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Creative Types #3
Best Supporting Actor
Lights, camera…attraction! When Tag O’Rourke, struggling actor-slash-barista, meets Jay Warren, son of acting royalty, it’s loathing at first sight. Loathing…and lust. Tag’s dream is to act, but it’s a dream that’s crumbling beneath the weight of student debt and his family’s financial problems. If his career doesn’t take off soon, he’s going to have to get a real job. After all, feeding his family is more important than feeding his soul. Luckily, Tag’s about to get his big break… Jay never had to dream about acting; he was always destined to follow in his famous mother’s footsteps. But fame has its price and a traumatic experience early in Jay’s career has left him with paralysing stage fright, which is why he sticks to the safety of TV work—and avoids relationships with co-stars at all costs. Unfortunately, Jay’s safe world is about to be rocked… After an ill-judged yet mind-blowing night together, Jay and Tag part acrimoniously. So it’s a nasty shock when they discover that they’ve been cast in a two-man play that could launch Tag’s career and finally get Jay back onto the stage where he belongs. Sure, it’s not ideal, but how bad can working with your arch-nemesis be? All they have to do is survive six weeks rehearsing together and navigate a cast of smarmy festival directors, terrible landladies, and vengeful journalists. Oh, and try not to fall in love before the curtain rises… Break a leg!
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First published September 28, 2023
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About the author
Joanna Chambers
41 books1,222 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 186 reviews
August 19, 2024
It took me a while to get into this. I didn't care that much about the first few chapters that involved Mason. The whole idea and the competition between Tag and Jay seemed silly and Tag was kind of rude all the time.
Once they arrived in York, though, the story took a complete turn for me. I don't usually like to read about actors, or any type of celebrities, but theatre is a different story. I absolutely loved every minute they spent working on the play. I loved getting to know the characters better. I really liked Jay and I found him very relatable, but it was Tag who stole the show here. He was so wonderful with Jay.
The last few chapters were a bit predictable, but I still found the ending very satisfying.
5 stars for the writing style and the dialogues that sound natural and realistic.
*******
Re-read 8/2024
Once they arrived in York, though, the story took a complete turn for me. I don't usually like to read about actors, or any type of celebrities, but theatre is a different story. I absolutely loved every minute they spent working on the play. I loved getting to know the characters better. I really liked Jay and I found him very relatable, but it was Tag who stole the show here. He was so wonderful with Jay.
The last few chapters were a bit predictable, but I still found the ending very satisfying.
5 stars for the writing style and the dialogues that sound natural and realistic.
*******
Re-read 8/2024
October 2, 2023
4.5 Stars
Aaron & Lewis still reign supreme in my eyes, but Jay & Tag were a close second. The writing as per usual, a cut above the rest. So sad this series has come to an end 😭
At first I wasn’t sure. Partly due to the overlapping timeline in the beginning and partly because of Tag’s prejudices. It took awhile to get fully invested, but I’m glad I persevered.
I really liked Tag in the previous books and I liked him here too. A struggling actor come barista, living hand to mouth, it’s not hard to see why he bore a grudge. His working class background, compared to Jay’s wealthy and privileged upbringing and the connections that afforded, are a stark contrast. Life can be unfair, but when they met, he went from being adoringly tongue-tied and starstruck to hot headed and resentful at the flick of a switch and was downright spiteful at one particular moment. If he hadn’t felt so guilty, I would’ve found it difficult to forgive him.
It’s pretty fair to say I was Team Jay from the beginning. Any retorts that left his lips were retaliatory. Jay may have been a successful actor, living the good life, but he was such a sensitive soul and so vulnerable, all thanks to his abusive ex and to some extent, his theatre royal roots. I could personally relate to his mortifying stage debut and the anxiety that followed. I’ve never forgotten my first and last time in a school nativity, as a seven year old Christmas Tree 🙄 I wanted the ground to swallow me up and it’s something that still affects me now. I felt so damn protective throughout their journey, and just wanted to give Jay the biggest hug.
However, when our leads find themselves in York, to work together on a play, I couldn’t put it down. I was all in! I loved how they grew closer. I loved how Jay rescued Tag, the kindness he bestowed, the trust he surrendered and I LOVED LOVED LOVED how Tag was so patient and giving and saved Jay from all of his inhibitions. I fell in love with Tag just a little bit too 💗
I was quite nervous for the showdown and it was emotional as anticipated. Fortunately it wasn’t drawn out and I was particularly grateful to the secondary characters in Jay’s close circle, that lent their support in his time of crisis.
Thankfully, all’s well that ends well. I do love a happy ending and I was happy to see Jay & Tag get theirs. I will definitely re-read!!!
Aaron & Lewis still reign supreme in my eyes, but Jay & Tag were a close second. The writing as per usual, a cut above the rest. So sad this series has come to an end 😭
At first I wasn’t sure. Partly due to the overlapping timeline in the beginning and partly because of Tag’s prejudices. It took awhile to get fully invested, but I’m glad I persevered.
I really liked Tag in the previous books and I liked him here too. A struggling actor come barista, living hand to mouth, it’s not hard to see why he bore a grudge. His working class background, compared to Jay’s wealthy and privileged upbringing and the connections that afforded, are a stark contrast. Life can be unfair, but when they met, he went from being adoringly tongue-tied and starstruck to hot headed and resentful at the flick of a switch and was downright spiteful at one particular moment. If he hadn’t felt so guilty, I would’ve found it difficult to forgive him.
It’s pretty fair to say I was Team Jay from the beginning. Any retorts that left his lips were retaliatory. Jay may have been a successful actor, living the good life, but he was such a sensitive soul and so vulnerable, all thanks to his abusive ex and to some extent, his theatre royal roots. I could personally relate to his mortifying stage debut and the anxiety that followed. I’ve never forgotten my first and last time in a school nativity, as a seven year old Christmas Tree 🙄 I wanted the ground to swallow me up and it’s something that still affects me now. I felt so damn protective throughout their journey, and just wanted to give Jay the biggest hug.
However, when our leads find themselves in York, to work together on a play, I couldn’t put it down. I was all in! I loved how they grew closer. I loved how Jay rescued Tag, the kindness he bestowed, the trust he surrendered and I LOVED LOVED LOVED how Tag was so patient and giving and saved Jay from all of his inhibitions. I fell in love with Tag just a little bit too 💗
I was quite nervous for the showdown and it was emotional as anticipated. Fortunately it wasn’t drawn out and I was particularly grateful to the secondary characters in Jay’s close circle, that lent their support in his time of crisis.
Thankfully, all’s well that ends well. I do love a happy ending and I was happy to see Jay & Tag get theirs. I will definitely re-read!!!
October 2, 2023
I know , I know..everybody thinks the first book was out of this world and all that but I honestly don’t. It wasn’t bad but it was kind of ..meh. So much that I didn’t even bother to read the second .
Luckily,I was attracted to this one’s blurb and I decided to give it a try because I love Joanna’s and Sally’s writing immensely.
