far from being a spoiled air-head, he’s bright, quick and curious, able to talk to anyone about anything. In Owen, Mason discovers the kind of friendship and support he has never really known and opens up to him, explaining that before he became a model, he’d trained as a chef – cooking is obviously something he adores – but he gave it up because modelling was better paid. His dad left his mum and younger sisters (who are ten years younger than Mason) when the girls were little, and Mason is pretty much supporting them financially because his dad rarely makes his maintenance payments on time, and his mum is not good with money.
Despite their outward differences, Owen and Mason really are a great fit. Their chemistry is palpable and the authors create a very real and strong emotional connection between them. Even though Owen isn’t completely comfortable with what he sees as Mason’s obsession with social media and doesn’t really understand it, he does realise Mason is using it as a tool to build a career. He’s falling head-over-heels for the Mason he’s coming to know, the real Mason who is so much more than the fake one with the fake life plastered all over Instagram. But he worries about losing his Mason to the fake one somewhere along the way.
Mason is as deeply invested in the relationship as Owen, and loves how straightforward and true to himself he is – but he worries that maybe he’s too honest to be working in the world of spin that is reality television. Also worrying is the pressure Misty is putting on Mason to play up his and Owen’s obvious chemistry to whip up interest in the show by engaging in some flirty teasing on social media, and getting a whole ‘will they/won’t they’ thing going. And if things between them go a bit further than that in private, well, it’s all great publicity. Mason instantly draws the line at the idea of sleeping with Owen for ratings, but he also knows Owen won’t be up for using their relationship for the show’s benefit. But… if they’re really together – which they are – then all the flirting and couple-y photos won’t actually be a lie – will they?
Of course, we know this isn’t going to turn out well and sure enough, Mason is pushed into making an unwise decision which then spirals into a silly yet plausible scandal that quickly has serious consequences for Owen – who can’t help but wonder if what he had with Mason was ever real.
At the heart of Home Grown Talent are two charming, likeable but very different men, who have, in different ways, spent most of their lives looking out for other people and have forgotten to look after themselves. In continually bailing out his mother, Mason has basically enabled her to give up responsibility for looking after herself and her daughters; he’s assumed the parental role in the family, but needs to learn to put himself first and live his own life. Owen had a parental role thrust upon him in his teens (he brought Lewis up after their parents died), and he’s become so used to being a fixer, a “white knight” who rides in to sort out other people’s problems that he finds it difficult to be vulnerable and accept that sometimes he doesn’t have all the answers. Unfortunately, his reaction to that is usually to shut people out and try to bulldoze his way through problems rather than communicate his thoughts and feelings and work through them.
The intrusiveness of social media and the way it’s used to sell everything from actual products to lifestyles and relationships and people is a key part of the story and the authors do a good job of showing just how invasive and damaging it can be. Being an old fogey myself, social media is something about which I maintain a healthy scepticism, but you’ve only got to lurk around on it for a short while or look at the headlines to find, day after day, stories about how it so often brings out the worst in people.
Home Grown Talent is insightful, funny and touching, boasting two likeable leads, a lovely romance with some seriously sexy steamy moments and a well-realised secondary cast. It works perfectly well as a standalone, although Total Creative Control is excellent and well worth reading, too. More, please, ladies!
Joanna Chambers and Sally Malcolm earned a DIK from me for their first collaboration, Total Creative Control, a funny, sexy grumpy/sunshine romance set in the world of television production. Now they’re back with its sequel, Home Grown Talent, an opposites-attract romance between a cinnamon roll and a “lemon tart” (this NEEDS to be a new trope!) that takes a long hard look at the intrusiveness of social media and the behind-the-scenes toxicity found in certain types of broadcast media. The characters are loveable, complex and fully-rounded, their romance is beautifully written and although the story is perhaps a little more serious in tone than the previous one, it’s every bit as full of warmth, humour and feels.
Owen Hunter (older brother of Lewis from book one) is a private and very down-to-earth sort of guy with a big heart and a desire to smooth the way for those he cares for. He runs a successful landscaping and gardening business, and, okay, so maybe he isn’t loved up like Lewis and his boyfriend Aaron are – they’re just a bit sickening in their lovey-dovey-ness – but he’s happy for them and content with his life, even though he wouldn’t mind finding someone to share it with. He’s been attracted to the gorgeous Mason Nash – Lewis’ ex – for a while, but has resigned himself to the fact that beneath the beautiful exterior, Mason is probably shallow and a bit dull. Even if he wasn’t and Owen ever got up the courage to actually ask him out, no way would a guy like Mason look twice at a guy like him.
Mason makes a pretty good living as a model and is good at his job, but it’s not something he ever envisaged himself doing and can’t say he likes it all that much. The main thing is that it pays well and he needs to keep earning good money so he can support his mother and younger sisters, but he’s looking to move on from modelling. He’s working on building his Instagram numbers so he can attract more lucrative sponsorship deals and has just picked up a temporary presenting gig on the health, beauty and fitness segment of a magazine TV show called Weekend Wellness. If rumours are to be believed, one of the main presenters is leaving, and Mason hopes maybe something permanent will open up for him there.
Lewis invites Owen to an awards dinner, and even though it’s not really Owen’s scene, there’s no way he’s going to miss out on his little brother getting recognition for his work on his TV show, Leeches. He doesn’t know anyone else at their table – other than Mason, who is there as the guest of Leeches’ lead actor – and is surprised when Misty Watson-King, the producer of Weekend Wellness, takes an interest in him. Owen is astonished when she suggests that maybe he would consider taking part in the gardening segment she wants to add to the show, and although he insists he’s not the TV type, Misty won’t let it go, delighted with her idea that the slot should feature Owen teaching basic gardening techniques to a total newbie. Mason.
Owen isn’t wild about the idea, but does eventually agree to do the show, and over the next few weeks spent preparing – working out what each week’s segment will include, what plants and techniques to use – Mason and Owen get to know each other better and find they really enjoy each other’s company. As the chemistry between them crackles and their attraction grows Owen realises he’s misjudged Mason and, far from being a spoiled air-head, he’s bright, quick and curious, able to talk to anyone about anything. In Owen, Mason discovers the kind of friendship and support he has never really known and opens up to him, explaining that before he became a model, he’d trained as a chef – cooking is obviously something he adores – but he gave it up because modelling was better paid. His dad left his mum and younger sisters (who are ten years younger than Mason) when the girls were little, and Mason is pretty much supporting them financially because his dad rarely makes his maintenance payments on time, and his mum is not good with money.
Despite their outward differences, Owen and Mason really are a great fit. Their chemistry is palpable and the authors create a very real and strong emotional connection between them. Even though Owen isn’t completely comfortable with what he sees as Mason’s obsession with social media and doesn’t really understand it, he does realise Mason is using it as a tool to build a career. He’s falling head-over-heels for the Mason he’s coming to know, the real Mason who is so much more than the fake one with the fake life plastered all over Instagram. But he worries about losing his Mason to the fake one somewhere along the way.
Mason is as deeply invested in the relationship as Owen, and loves how straightforward and true to himself he is – but he worries that maybe he’s too honest to be working in the world of spin that is reality television. Also worrying is the pressure Misty is putting on Mason to play up his and Owen’s obvious chemistry to whip up interest in the show by engaging in some flirty teasing on social media, and getting a whole ‘will they/won’t they’ thing going. And if things between them go a bit further than that in private, well, it’s all great publicity. Mason instantly draws the line at the idea of sleeping with Owen for ratings, but he also knows Owen won’t be up for using their relationship for the show’s benefit. But… if they’re really together – which they are – then all the flirting and couple-y photos won’t actually be a lie – will they?
Of course, we know this isn’t going to turn out well and sure enough, Mason is pushed into making an unwise decision which then spirals into a silly yet plausible scandal that quickly has serious consequences for Owen – who can’t help but wonder if what he had with Mason was ever real.
At the heart of Home Grown Talent are two charming, likeable but very different men, who have, in different ways, spent most of their lives looking out for other people and have forgotten to look after themselves. In continually bailing out his mother, Mason has basically enabled her to give up responsibility for looking after herself and her daughters; he’s assumed the parental role in the family, but needs to learn to put himself first and live his own life. Owen had a parental role thrust upon him in his teens (he brought Lewis up after their parents died), and he’s become so used to being a fixer, a “white knight” who rides in to sort out other people’s problems that he finds it difficult to be vulnerable and accept that sometimes he doesn’t have all the answers. Unfortunately, his reaction to that is usually to shut people out and try to bulldoze his way through problems rather than communicate his thoughts and feelings and work through them.