And I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved EVERYTHING about it. It’s so emotional and full of feelings. And I loved the theater world, I enjoyed so much to learn a bit about those behind the curtain details of that world. And mostly I loved the 4 MCs. Yes 4, because Owen and Sassoon moved me to tears, I felt their presence and I was so touched by their complex relationship and epic story. As for our present day heroes , well ,they were just wonderful. They were flawed and damaged and they each carried their own curse and burdens: Tag having to fight twice as hard to get into a world full of nepotism and privileged ppl and Jay, already belonging to that world, having to always rise up to everybody’s expectations (plus a severe lack of self-confidence , professional and even sexual) . And they’re both bitter and,for a minute, petty with each other but then, while getting to know one another they’re amazing together and I was tearing up once in a while, especially when they were personifying Owen and Sassoon. I had to go and read all I could find about the poets and it was a fabulous experience.
Not everything was perfect in the book.I do think the villains were cartoonishly mean and dealt with in a cartoonish way but I was expecting it and didn’t care very much about it. I would have also liked for them to talk more towards the end, after their row, I would have liked them to clear the air a bit better,to talk about what they felt and why they acted like that. I mean they did but I felt it wasn’t enough, that they kind of glossed over some issues.
Apart from those niggles this was pretty much fabulous. The side characters were also interesting and entertaining and everybody knows I have a weakness for British authors and writing so it’s pointless to mention how much I adored it here. And that dry, smart and witty humor is my absolute favorite thing in the world.
Loved it , it was an excellent read and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
4.5 ⭐️
Luckily,I was attracted to this one’s blurb and I decided to give it a try because I love Joanna’s and Sally’s writing immensely.
And I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved EVERYTHING about it. It’s so emotional and full of feelings. And I loved the theater world, I enjoyed so much to learn a bit about those behind the curtain details of that world. And mostly I loved the 4 MCs. Yes 4, because Owen and Sassoon moved me to tears, I felt their presence and I was so touched by their complex relationship and epic story. As for our present day heroes , well ,they were just wonderful. They were flawed and damaged and they each carried their own curse and burdens: Tag having to fight twice as hard to get into a world full of nepotism and privileged ppl and Jay, already belonging to that world, having to always rise up to everybody’s expectations (plus a severe lack of self-confidence , professional and even sexual) . And they’re both bitter and,for a minute, petty with each other but then, while getting to know one another they’re amazing together and I was tearing up once in a while, especially when they were personifying Owen and Sassoon. I had to go and read all I could find about the poets and it was a fabulous experience.
Not everything was perfect in the book.I do think the villains were cartoonishly mean and dealt with in a cartoonish way but I was expecting it and didn’t care very much about it. I would have also liked for them to talk more towards the end, after their row, I would have liked them to clear the air a bit better,to talk about what they felt and why they acted like that. I mean they did but I felt it wasn’t enough, that they kind of glossed over some issues.
Apart from those niggles this was pretty much fabulous. The side characters were also interesting and entertaining and everybody knows I have a weakness for British authors and writing so it’s pointless to mention how much I adored it here. And that dry, smart and witty humor is my absolute favorite thing in the world.
Loved it , it was an excellent read and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
4.5 ⭐️
September 28, 2023
Joanna & Sally save the best for last
What a way to bring down the curtain on what's been a fabulous series.
I think this might have just shaved enough extra off the other two to take the top spot as my favourite pairing.
Tag and Jay fratch and snap, winding each other up every time their paths cross, mostly down to the insane UST that oozes off them both, but also down to them getting the wrong impression of their character.
Sparks flew the first time they met, and we get a bit of overlapping with the timelines of the first two books too here, starting on the night of the RPP dinner, when they get into a row over dating model Mason (star of book two).
They end up in bed, but Jay's insecurities from a previously abusive ex, and Tag's chip about his working class background versus the nepotism of the acting world, sees them exchanging hurtful words and parting in anger.
So it takes some skills to then give us the rest of this gorgeous story, and Joanna and Sally have that in spades.
When their paths cross again, it's as the leads in a new play based on the relationship between the two great WW I War Poets, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, an eight week rehearsal then a two week run in the beautiful surroundings of York.
What I loved the best about this narrative is how, as they collaborate and work through the intensity of the rehearsals for their two-header production, navigating how to compromise with the director and writer, as well as take into account the tensions of Jay's involvement being kept secret, you get to see them realise they're mistaken about each other.
The attraction is there, but it's the slow friendship that grows easily, as each does things for the other out of kindness, without expectations of a return, that proves the driving plotline along.
The reader knows there are secrets being kept, but each man is, in turn, blind to that knowledge, so you have a nice edge of tension keeping you on your toes as things progress.
Emotional and engaging, their relationship draws you into the heart of the narrative, taking hold and making you feel everything they're going through.
There's a really fabulous set of secondary characters too, a bad guy to rail against, a sense of doom approaching that you know cannot be escaped.
But then there's a wonderful recovery, a swelling of support, and a few home truths, all leading to a glorious finale in which order is restored and our heroes united.
All three of the books in this series has had a widely different narrative, but each has taken a look at how those working within the creative industries can find themselves lost at sea, unanchored and adrift, until the moment someone special guides them back to safe waters.
I've loved each in turn for a multitude of reasons, but as a lover of the great WW I War Poets since studying them in O Level English Literature, this one definitely spoke to my heart.
It's a wonderful story, told without unnecessary drama, there's an element of misinterpretation but it doesn't really stray over into miscommunication or plot for plot's sake and the Encore aka Epilogue, rounds out a really lovely romance and closes an excellent series.
What a way to bring down the curtain on what's been a fabulous series.
I think this might have just shaved enough extra off the other two to take the top spot as my favourite pairing.
Tag and Jay fratch and snap, winding each other up every time their paths cross, mostly down to the insane UST that oozes off them both, but also down to them getting the wrong impression of their character.
Sparks flew the first time they met, and we get a bit of overlapping with the timelines of the first two books too here, starting on the night of the RPP dinner, when they get into a row over dating model Mason (star of book two).
They end up in bed, but Jay's insecurities from a previously abusive ex, and Tag's chip about his working class background versus the nepotism of the acting world, sees them exchanging hurtful words and parting in anger.
So it takes some skills to then give us the rest of this gorgeous story, and Joanna and Sally have that in spades.
When their paths cross again, it's as the leads in a new play based on the relationship between the two great WW I War Poets, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, an eight week rehearsal then a two week run in the beautiful surroundings of York.
What I loved the best about this narrative is how, as they collaborate and work through the intensity of the rehearsals for their two-header production, navigating how to compromise with the director and writer, as well as take into account the tensions of Jay's involvement being kept secret, you get to see them realise they're mistaken about each other.
The attraction is there, but it's the slow friendship that grows easily, as each does things for the other out of kindness, without expectations of a return, that proves the driving plotline along.
The reader knows there are secrets being kept, but each man is, in turn, blind to that knowledge, so you have a nice edge of tension keeping you on your toes as things progress.
Emotional and engaging, their relationship draws you into the heart of the narrative, taking hold and making you feel everything they're going through.
There's a really fabulous set of secondary characters too, a bad guy to rail against, a sense of doom approaching that you know cannot be escaped.
But then there's a wonderful recovery, a swelling of support, and a few home truths, all leading to a glorious finale in which order is restored and our heroes united.
All three of the books in this series has had a widely different narrative, but each has taken a look at how those working within the creative industries can find themselves lost at sea, unanchored and adrift, until the moment someone special guides them back to safe waters.
I've loved each in turn for a multitude of reasons, but as a lover of the great WW I War Poets since studying them in O Level English Literature, this one definitely spoke to my heart.
It's a wonderful story, told without unnecessary drama, there's an element of misinterpretation but it doesn't really stray over into miscommunication or plot for plot's sake and the Encore aka Epilogue, rounds out a really lovely romance and closes an excellent series.
September 27, 2023
Ah gosh, this was absolutely gorgeous.
"Best Supporting Actor" has become, unexpectedly, one of my favourite reads of the year, and it's also my favourite of this, (already fantastic) series. I loved it so damn much.
I inhaled this lovely, emotional book start to finish and I think I'll remain completely obsessed with it for the next two months, at a minimum.
Jay and Tag STOLE my heart and my soul.
I was obsessed with their dynamic from the start: it was electric and realistic and emotionally packed, and their chemistry was truly fabulous.
NOW, that is how you do a proper rivals to lovers arc.
Both of them started off with hating each other's guts for no other reason than an inconvenient attraction and a whole lot of misunderstandings and assumptions, but their journey towards friendship and then, finally, love, isn't immediate and it isn't easy.
Both of them have to let go of quite a lot of their initial assumptions and attitudes; they have put aside their pride and actually listen and apologize and grow before they reach that stage; and oh god, it was so beautiful and so satisfying to witness.
The way their relationship was portrayed was absolutely beautiful, and when they did finally reach that stage of mutual understanding and trust and respect and affection, oh god, I was absolutely mesmerized.
And both of them are fantastic protagonists! Flawed and complex and real, and absolutely lovable. Tag, with his pride and his sizzling charisma, his fierce protectiveness and steadfastness, and Jay, with his patience and his generosity and his absolutely gut-wrenching (and highly relatable) vulnerabilities... both of them are unforgettable characters, so vividly constructed and their arcs so realistically portrayed, I still can't believe they aren't actually real people. My mind won't accept that.
I'm not usually a fan of showbiz/celebrities romances, but I loved the fact that Tag and Jay got to know each other, properly and for real this time, thanks to the play they both star in; again, I'm utterly devastated about the fact that "Let Us Go Back" isn't a real play I can actually go and see. It seemed so beautiful.
So yes, Tag and Jay are forced into close proximity through luck, meddlesome mothers and their obvious talent, but that initial, childish antagonism soon morphs into a dynamic that's deeply caring and packed with trust and understanding.
They learn how to take care of each other, how to lean on the other in times of need, and while they still makes mistakes (and yes, both of them are still flawed: Tag's quick to anger and assumptions, whereas Jay's scarred past makes him very reluctant to trust anybody, not even the people he loves the most), they still learn from them and grow into better, happier people.
I swear I could talk about these two for hours; their dynamic was just so damned special. And the steam! It was gorgeous, and hot, and also very, very human. Some contemporary romance novels nowadays have a tendency to overlook the difficult, complex bits of a relationship, the anxiety and the vulnerability, the fear of not being enough, the ugliness and the uncertainty, both inside and outside the bedroom, and I really must thank Sally and Joanna for including it all.
Jay's anxiety and fears, in particular, were very, very relatable, and he made me tear up more than once. God, that man deserves all the happiness in the world. And we definitely deserve more, much more, mental health rep in this genre.
The writing was majestic: I really, really hope these two authors will write more books together because *chef's kiss* it was just so beautiful. Emotional, and witty and so, so vivid. I felt like I was in the actual book, and all the side characters felt like real-life people too, even the minor ones.
"Best Supporting Actor" was incredible, a gem of a book I really can't wait to re-read a few more dozen times. Sally Malcolm and Joanna Chambers saved their best for last, and I can't recommend it enough.
It could pretty much standalone, but I highly recommend the two previous books as well.
This trilogy has been an absolute joy to read, and I really can't wait for more magic, more romance, more deeply emotional journeys and fantastically vivid characters, from both, or either one, of these two authors.
Also, p.s.: I'd sell my soul to have a "Leeches" show.
Thank you GRR and the authors for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
"Best Supporting Actor" has become, unexpectedly, one of my favourite reads of the year, and it's also my favourite of this, (already fantastic) series. I loved it so damn much.
I inhaled this lovely, emotional book start to finish and I think I'll remain completely obsessed with it for the next two months, at a minimum.
Jay and Tag STOLE my heart and my soul.
I was obsessed with their dynamic from the start: it was electric and realistic and emotionally packed, and their chemistry was truly fabulous.
NOW, that is how you do a proper rivals to lovers arc.
Both of them started off with hating each other's guts for no other reason than an inconvenient attraction and a whole lot of misunderstandings and assumptions, but their journey towards friendship and then, finally, love, isn't immediate and it isn't easy.
Both of them have to let go of quite a lot of their initial assumptions and attitudes; they have put aside their pride and actually listen and apologize and grow before they reach that stage; and oh god, it was so beautiful and so satisfying to witness.
The way their relationship was portrayed was absolutely beautiful, and when they did finally reach that stage of mutual understanding and trust and respect and affection, oh god, I was absolutely mesmerized.
And both of them are fantastic protagonists! Flawed and complex and real, and absolutely lovable. Tag, with his pride and his sizzling charisma, his fierce protectiveness and steadfastness, and Jay, with his patience and his generosity and his absolutely gut-wrenching (and highly relatable) vulnerabilities... both of them are unforgettable characters, so vividly constructed and their arcs so realistically portrayed, I still can't believe they aren't actually real people. My mind won't accept that.
I'm not usually a fan of showbiz/celebrities romances, but I loved the fact that Tag and Jay got to know each other, properly and for real this time, thanks to the play they both star in; again, I'm utterly devastated about the fact that "Let Us Go Back" isn't a real play I can actually go and see. It seemed so beautiful.
So yes, Tag and Jay are forced into close proximity through luck, meddlesome mothers and their obvious talent, but that initial, childish antagonism soon morphs into a dynamic that's deeply caring and packed with trust and understanding.
They learn how to take care of each other, how to lean on the other in times of need, and while they still makes mistakes (and yes, both of them are still flawed: Tag's quick to anger and assumptions, whereas Jay's scarred past makes him very reluctant to trust anybody, not even the people he loves the most), they still learn from them and grow into better, happier people.
I swear I could talk about these two for hours; their dynamic was just so damned special. And the steam! It was gorgeous, and hot, and also very, very human. Some contemporary romance novels nowadays have a tendency to overlook the difficult, complex bits of a relationship, the anxiety and the vulnerability, the fear of not being enough, the ugliness and the uncertainty, both inside and outside the bedroom, and I really must thank Sally and Joanna for including it all.
Jay's anxiety and fears, in particular, were very, very relatable, and he made me tear up more than once. God, that man deserves all the happiness in the world. And we definitely deserve more, much more, mental health rep in this genre.
The writing was majestic: I really, really hope these two authors will write more books together because *chef's kiss* it was just so beautiful. Emotional, and witty and so, so vivid. I felt like I was in the actual book, and all the side characters felt like real-life people too, even the minor ones.
"Best Supporting Actor" was incredible, a gem of a book I really can't wait to re-read a few more dozen times. Sally Malcolm and Joanna Chambers saved their best for last, and I can't recommend it enough.
It could pretty much standalone, but I highly recommend the two previous books as well.