The intrusiveness of social media and the way it’s used to sell everything from actual products to lifestyles and relationships and people is a key part of the story and the authors do a good job of showing just how invasive and damaging it can be. Being an old fogey myself, social media is something about which I maintain a healthy scepticism, but you’ve only got to lurk around on it for a short while or look at the headlines to find, day after day, stories about how it so often brings out the worst in people.
Home Grown Talent is insightful, funny and touching, boasting two likeable leads, a lovely romance with some seriously sexy steamy moments and a well-realised secondary cast. It works perfectly well as a standalone, although Total Creative Control is excellent and well worth reading, too. More, please, ladies!
September 10, 2022
3.5 stars
”Owen’s chest pinched. Beneath the polished exterior, there was something soft and vulnerable about Mason. Something that appealed deeply to Owen. Tapped into his Knight in Shining Armour complex, perhaps. He wanted to look after Mason, protect him and care for him… and at the same time get naked and fuck like minks.”
This was sweet, fluffy, and entertaining. I don’t have much to say about it aside from Owen is a total sweetheart, his relationship with Mason is cute if a bit predictable, working on a TV show sounds like an utter nightmare, Mason’s parents are shit, and the pineapple incident was utterly ridiculous.
— gentle gardener/bratty model
— sweet, low angst
— forced proximity
— hurt/comfort
”Owen’s chest pinched. Beneath the polished exterior, there was something soft and vulnerable about Mason. Something that appealed deeply to Owen. Tapped into his Knight in Shining Armour complex, perhaps. He wanted to look after Mason, protect him and care for him… and at the same time get naked and fuck like minks.”
This was sweet, fluffy, and entertaining. I don’t have much to say about it aside from Owen is a total sweetheart, his relationship with Mason is cute if a bit predictable, working on a TV show sounds like an utter nightmare, Mason’s parents are shit, and the pineapple incident was utterly ridiculous.
— gentle gardener/bratty model
— sweet, low angst
— forced proximity
— hurt/comfort
August 24, 2022
I loved Total Creative Control so I was so excited to read the second book in this series. I wish I could say I loved it just as much but I can’t. I kept hoping it would click with me but unfortunately it didn’t. I still liked so much about it and the writing was wonderful but there were certain things that didn’t work for me.
I never felt the real connection between Owen and Mason. I felt like they were just missing that certain something that makes the chemistry jump off the page. Owen seemed so good and so nice to the point of being naive about things while they were filming.
Mason was adorable, I really liked his character. I loved his sass and his style. I did not like his mom at all. He was backed into a corner and had to do things he wasn’t crazy about to help out his mom and sisters. When parents take advantage of their children it always gets me so mad. His mom never even learned her true lesson. That irritated me.
I thought that Owen went a bit overboard with some of the things that were sticklers for him while filming. The entire #pineapplegate fiasco was just silly to me. I saw his point but I didn’t like where the story went with that fiasco.
I love that we get so much of Lewis and Aaron! Their story was so good and seeing them again and seeing Lewis and Owen work some things out was beautiful.
This was a good book but like I said it just didn’t work for me all the way around. I liked the first parts better and I wish we got more of Owen and Mason connecting and flirting before they got together. Maybe that was what was missing.
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
I never felt the real connection between Owen and Mason. I felt like they were just missing that certain something that makes the chemistry jump off the page. Owen seemed so good and so nice to the point of being naive about things while they were filming.
Mason was adorable, I really liked his character. I loved his sass and his style. I did not like his mom at all. He was backed into a corner and had to do things he wasn’t crazy about to help out his mom and sisters. When parents take advantage of their children it always gets me so mad. His mom never even learned her true lesson. That irritated me.
I thought that Owen went a bit overboard with some of the things that were sticklers for him while filming. The entire #pineapplegate fiasco was just silly to me. I saw his point but I didn’t like where the story went with that fiasco.
I love that we get so much of Lewis and Aaron! Their story was so good and seeing them again and seeing Lewis and Owen work some things out was beautiful.
This was a good book but like I said it just didn’t work for me all the way around. I liked the first parts better and I wish we got more of Owen and Mason connecting and flirting before they got together. Maybe that was what was missing.
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
May 29, 2024
May 2024 re-read: Definitely still a 5/5. This series is so good.