This trilogy has been an absolute joy to read, and I really can't wait for more magic, more romance, more deeply emotional journeys and fantastically vivid characters, from both, or either one, of these two authors.
Also, p.s.: I'd sell my soul to have a "Leeches" show.
Thank you GRR and the authors for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2023
a cute book to pass the time. book 1 remains my favourite
October 14, 2023
4.50 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Utterly delightful and by far my favorite in the series 🥹❤️
Utterly delightful and by far my favorite in the series 🥹❤️
October 31, 2023
”Tag knew now that whatever the future had in store for him, be it stardom or obscurity, it wouldn’t matter because he’d have Jay at his side. And finding Jay, loving Jay—being loved by Jay—was the luckiest break of Tag’s life.”
Class difference is one of my favorite tropes so you can imagine how excited I was to read this. And this one delivered in spades though at times Tag’s chip on the shoulder was OTT and led to a ridiculous amount of miscommunication with Jay. I loved both characters and their unique vulnerabilities—Tag’s stemming from his working class roots and having to work twice as hard as his posh counterparts to get a break in acting. Meanwhile Jay experienced immense expectations coming from a distinguished family of thespians and artists who made him feel that being a TV actor was beneath him. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed after a one-night stand ended badly. It gradually shifts from bristling animosity to an uneasy truce as they work together on a play and become genuine friends, then lovers. Their chemistry is undeniable and the sex scenes are steamy. This is my favorite book in the series by far.
Class difference is one of my favorite tropes so you can imagine how excited I was to read this. And this one delivered in spades though at times Tag’s chip on the shoulder was OTT and led to a ridiculous amount of miscommunication with Jay. I loved both characters and their unique vulnerabilities—Tag’s stemming from his working class roots and having to work twice as hard as his posh counterparts to get a break in acting. Meanwhile Jay experienced immense expectations coming from a distinguished family of thespians and artists who made him feel that being a TV actor was beneath him. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed after a one-night stand ended badly. It gradually shifts from bristling animosity to an uneasy truce as they work together on a play and become genuine friends, then lovers. Their chemistry is undeniable and the sex scenes are steamy. This is my favorite book in the series by far.
September 28, 2023
there's something so alluring about characters from two starkly different backgrounds who, through each fateful encounter, learn to step in each other's shoes by degrees: whittling down the enormous chips on their shoulders, swapping out their lens of privilege, coming to recognize that their sweeping biases and assumptions were sorely misdirected.
the shifting of worldviews. the intimacy of a reluctant admission of their misjudgment.
Tag and Jay sparked that fire for me, and i knew i was a goner the first time Tag approached Jay's anxiety and past trauma with so much perceptiveness, infinite sensitivity. we all deserve to be treated in that manner.
i must confess my goldfish brain did royally fail me here: low recall of "the story thus far" (apart from my soft spot for Owen and Mason) might've contributed to the unfortunate sensation that i was slogging through the first chunk of chapters. i also thought it could've done with more on-page moments of them doing non-play-related things together, even though i'm fully aware they're two actors actively rehearsing and the play is at the center of their connection 😂 i think showing the subtle changes in their dynamic outside of a professional context could’ve added more credibility in the reader’s eyes. that said, this was the exact companionable read i needed to distract me from this mystery bug i contracted intent on taking me out with paroxysmal coughing fits (i must respectfully refuse; Mt. TBR awaits!).
overall, a delight to read up to the final encore! if you've followed this series, i think you're in for a treat 😊
this quote forever running through my mind:
Thank you to GRR and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of the book. This is my honest review :)
the shifting of worldviews. the intimacy of a reluctant admission of their misjudgment.
Tag and Jay sparked that fire for me, and i knew i was a goner the first time Tag approached Jay's anxiety and past trauma with so much perceptiveness, infinite sensitivity. we all deserve to be treated in that manner.
i must confess my goldfish brain did royally fail me here: low recall of "the story thus far" (apart from my soft spot for Owen and Mason) might've contributed to the unfortunate sensation that i was slogging through the first chunk of chapters. i also thought it could've done with more on-page moments of them doing non-play-related things together, even though i'm fully aware they're two actors actively rehearsing and the play is at the center of their connection 😂 i think showing the subtle changes in their dynamic outside of a professional context could’ve added more credibility in the reader’s eyes. that said, this was the exact companionable read i needed to distract me from this mystery bug i contracted intent on taking me out with paroxysmal coughing fits (i must respectfully refuse; Mt. TBR awaits!).
overall, a delight to read up to the final encore! if you've followed this series, i think you're in for a treat 😊
this quote forever running through my mind:
Thank you to GRR and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of the book. This is my honest review :)
October 3, 2023
3,5 stars. It was an enjoyable read, but something was missing and I hate to rate this less than the 4 stars I thought this book would at least deserve.
I really loved the first book and enjoyed the second, so I was thrilled when I found out the third book was finally coming. And on top of that, Sally Malcolm is one writer I trust to write story’s that are just right for me. So yes, I was ready for this book and I was certain, after reading the blurb, I would love it. But somehow this book not only is the one I liked least in this series, but also one I didn’t enjoy as much as I expected. It kind of threw me off for a bit.
What happened?!
For starters, the reasons for them not to like each other felt a bit childish? I’m not sure how to describe it otherwise. Tag hates the idea of Jay never having to work for something because of his famous mother and the circle of acquaintances he moves in. He’s rich, and to Tag’s opinion, spoiled and taking things for granted. But still they have sex and even when that ends on a bitter note, Tag can’t stop thinking about Jay and vice versa. But they still pretend to hate each other at first.
The caring and the interest came a bit too fast and too out of the blue for me to make it real. Part of that has to do with the fact that there was a lot of telling and not showing. It made it harder for me to feel their connection as well as to feel connected to either one of them.
As characters they were both all right. Well fleshed out and dimensional, very likeable too. The side characters were great as well. But still I felt something essential was missing throughout the story and the romance.
I decided on 3,5 stars in the end because sure, these two authors know how to write and their collaboration is proven to be just fine. But I did round it down because I cannot rate 4 stars when compared to other books I gave that rating to which I enjoyed better.
All in all, I was quite disappointed but maybe my expectations were just a bit too high and it’s mostly all on me.
I kindly received an advanced copy through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest and unbiased opinion
I really loved the first book and enjoyed the second, so I was thrilled when I found out the third book was finally coming. And on top of that, Sally Malcolm is one writer I trust to write story’s that are just right for me. So yes, I was ready for this book and I was certain, after reading the blurb, I would love it. But somehow this book not only is the one I liked least in this series, but also one I didn’t enjoy as much as I expected. It kind of threw me off for a bit.
What happened?!
For starters, the reasons for them not to like each other felt a bit childish? I’m not sure how to describe it otherwise. Tag hates the idea of Jay never having to work for something because of his famous mother and the circle of acquaintances he moves in. He’s rich, and to Tag’s opinion, spoiled and taking things for granted. But still they have sex and even when that ends on a bitter note, Tag can’t stop thinking about Jay and vice versa. But they still pretend to hate each other at first.
The caring and the interest came a bit too fast and too out of the blue for me to make it real. Part of that has to do with the fact that there was a lot of telling and not showing. It made it harder for me to feel their connection as well as to feel connected to either one of them.