---
This was a fun twist on the fake dating trope: The relationship is being played up for the TV audience, and neither man is sure just how much of it is real. I liked how the book explored some of the difficulties of social media and fame while still treating Mason’s chosen career with respect. And I loved the way the public-facing elements of the relationship kept both characters guessing about what they both wanted.
As always, I’m impressed with Chambers’ and Malcolm’s careful plotting and nuanced character work. This could so easily have been a book where the characters could have had a HEA at 15% if they’d just talked to each other, but instead the conflict felt inevitable despite the characters’ best efforts at communication. Both characters had to learn some hard truths about themselves, their families, and their careers in order to resolve the conflict between them. Talking about the problem before that point didn’t solve things because neither was mentally in the right place yet. Instead of feeling frustrating and contrived, their big fight felt like something that had to happen to change their perspectives. Without it, they’d have kept misunderstanding each other.
I really loved this and recommend it even if you’re not usually into fake dating stories.
Although one of the MCs in this book is related to one of the MCs in the first book in the series, and the couple from the first book appears a few times in this one, this can be read as a standalone because there’s no overlap between the plots.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
---
This was a fun twist on the fake dating trope: The relationship is being played up for the TV audience, and neither man is sure just how much of it is real. I liked how the book explored some of the difficulties of social media and fame while still treating Mason’s chosen career with respect. And I loved the way the public-facing elements of the relationship kept both characters guessing about what they both wanted.
As always, I’m impressed with Chambers’ and Malcolm’s careful plotting and nuanced character work. This could so easily have been a book where the characters could have had a HEA at 15% if they’d just talked to each other, but instead the conflict felt inevitable despite the characters’ best efforts at communication. Both characters had to learn some hard truths about themselves, their families, and their careers in order to resolve the conflict between them. Talking about the problem before that point didn’t solve things because neither was mentally in the right place yet. Instead of feeling frustrating and contrived, their big fight felt like something that had to happen to change their perspectives. Without it, they’d have kept misunderstanding each other.
I really loved this and recommend it even if you’re not usually into fake dating stories.
Although one of the MCs in this book is related to one of the MCs in the first book in the series, and the couple from the first book appears a few times in this one, this can be read as a standalone because there’s no overlap between the plots.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
August 27, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Home Grown Talent is the second book in Chambers and Malcolm’s Creative Types series. It takes place after the events of book one, Total Creative Control, featuring Owen’s brother, Lewis, and his fan-turned-assistant, Aaron. Fans of Lewis and Aaron will enjoy the multiple cameos they get in this book. I enjoyed the glimpse into their happily-ever-after life and really enjoyed getting to see Owen turn to Lewis for comfort during a highly emotional scene for Owen.
The book chapters are headed by the POV characters, so we get a lot of insight into Owen and Mason as people, as well as a couple. I thought it made Mason especially feel more dynamic as a character.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Home Grown Talent is the second book in Chambers and Malcolm’s Creative Types series. It takes place after the events of book one, Total Creative Control, featuring Owen’s brother, Lewis, and his fan-turned-assistant, Aaron. Fans of Lewis and Aaron will enjoy the multiple cameos they get in this book. I enjoyed the glimpse into their happily-ever-after life and really enjoyed getting to see Owen turn to Lewis for comfort during a highly emotional scene for Owen.
The book chapters are headed by the POV characters, so we get a lot of insight into Owen and Mason as people, as well as a couple. I thought it made Mason especially feel more dynamic as a character.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
September 16, 2022
In my opinion, this book has not the same potential of book 1.
Both mcs were so annoying and I got reeeeally bored
Both mcs were so annoying and I got reeeeally bored
August 30, 2022
3.5 stars - I had to let this one marinate in my brain for a bit so my confusing feelings towards it would settle into something that made sense. I'm still not sure if I should have rounded down instead of up, but I'm going to stick with my original reaction because this book was written really well and I enjoyed spending a quiet, rainy Sunday reading it.
I initially had my hackles up for Owen. It felt like everyone was trying to make him into something he wasn't while at the same time insinuating that who he was wasn't enough. I think maybe it sparked a nerve in me because I hate what I do for a living and envy people who earn a paycheck doing something that makes them happy and gardening truly made Owen happy. I wanted people to leave him alone and let him live his life. I also felt like Mason was playing Owen in the beginning. The selfies, the staged "dates", the seduction. It made me feel icky, like everything was for show. Mason's inner monologue said it was all real for him, but it felt so inauthentic that I, again, felt my claws coming out. Then something shifted in the story and I no longer understood what Mason and Owen saw in each other at all. Outside of the bedroom they seemed to be completely at odds and it was all because of a 10 minute weekend gardening segment run by Cruella De Vil.
I think the biggest reason I struggled to believe the relationship between Mason and Owen at first was that the time spent before filming began, while they were getting to know each other and becoming friends, was completely glossed over. There was a gentle amount of whiplash that I felt when weeks went by without even a peek at some of their interactions during them. Maybe if I'd seen some of their collective brainstorming and show preparation I would have felt secure in their connection sooner.
So I think I made this whole book sound bad, which was not my intention. I was genuinely entertained by the story. I loved seeing Aaron and Lewis again. Aaron was still as sweet and compassionate as ever. Lewis surprised me in the best way. I appreciated the message that we, as entertainment connoisseurs, are not shallow or ignorant or ripe to be taken advantage of. I really liked the way things came together in the end and the epilogue was sweet. I'm very much so looking forward to seeing how things between Tag and Jay play out next.
I initially had my hackles up for Owen. It felt like everyone was trying to make him into something he wasn't while at the same time insinuating that who he was wasn't enough. I think maybe it sparked a nerve in me because I hate what I do for a living and envy people who earn a paycheck doing something that makes them happy and gardening truly made Owen happy. I wanted people to leave him alone and let him live his life. I also felt like Mason was playing Owen in the beginning. The selfies, the staged "dates", the seduction. It made me feel icky, like everything was for show. Mason's inner monologue said it was all real for him, but it felt so inauthentic that I, again, felt my claws coming out. Then something shifted in the story and I no longer understood what Mason and Owen saw in each other at all. Outside of the bedroom they seemed to be completely at odds and it was all because of a 10 minute weekend gardening segment run by Cruella De Vil.
I think the biggest reason I struggled to believe the relationship between Mason and Owen at first was that the time spent before filming began, while they were getting to know each other and becoming friends, was completely glossed over. There was a gentle amount of whiplash that I felt when weeks went by without even a peek at some of their interactions during them. Maybe if I'd seen some of their collective brainstorming and show preparation I would have felt secure in their connection sooner.
So I think I made this whole book sound bad, which was not my intention. I was genuinely entertained by the story. I loved seeing Aaron and Lewis again. Aaron was still as sweet and compassionate as ever. Lewis surprised me in the best way. I appreciated the message that we, as entertainment connoisseurs, are not shallow or ignorant or ripe to be taken advantage of. I really liked the way things came together in the end and the epilogue was sweet. I'm very much so looking forward to seeing how things between Tag and Jay play out next.
August 20, 2022
Some of the magic from the first book was gone.
I adored Owen. He's flawed but he's genuinely a good guy. AND he has one of my personal favorite character traits. Lad in the streets but a freak in the sheets. Mason took until nearly the end to grow on me. His public persona was awful. And even when he wasn't playing that guy he sometimes came off as disingenuous. I did feel for him a lot of the time. I just wish he grew a backbone before the blowup.
The highlight of this book for me were the Lewis cameos (cameos are seriously my favorite part of reading lately, sue me). He is one of my favorite MCs of all time so anytime he appeared on page was amazing for me.
I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
I adored Owen. He's flawed but he's genuinely a good guy. AND he has one of my personal favorite character traits. Lad in the streets but a freak in the sheets. Mason took until nearly the end to grow on me. His public persona was awful. And even when he wasn't playing that guy he sometimes came off as disingenuous. I did feel for him a lot of the time. I just wish he grew a backbone before the blowup.
The highlight of this book for me were the Lewis cameos (cameos are seriously my favorite part of reading lately, sue me). He is one of my favorite MCs of all time so anytime he appeared on page was amazing for me.
I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
August 26, 2022
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Maybe it was clear to everyone else after finishing Total Creative Control but I had ZERO clues that the second book would be following Mason and Owen. I didn't like Mason after the first book and thought he was an entitled, self-centered prick but oh my GOD I was so wrong. And I'm glad I was.