As characters they were both all right. Well fleshed out and dimensional, very likeable too. The side characters were great as well. But still I felt something essential was missing throughout the story and the romance.
I decided on 3,5 stars in the end because sure, these two authors know how to write and their collaboration is proven to be just fine. But I did round it down because I cannot rate 4 stars when compared to other books I gave that rating to which I enjoyed better.
All in all, I was quite disappointed but maybe my expectations were just a bit too high and it’s mostly all on me.
I kindly received an advanced copy through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest and unbiased opinion
October 2, 2023
3.5 stars
This has been a cute series from two wonderful authors. I loved the first book but this one, while better than the second, was missing the spark the first book had. It took me a very long time to get through this and it wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy it but I found it to be a bit tedious at times.
For me, both Tag and Jay were hard to fully like. Tag was extremely rude to Jay for no real reason except for thinking everything was handed to Jay because of who his mother is. That wasn’t a very mature way to approach someone and it rubbed me the wrong way reading about it.
I liked Jay but I wasn’t always happy at his reactions to Tag. These two were mean to each other when fighting. The sex scenes were very hard to get through. I just didn’t feel the chemistry between these two. I also did not like the way Tag reacted to Jay possibly turning to anti anxiety medication. The way it was written was as if it’s wrong to take medication for anxiety and as someone who deals with anxiety and has a loved one who needs medication for their anxiety I did not appreciate that take.
That was what I didn’t like but I want to talk about what I did like because there was a lot of that. The play seemed so interesting! I’d love to read a full story about those characters. It seemed to be such an emotional play from the few lines that were in the book.
Many of the secondary characters were great too. I loved Dame Cordelia, Jay’s mother. She was supportive, even if she didn’t always come across that way. Ronnie, Jay’s brother, was a strong support for Jay also. He was there for Jay at a very important moment and I loved that. Phil was another awesome character who was important to Jay’s story.
While I didn’t feel a sexual chemistry between Jay & Tag I did feel an emotional chemistry and that was mainly due to their acting. The characters they were playing brought them together and I felt that very strongly. The process of rehearsals was interesting and I loved reading those parts.
These authors do write well together and maybe one day we’ll get more from them. They each write excellent historical romances. I’d love to see that collaboration!!!
ARC received in exchange for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
This has been a cute series from two wonderful authors. I loved the first book but this one, while better than the second, was missing the spark the first book had. It took me a very long time to get through this and it wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy it but I found it to be a bit tedious at times.
For me, both Tag and Jay were hard to fully like. Tag was extremely rude to Jay for no real reason except for thinking everything was handed to Jay because of who his mother is. That wasn’t a very mature way to approach someone and it rubbed me the wrong way reading about it.
I liked Jay but I wasn’t always happy at his reactions to Tag. These two were mean to each other when fighting. The sex scenes were very hard to get through. I just didn’t feel the chemistry between these two. I also did not like the way Tag reacted to Jay possibly turning to anti anxiety medication. The way it was written was as if it’s wrong to take medication for anxiety and as someone who deals with anxiety and has a loved one who needs medication for their anxiety I did not appreciate that take.
That was what I didn’t like but I want to talk about what I did like because there was a lot of that. The play seemed so interesting! I’d love to read a full story about those characters. It seemed to be such an emotional play from the few lines that were in the book.
Many of the secondary characters were great too. I loved Dame Cordelia, Jay’s mother. She was supportive, even if she didn’t always come across that way. Ronnie, Jay’s brother, was a strong support for Jay also. He was there for Jay at a very important moment and I loved that. Phil was another awesome character who was important to Jay’s story.
While I didn’t feel a sexual chemistry between Jay & Tag I did feel an emotional chemistry and that was mainly due to their acting. The characters they were playing brought them together and I felt that very strongly. The process of rehearsals was interesting and I loved reading those parts.
These authors do write well together and maybe one day we’ll get more from them. They each write excellent historical romances. I’d love to see that collaboration!!!
ARC received in exchange for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
October 2, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I ADORED book 1 of this series – it has become one of my comfort re-reads – but had a more mixed experience with book 2, so I was curious where this one would land. Happily, this final book hits way closer to book 1 than book 2 on the feels scale.
Tag is our happy himbo from the previous books, Aaron’s flirty barista/ struggling actor friend who inspired fits of jealousy in Lewis (and briefly fake-dated Owen). Amiable as ever, but here gifted with more depth, drive, and a not-insignificant chip on his shoulder. Jay is the star of Lewis’s hit show Leeches (and also briefly fake-dated Owen!) and a nepo baby, whose successful tv career is nonetheless regarded by his theater diva mother as somewhat déclassé. Which, given that his abandonment of the theatre owes to a properly horrible episode that left him with crippling stage fright – well. It smarts. He copes with all this the old-fashioned way: repression and a dogged refusal to seek help.
I always have been, and always will be, trash for the “smoldering hot but regrettable hookup, oh shit, we work together now” trope, so I’m feeling very seen here. I’m also trash for good, proper, no-holds-barred arguments where both parties are coming from an understandable place and have valid points but either get off track or go WAY too hard, and this also delivers. Yum. Tag’s general good nature masks a hotheaded, defensive side, and you know what they say about the best defense.* Jay is slower to anger, but he does epic, icy shutdown with the best of them. Add class difference and expiration date – the play’s limited run – to this potent mix and *chef’s kiss*.
I loved the acting stuff and the intimacy of the rehearsals and the organic way the relationship developed once they finally stopped thinking the worst of each other. Pacing-wise, I thought the first bit before the hookup was a bit baggy – they could have rounded that corner faster – but once they hit the sheets and then start working together, it was full-speed ahead. I thought Tag’s reaction in the third-act crisis – yes, this is a third-act crisis book – was pretty off-base, although the panic and upset driving it felt authentic; fortunately for Tag, he apologized sincerely and gave very good grovel. I forgive you, Tag.
This is just a well-written, charming, funny, emotionally satisfying book that left me feeling like the authors are good at their jobs and enjoy doing them. Rounding down only to differentiate from book 1, but I may adjust up after a re-read. I’m sad this trilogy is done, but I’m happy it went out on a high.
*(Do people still know what they say about the best defense? Is this another old-timey thing I keep assuming is still relevant? Anyway, it’s a good offense. A good offense! You’re welcome.)
I got an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I ADORED book 1 of this series – it has become one of my comfort re-reads – but had a more mixed experience with book 2, so I was curious where this one would land. Happily, this final book hits way closer to book 1 than book 2 on the feels scale.
Tag is our happy himbo from the previous books, Aaron’s flirty barista/ struggling actor friend who inspired fits of jealousy in Lewis (and briefly fake-dated Owen). Amiable as ever, but here gifted with more depth, drive, and a not-insignificant chip on his shoulder. Jay is the star of Lewis’s hit show Leeches (and also briefly fake-dated Owen!) and a nepo baby, whose successful tv career is nonetheless regarded by his theater diva mother as somewhat déclassé. Which, given that his abandonment of the theatre owes to a properly horrible episode that left him with crippling stage fright – well. It smarts. He copes with all this the old-fashioned way: repression and a dogged refusal to seek help.