Mason has a soft side that I didn't get to see in the first book. He's someone who actually doesn't enjoy modelling, he loves to cook, and he's such a softie for his family, even when they don't deserve it. And Owen, who is Lewis's brother, is a gardener who has been attracted to Mason for ages but was never able to act on it. And Owen... whew. He certainly knows how to take care of a partner.
While I still love Total Creative Control more (btw we get a few Lewis and Aaron cameos in this book!), this one was a solid follow-up. There was a lot of drama surrounding Weekend Wellness and I found myself skimming those parts, to be honest, because I wanted to get back to Mason and Owen. Book Three is going to be about and I am SO PUMPED FOR THAT.
I'll just be waiting here for the next book kthnx.
Maybe it was clear to everyone else after finishing Total Creative Control but I had ZERO clues that the second book would be following Mason and Owen. I didn't like Mason after the first book and thought he was an entitled, self-centered prick but oh my GOD I was so wrong. And I'm glad I was.
Mason has a soft side that I didn't get to see in the first book. He's someone who actually doesn't enjoy modelling, he loves to cook, and he's such a softie for his family, even when they don't deserve it. And Owen, who is Lewis's brother, is a gardener who has been attracted to Mason for ages but was never able to act on it. And Owen... whew. He certainly knows how to take care of a partner.
While I still love Total Creative Control more (btw we get a few Lewis and Aaron cameos in this book!), this one was a solid follow-up. There was a lot of drama surrounding Weekend Wellness and I found myself skimming those parts, to be honest, because I wanted to get back to Mason and Owen. Book Three is going to be about and I am SO PUMPED FOR THAT.
I'll just be waiting here for the next book kthnx.
August 27, 2022
Owen and Mason ❤️
Now this is what I'm talking about!!! I adored this one, so much better than the first...Even Lewis was redeemed 😉
I love a good fake relationship read and this one had just about everything I adore...it had 2 great main characters, it had a natural flow to the relationship between these two that was endearing and realistic, it had some steamy times and it had some drama but nothing that took away from this really sweet love story. This one will tug at your heartstrings and make your heart happy in the end ❤️ I would most definitely recommend and I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Now this is what I'm talking about!!! I adored this one, so much better than the first...Even Lewis was redeemed 😉
I love a good fake relationship read and this one had just about everything I adore...it had 2 great main characters, it had a natural flow to the relationship between these two that was endearing and realistic, it had some steamy times and it had some drama but nothing that took away from this really sweet love story. This one will tug at your heartstrings and make your heart happy in the end ❤️ I would most definitely recommend and I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 15, 2025
Fake dating your ex's brother Owen for Insta likes and making a buzz for your tv show. You could say that Mason isn't the most likeable guy. But after starting out as an a****e the story took a turn and he redeemed himself. Liked it - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 13, 2022
I have to admit this one totally slipped my mind.
I read this a couple of weeks ago (I think) and never reviewed it. Which says all about my state of mind, but certainly does not reflect on the book!
I adored book 1, and I also loved this one, but maybe not quite as much.
I must admit that as a very private person, I don't have a lot of love or understanding for internet influencers and their obsession to post 'everything'. Mason annoyed me at times because of that, and I was all behind Owen for that reason.
I genuinely enjoyed the plot - very original and interesting!
And Owen is just one of those book boyfriends most people love. Not sure I understood why he felt the need to apologise for a certain event towards the end.
All in all, another total winner in this series.
Looking forward to MORE!
I read this a couple of weeks ago (I think) and never reviewed it. Which says all about my state of mind, but certainly does not reflect on the book!
I adored book 1, and I also loved this one, but maybe not quite as much.
I must admit that as a very private person, I don't have a lot of love or understanding for internet influencers and their obsession to post 'everything'. Mason annoyed me at times because of that, and I was all behind Owen for that reason.
I genuinely enjoyed the plot - very original and interesting!
And Owen is just one of those book boyfriends most people love. Not sure I understood why he felt the need to apologise for a certain event towards the end.
All in all, another total winner in this series.
Looking forward to MORE!
October 19, 2024
I've never seen an MC less capable of apologizing. Caught in a lie and the defense is that it's only an 'approximation of the truth' 💀
"Was any of this real?"
"Sort of."
Christ, Mason.
This was like watching a crash about to happen and knowing it's going to be excruciatingly bad, but having no power to stop it.