I always have been, and always will be, trash for the “smoldering hot but regrettable hookup, oh shit, we work together now” trope, so I’m feeling very seen here. I’m also trash for good, proper, no-holds-barred arguments where both parties are coming from an understandable place and have valid points but either get off track or go WAY too hard, and this also delivers. Yum. Tag’s general good nature masks a hotheaded, defensive side, and you know what they say about the best defense.* Jay is slower to anger, but he does epic, icy shutdown with the best of them. Add class difference and expiration date – the play’s limited run – to this potent mix and *chef’s kiss*.
I loved the acting stuff and the intimacy of the rehearsals and the organic way the relationship developed once they finally stopped thinking the worst of each other. Pacing-wise, I thought the first bit before the hookup was a bit baggy – they could have rounded that corner faster – but once they hit the sheets and then start working together, it was full-speed ahead. I thought Tag’s reaction in the third-act crisis – yes, this is a third-act crisis book – was pretty off-base, although the panic and upset driving it felt authentic; fortunately for Tag, he apologized sincerely and gave very good grovel. I forgive you, Tag.
This is just a well-written, charming, funny, emotionally satisfying book that left me feeling like the authors are good at their jobs and enjoy doing them. Rounding down only to differentiate from book 1, but I may adjust up after a re-read. I’m sad this trilogy is done, but I’m happy it went out on a high.
*(Do people still know what they say about the best defense? Is this another old-timey thing I keep assuming is still relevant? Anyway, it’s a good offense. A good offense! You’re welcome.)
I got an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
August 3, 2024
4.5 stars - I was a bit worried that this book wouldn't have the same magic as the first two books, and while it did take me a little bit longer to get into, I ended up really loving it. The fact that all three stories overlap so much does mean some mental math when other characters show up, but I quickly got up to speed.
I am a SUCKER for an MC who is barely scraping by and a little too proud to ask for help, and Tag is possibly the epitome of that character type, charming everyone while shouldering a burden with a side of chips. And Jay is prickly with privilege and awkwardly aware of it, so the two clash a few times, getting the wrong idea about each other. Or possibly refusing to see beyond the one facet the can glimpse of the other.
I like how, as a series, we're getting the good and the bad of "Creative Types" - the main characters themselves are imperfect, but we see how the sausage gets made, how awful people find fame and fortune in these realms at the expense of other people. However, we also get the pleasure of seeing some of those awful people get their comeuppance in every book, which is very cathartic.
Tag and Jay get several wrong impressions of each other, and end up in a fake rivalry (that feels real) for a bit. This has one of the most accurate blurbs I've read in a while, so I won't rehash it here. But the play they are cast in really helps them to see why both of them are uniquely talented at and highlights their passion for acting. I'd really love to see this production of this fictitious play, actually, and took some time to look up more about these WWI poets I'd read years ago in college.
As the book went on, I felt my alliances shifting ever so slightly from Tag to Jay as we learn more about his past and why he behaves how he does, but I genuinely liked both of these characters and was happy to see them get together. Their relationship felt earned in a way I don't always see. I'm sad to be leaving this world, but hold out hope that we'll get audio for books 2 and 3, so I can experience them again. Highly recommend the whole series!
Audio re-read, July/August 2024: Unsurprisingly, I got just as swept up and invested this time round, thanks in large part to Simon Goldhill's wonderful narration. I'm so happy he was contracted to do the whole series, and would listen to him read the phone book. Definitely a favorite, and I believe Chambers has him slated to read at least a couple more of her backlist titles, which I will assuredly be purchasing.
As I stated above, this is a rivals to lovers where you actually believe that they believe they don't like each other, even though there is chemistry from the start. I love a scrappy working class hero, and Tag really is scraping by while trying to follow his dreams and help support his family. Jay is from the privileged elite, and it is their class differences that are the starkest contrast that make any sort of relationship between the two seem difficult at best and impossible at worst.
The process of them rehearsing the play, learning to trust each other, and eventually the forced proximity does its work was lovely to see . . . these are flawed characters who mess up, but recognize their faults and failings and try to atone. I was passingly familiar with Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon from some college literature courses in the dim and distant past, but this book has inspired me to go back (lol) and revisit some of their poems and learn more about their relationship.
All in all, this is a fantastic, nuanced story told with equal nuance and sensitivity from a wonderful narrator. Sincere thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the audio review copy!
I am a SUCKER for an MC who is barely scraping by and a little too proud to ask for help, and Tag is possibly the epitome of that character type, charming everyone while shouldering a burden with a side of chips. And Jay is prickly with privilege and awkwardly aware of it, so the two clash a few times, getting the wrong idea about each other. Or possibly refusing to see beyond the one facet the can glimpse of the other.
I like how, as a series, we're getting the good and the bad of "Creative Types" - the main characters themselves are imperfect, but we see how the sausage gets made, how awful people find fame and fortune in these realms at the expense of other people. However, we also get the pleasure of seeing some of those awful people get their comeuppance in every book, which is very cathartic.
Tag and Jay get several wrong impressions of each other, and end up in a fake rivalry (that feels real) for a bit. This has one of the most accurate blurbs I've read in a while, so I won't rehash it here. But the play they are cast in really helps them to see why both of them are uniquely talented at and highlights their passion for acting. I'd really love to see this production of this fictitious play, actually, and took some time to look up more about these WWI poets I'd read years ago in college.
As the book went on, I felt my alliances shifting ever so slightly from Tag to Jay as we learn more about his past and why he behaves how he does, but I genuinely liked both of these characters and was happy to see them get together. Their relationship felt earned in a way I don't always see. I'm sad to be leaving this world, but hold out hope that we'll get audio for books 2 and 3, so I can experience them again. Highly recommend the whole series!
Audio re-read, July/August 2024: Unsurprisingly, I got just as swept up and invested this time round, thanks in large part to Simon Goldhill's wonderful narration. I'm so happy he was contracted to do the whole series, and would listen to him read the phone book. Definitely a favorite, and I believe Chambers has him slated to read at least a couple more of her backlist titles, which I will assuredly be purchasing.
As I stated above, this is a rivals to lovers where you actually believe that they believe they don't like each other, even though there is chemistry from the start. I love a scrappy working class hero, and Tag really is scraping by while trying to follow his dreams and help support his family. Jay is from the privileged elite, and it is their class differences that are the starkest contrast that make any sort of relationship between the two seem difficult at best and impossible at worst.
The process of them rehearsing the play, learning to trust each other, and eventually the forced proximity does its work was lovely to see . . . these are flawed characters who mess up, but recognize their faults and failings and try to atone. I was passingly familiar with Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon from some college literature courses in the dim and distant past, but this book has inspired me to go back (lol) and revisit some of their poems and learn more about their relationship.
All in all, this is a fantastic, nuanced story told with equal nuance and sensitivity from a wonderful narrator. Sincere thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the audio review copy!
November 16, 2023
Best Supporting Actor is the third book in the
Creative Types
series from the very talented author duo of Joanna Chambers and Sally Malcolm. The two leads are characters we’ve met before in secondary roles in the earlier books, popular actor Jay Warren – star of the hit vampire show, Leeches – and Tag O’Rourke, an aspiring actor looking for his big break. It’s a captivating read – a sexy, heartfelt and insightful opposites-attract romance set in the world of live theatre featuring two extremely likeable and well-drawn characters who are both struggling under the weight of expectations in different ways.