That one moment in a romance novel where one MC makes a seemingly small decision and you just KNOW it's going to be a massive issue for them in the future.
I knew going in that salt of the earth gardener x social media-crazy model was going to be a wild ride but goodness. The dramaaaaaaaa.
Mason has such a high propensity to fuck up 💀. It's unbelievable. But, gosh, these two were always going to have issues. And the best part was, it was written in such a way that I could see both their perspectives.
Mason was misguided, but his heart was in the right place, even though his parents were using the fuck out of him.
And Owen......sweet, trusting Owen. Heart also in the right place, fell too hard, too fast, and asking for the one thing Mason couldn't find it in himself to give.
I loved #PineappleGate because third act breakups rarely make sense except as a gimmick but this one? Whew! The writing had been on the wall for a while.
Butttttt I loved the mess because it gave Mason the opportunity to do the ONE thing that could convince Owen that he loved him and was sorry.
Wasn't a big fan of the whole mutual apology shtick because there was clearly a wrong person in that fuck up and it wasn't Owen. We don't have to do 50/50 in every situation. That man had every right to be mad at Mason and I felt like it diluted Mason's gesture and apology to make it seem like Owen was just as wrong(he wasn't)
Wasn't a big fan of the whole mutual apology shtick because there was clearly a wrong person in that fuck up and it wasn't Owen. We don't have to do 50/50 in every situation. That man had every right to be mad at Mason and I felt like it diluted the gesture and apology to make it seem like Owen was just as wrong(he wasn't).
But overall I loved this so won't be docking stars for that one little thing.
"Was any of this real?"
"Sort of."
Christ, Mason.
This was like watching a crash about to happen and knowing it's going to be excruciatingly bad, but having no power to stop it.
That one moment in a romance novel where one MC makes a seemingly small decision and you just KNOW it's going to be a massive issue for them in the future.
I knew going in that salt of the earth gardener x social media-crazy model was going to be a wild ride but goodness. The dramaaaaaaaa.
Mason has such a high propensity to fuck up 💀. It's unbelievable. But, gosh, these two were always going to have issues. And the best part was, it was written in such a way that I could see both their perspectives.
Mason was misguided, but his heart was in the right place, even though his parents were using the fuck out of him.
And Owen......sweet, trusting Owen. Heart also in the right place, fell too hard, too fast, and asking for the one thing Mason couldn't find it in himself to give.
I loved #PineappleGate because third act breakups rarely make sense except as a gimmick but this one? Whew! The writing had been on the wall for a while.
Butttttt I loved the mess because it gave Mason the opportunity to do the ONE thing that could convince Owen that he loved him and was sorry.
Wasn't a big fan of the whole mutual apology shtick because there was clearly a wrong person in that fuck up and it wasn't Owen. We don't have to do 50/50 in every situation. That man had every right to be mad at Mason and I felt like it diluted Mason's gesture and apology to make it seem like Owen was just as wrong(he wasn't)
Wasn't a big fan of the whole mutual apology shtick because there was clearly a wrong person in that fuck up and it wasn't Owen. We don't have to do 50/50 in every situation. That man had every right to be mad at Mason and I felt like it diluted the gesture and apology to make it seem like Owen was just as wrong(he wasn't).
But overall I loved this so won't be docking stars for that one little thing.
September 13, 2022
Rep: bi MC, gay MC
I just love the style of writing in this series!
It just makes me dive in and don’t come up for air until I read the whole thing.
Mason isn’t an MC you instantly love. But the more you get to know about his background, the more you understand his motives and what he’s surrendering for his family (who is horrible), the more you feel for him and the more you learn to love him.
Owen was an instant favourite from the start. He’s just very kind, caring and just an overall very selfless kind of person. He needed to grow up and take care of his younger brother at a very young age. He’s been working his ass off ever since and didn’t take a moment to breath.
When an unexpected offer to star in a TV gardening show arises, of course he does what’s best for Mason, and agrees.
I loved them both together. Owen is such a daddy, exactly what Mason needs. 😌 Someone to take care of him once, someone to like him for himself and not his looks or fame.
I also loved how Mason took care of Owen, cooking for him and letting him experience the fun things in life.
I loved that the MCs of the first book took a role in this one too. I especially loved that it was mentioned that Lewis started therapy and he and his brother talked more about their past and feelings.
The ending was very shocking, I started to hate Mason a little and kind of didn’t want them to get back together after all. But it was sone very well and I understood Masons acts in the end.
For me the parents didn’t get what they deserved in the end. Mason was wayyy to nice, I don’t think his mother understood or changed at all. But I understand that he still wanted to take care of his sisters.
All in all this was very addictive and I have to say that the sex scenes in this were ✨😗👌🏻🔥✨.
A quick and spicy read that I loved!
I just love the style of writing in this series!
It just makes me dive in and don’t come up for air until I read the whole thing.
Mason isn’t an MC you instantly love. But the more you get to know about his background, the more you understand his motives and what he’s surrendering for his family (who is horrible), the more you feel for him and the more you learn to love him.
Owen was an instant favourite from the start. He’s just very kind, caring and just an overall very selfless kind of person. He needed to grow up and take care of his younger brother at a very young age. He’s been working his ass off ever since and didn’t take a moment to breath.
When an unexpected offer to star in a TV gardening show arises, of course he does what’s best for Mason, and agrees.
I loved them both together. Owen is such a daddy, exactly what Mason needs. 😌 Someone to take care of him once, someone to like him for himself and not his looks or fame.
I also loved how Mason took care of Owen, cooking for him and letting him experience the fun things in life.
I loved that the MCs of the first book took a role in this one too. I especially loved that it was mentioned that Lewis started therapy and he and his brother talked more about their past and feelings.
The ending was very shocking, I started to hate Mason a little and kind of didn’t want them to get back together after all. But it was sone very well and I understood Masons acts in the end.
For me the parents didn’t get what they deserved in the end. Mason was wayyy to nice, I don’t think his mother understood or changed at all. But I understand that he still wanted to take care of his sisters.
All in all this was very addictive and I have to say that the sex scenes in this were ✨😗👌🏻🔥✨.
A quick and spicy read that I loved!
September 10, 2022
This is a cute rom-com about Mason, an influencer, and Owen, a gardener, who have to flirt on TV. It's not quite fake dating, but it does play with some fun aspects of the trope, namely the "how much of this is real?", with the added angst of betrayal where one character has more to earn from the televise flirting than the other. I liked both characters and how they're not what they seem at first glance. Mason is a beauty influencer who might seem a bit bratty, pretentious and fame-hungry, but really he's a shy guy who loves cooking and is just doing his job (still bratty though, in the right way, hehe). Owen might appear a little bit cold and judgy, but with Mason he's a warm dude who loves taking care of people. I loved all the caretaking, the early scene where Owen takes home a drunk Mason is so cute and perfect.
Despite the rom-com premise, the plot felt mature and grounded, and despite miscommunication being a major driver for the conflict here, it never felt drawn out or frustrating. I think people who likes domestic slow-burn would like the overall vibe of the book. The romance is really sweet. I do wish the story focused less on the social media commentary, especially towards the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
Despite the rom-com premise, the plot felt mature and grounded, and despite miscommunication being a major driver for the conflict here, it never felt drawn out or frustrating. I think people who likes domestic slow-burn would like the overall vibe of the book. The romance is really sweet. I do wish the story focused less on the social media commentary, especially towards the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
May 19, 2023
2.5 stars
I think I am going to step away from any other books in the series for a while. I struggled to finish this. It felt overly long ... and the whole "shallow model" vs. "toxic entertainment/social media culture" didn't spark any interest in me.
I skipped many pages to finish, and as much as I liked Owen when he talked about his gardens, and Mason definitely felt more "real" when he cooked, the rest of the plot also felt so, SO, cliché
I have never been a HUGE fan of anything related to "fake media persona" anyway (which is why anything related to famous people in LGBTQ romance has never been my priority, because it usually deals with hiding part of themselves)
I think I am going to step away from any other books in the series for a while. I struggled to finish this. It felt overly long ... and the whole "shallow model" vs. "toxic entertainment/social media culture" didn't spark any interest in me.
I skipped many pages to finish, and as much as I liked Owen when he talked about his gardens, and Mason definitely felt more "real" when he cooked, the rest of the plot also felt so, SO, cliché
I have never been a HUGE fan of anything related to "fake media persona" anyway (which is why anything related to famous people in LGBTQ romance has never been my priority, because it usually deals with hiding part of themselves)
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