Tag O’Rourke has always dreamed of being an actor, but casting directors haven’t exactly been banging on his door since he left drama school. He lives at home and does what he can to help his parents, who are struggling financially, but although they’ve always been supportive, he’s started to notice more and more hints being dropped that he should think about getting a ‘proper’ job. He’s not ready to give up just yet – but he does wonder how much longer he can keep the dream alive.
Jay Warren is theatre royalty. He’s the son of a famous actress (think Judi Dench and Maggie Smith rolled into one!), his brother is a successful director, one of his sisters is a poet and the other is a sculptor, like their father. Coming from such a hugely talented family, expectations are and have always been very high – and although he’s currently the star of a hit TV show and a household name, Jay is well aware of his mother’s opinion that working in television is beneath him and that the only real home for any actor worth his salt is The Stage. Dahling.
When Jay and Tag first meet, they don’t exactly hit it off. Tag is maybe just a little bit starstruck (Jay is drop-dead gorgeous as well as a Big Deal) but there’s an aloofness and standoffishness about him that rubs Tag the wrong way, and he allows his preconceptions to take the lead in their interactions. It’s not unfair to say that Tag has a bit of a chip on his shoulder about the fact that Jay, while undoubtedly a talented actor, has never had to work very hard to make a career in this very close-knit industry, while Tag will never have the kind of clout that will automatically open doors. It’s all about who you know rather than what you know – and while Tag has a lot of the ‘what’, he has none of the ‘who’.
Jay isn’t quite sure what he’s done to deserve Tag’s obvious animosity. He has never been one to flaunt his status or set himself apart, but it’s clear Tag has taken a dislike to him and thinks he’s a snob. It’s a shame – Jay can’t help being reluctantly drawn to Tag’s smart-mouthed prickliness (plus, he’s insanely hot) and Jay wishes they could find a way to just have a normal conversation. But normal conversation isn’t on the agenda when their combustible chemistry finally boils over and they end up in bed together. The sex is great – and unexpectedly intimate for what was supposed to be two guys just blowing off some steam – and both men are unsettled by it. In the awkward aftermath, they’re trying to work out what to do next when they both say completely the wrong thing and take it completely the wrong way – and they’re back to thinking the worst of each other.
Tag has been cast as Wilfred Owen in a new play being mounted at a festival in York. Let Us Go Back is a two-hander about war poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, and a big name actor is to play the role of Sassoon. Giving up his job and moving to York for a few months is a big risk for Tag financially, but acting alongside a famous face will bring him to the attention of the movers and shakers in the industry.
Jay’s mother has been on at him for years to return to the stage and, unbeknownst to Jay, has committed him to a starring role in a new play. Jay quickly conceives a plan to gracefully recuse himself – until he arrives at lunch to meet the author and is ‘introduced’ to his co-star. Jay is horrified – although maybe this is the way out he’s been looking for. But then he realises just how much Tag must be counting on him for what could very well be his big break, and he can’t bear the thought of letting Tag down. He agrees to do the play.
The intimacy of a small-scale production provides Jay and Tag ample opportunity to learn more about each other and start to let go of their misconceptions as they explore their characters and the relationship between them and reflect on the ways in which that relationship mirrors their own. The authors have clearly done their research when it comes to the lives of Owen and Sassoon, and I loved the way they use the mis en abyme (play-within-the-play) to draw parallels between the two ‘couples’, the way the poets’ personalities are so clearly reflected in the personalities of the actors playing them, and the way that Jay’s and Tag’s explorations of the characters helps them to think more clearly about the man they’re working with – and falling for. Their real-life chemistry brings something special to their interactions on stage, and Jay is surprised to discover just how much he loves working with Tag, who is not only talented, but energetic, focused and receptive. And Tag realises how badly he’s misjudged Jay – far from being entitled and egotistical, he’s a generous and sensitive actor who can command the stage with the force of his personality, and a charming man with a surprisingly vulnerable side Tag longs to know better.
Gradually, Jay finds himself letting Tag know him in a way he hasn’t done with anyone in a long time, but as opening night approaches, the fears and insecurities he has been trying to keep at bay begin to take root so deeply that he just can’t shake them. A disastrous experience earlier in his career has left him with paralysing stage fright – which is why he sticks to the safety of working in front of a camera – and when the crisis moment comes, it’s heartbreaking; Jay spiralling out of control and Tag reacting badly, because he doesn’t really understand what Jay is going through. The two of them are so obviously head over heels for each other, but they’re hurting and their first instinct is to put up a wall and lash out. All Tag’s prejudices about Jay come rushing back, and he says some really hurtful things, while Jay is running scared (literally), blinded by fear and guilt and a desperate need to protect himself.
One of the things that sets this story – this series – a head and shoulders above other contemporary romances with similar plotlines is the quality of the writing. I’m a huge fan of both authors for their ability to craft thoughtful and intelligent stories and characters, to convey intense emotions in a realistic way, and to create situations that allow the characters to come together organically. Also, their research shines in this book – not only into the lives of Owen and Sassoon, but into the acting world and the world of celebrity, the behind-the-scenes shenanigans, the difficulty of striking a balance between maintaining a media presence and it becoming intrusive, and what a tough profession it is.
Best Supporting Actor is a fantastic read and is probably my favourite book of the Creative Types series. The romance is steamy, fun and deeply emotional, the leads are complex and flawed and the secondary cast is well-drawn. Joanna Chambers and Sally Malcolm are two of my favourite authors, and much I’ve loved books by them individually, I really hope they can find the time to collaborate again in future. Bravi, ladies!
This review originally appeared at All About Romance .
Tag O’Rourke has always dreamed of being an actor, but casting directors haven’t exactly been banging on his door since he left drama school. He lives at home and does what he can to help his parents, who are struggling financially, but although they’ve always been supportive, he’s started to notice more and more hints being dropped that he should think about getting a ‘proper’ job. He’s not ready to give up just yet – but he does wonder how much longer he can keep the dream alive.
Jay Warren is theatre royalty. He’s the son of a famous actress (think Judi Dench and Maggie Smith rolled into one!), his brother is a successful director, one of his sisters is a poet and the other is a sculptor, like their father. Coming from such a hugely talented family, expectations are and have always been very high – and although he’s currently the star of a hit TV show and a household name, Jay is well aware of his mother’s opinion that working in television is beneath him and that the only real home for any actor worth his salt is The Stage. Dahling.
When Jay and Tag first meet, they don’t exactly hit it off. Tag is maybe just a little bit starstruck (Jay is drop-dead gorgeous as well as a Big Deal) but there’s an aloofness and standoffishness about him that rubs Tag the wrong way, and he allows his preconceptions to take the lead in their interactions. It’s not unfair to say that Tag has a bit of a chip on his shoulder about the fact that Jay, while undoubtedly a talented actor, has never had to work very hard to make a career in this very close-knit industry, while Tag will never have the kind of clout that will automatically open doors. It’s all about who you know rather than what you know – and while Tag has a lot of the ‘what’, he has none of the ‘who’.
Jay isn’t quite sure what he’s done to deserve Tag’s obvious animosity. He has never been one to flaunt his status or set himself apart, but it’s clear Tag has taken a dislike to him and thinks he’s a snob. It’s a shame – Jay can’t help being reluctantly drawn to Tag’s smart-mouthed prickliness (plus, he’s insanely hot) and Jay wishes they could find a way to just have a normal conversation. But normal conversation isn’t on the agenda when their combustible chemistry finally boils over and they end up in bed together. The sex is great – and unexpectedly intimate for what was supposed to be two guys just blowing off some steam – and both men are unsettled by it. In the awkward aftermath, they’re trying to work out what to do next when they both say completely the wrong thing and take it completely the wrong way – and they’re back to thinking the worst of each other.
Tag has been cast as Wilfred Owen in a new play being mounted at a festival in York. Let Us Go Back is a two-hander about war poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, and a big name actor is to play the role of Sassoon. Giving up his job and moving to York for a few months is a big risk for Tag financially, but acting alongside a famous face will bring him to the attention of the movers and shakers in the industry.
Jay’s mother has been on at him for years to return to the stage and, unbeknownst to Jay, has committed him to a starring role in a new play. Jay quickly conceives a plan to gracefully recuse himself – until he arrives at lunch to meet the author and is ‘introduced’ to his co-star. Jay is horrified – although maybe this is the way out he’s been looking for. But then he realises just how much Tag must be counting on him for what could very well be his big break, and he can’t bear the thought of letting Tag down. He agrees to do the play.
The intimacy of a small-scale production provides Jay and Tag ample opportunity to learn more about each other and start to let go of their misconceptions as they explore their characters and the relationship between them and reflect on the ways in which that relationship mirrors their own. The authors have clearly done their research when it comes to the lives of Owen and Sassoon, and I loved the way they use the mis en abyme (play-within-the-play) to draw parallels between the two ‘couples’, the way the poets’ personalities are so clearly reflected in the personalities of the actors playing them, and the way that Jay’s and Tag’s explorations of the characters helps them to think more clearly about the man they’re working with – and falling for. Their real-life chemistry brings something special to their interactions on stage, and Jay is surprised to discover just how much he loves working with Tag, who is not only talented, but energetic, focused and receptive. And Tag realises how badly he’s misjudged Jay – far from being entitled and egotistical, he’s a generous and sensitive actor who can command the stage with the force of his personality, and a charming man with a surprisingly vulnerable side Tag longs to know better.
Gradually, Jay finds himself letting Tag know him in a way he hasn’t done with anyone in a long time, but as opening night approaches, the fears and insecurities he has been trying to keep at bay begin to take root so deeply that he just can’t shake them. A disastrous experience earlier in his career has left him with paralysing stage fright – which is why he sticks to the safety of working in front of a camera – and when the crisis moment comes, it’s heartbreaking; Jay spiralling out of control and Tag reacting badly, because he doesn’t really understand what Jay is going through. The two of them are so obviously head over heels for each other, but they’re hurting and their first instinct is to put up a wall and lash out. All Tag’s prejudices about Jay come rushing back, and he says some really hurtful things, while Jay is running scared (literally), blinded by fear and guilt and a desperate need to protect himself.
One of the things that sets this story – this series – a head and shoulders above other contemporary romances with similar plotlines is the quality of the writing. I’m a huge fan of both authors for their ability to craft thoughtful and intelligent stories and characters, to convey intense emotions in a realistic way, and to create situations that allow the characters to come together organically. Also, their research shines in this book – not only into the lives of Owen and Sassoon, but into the acting world and the world of celebrity, the behind-the-scenes shenanigans, the difficulty of striking a balance between maintaining a media presence and it becoming intrusive, and what a tough profession it is.
Best Supporting Actor is a fantastic read and is probably my favourite book of the Creative Types series. The romance is steamy, fun and deeply emotional, the leads are complex and flawed and the secondary cast is well-drawn. Joanna Chambers and Sally Malcolm are two of my favourite authors, and much I’ve loved books by them individually, I really hope they can find the time to collaborate again in future. Bravi, ladies!
This review originally appeared at All About Romance .
October 21, 2025
Starts out as a one night stand, becoming enemies to lovers and finally friends to lovers. Hot chemistry between these two and a lovely story. This series has been a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and I would love to read more from these authors.
February 23, 2025
Wow, I was not expecting this book to be so breathtakingly gorgeous! I also wasn’t prepared for how profound and emotional it would be.
These two guys completely stole my heart. Tag is so easygoing, affectionate, and warm, he’s the perfect match for Jay, who is more introverted, anxious, and prone to overthinking (so relatable!). They balance each other beautifully, and their love is so sweet and deeply felt. I have a soft spot for kind main characters, but it’s rare to find a book where they exist without the story being just fluff and hearts, without any angst. This book struck the perfect balance.
I found these characters incredibly real and relatable, with their insecurities and struggles handled so beautifully.
There’s one scene in particular that stands out, one of the most intimate and emotional love scenes I’ve ever read. Tag is so perceptive, so caring, so attentive. And Jay, with his vulnerability laid bare, is treated with such tenderness and love by Tag…My heart ❤️ These two are absolutely precious.
Another thing that really stood out to me was the heated arguments. These authors know how to write conflict. It’s not just a quick exchange of angry words, the characters really go for each other. But what I loved even more was how, once they’ve cooled down, they take the time to reflect. They don’t wallow in self-pity or swing to the other extreme of thinking they were completely in the wrong. Instead, they recognize how they hurt each other, acknowledge the unfairness of certain words, and also see the other’s faults. It felt so mature and real.
I highly recommend this book—and if you’re into audiobooks, the narration is absolute perfection! ❤️
These two guys completely stole my heart. Tag is so easygoing, affectionate, and warm, he’s the perfect match for Jay, who is more introverted, anxious, and prone to overthinking (so relatable!). They balance each other beautifully, and their love is so sweet and deeply felt. I have a soft spot for kind main characters, but it’s rare to find a book where they exist without the story being just fluff and hearts, without any angst. This book struck the perfect balance.
I found these characters incredibly real and relatable, with their insecurities and struggles handled so beautifully.
There’s one scene in particular that stands out, one of the most intimate and emotional love scenes I’ve ever read. Tag is so perceptive, so caring, so attentive. And Jay, with his vulnerability laid bare, is treated with such tenderness and love by Tag…My heart ❤️ These two are absolutely precious.
Another thing that really stood out to me was the heated arguments. These authors know how to write conflict. It’s not just a quick exchange of angry words, the characters really go for each other. But what I loved even more was how, once they’ve cooled down, they take the time to reflect. They don’t wallow in self-pity or swing to the other extreme of thinking they were completely in the wrong. Instead, they recognize how they hurt each other, acknowledge the unfairness of certain words, and also see the other’s faults. It felt so mature and real.
I highly recommend this book—and if you’re into audiobooks, the narration is absolute perfection! ❤️
November 11, 2023
This series was fantastic and I’m sad it’s over. Chambers and Malcolm put so much effort into writing detailed, nuanced characters and settings, in this book most of all. I have no idea if the process of writing, directing, and rehearsing a play actually looks like this, but it felt plausible within the world the authors created, which is good enough for me (and certainly not something I can say about a lot of books). That plus all of the thought that went into the play’s story and themes, and how the characters would respond to them, made Jay, Tag, and their work as actors feel so alive. I really understood where they were both coming from, why they had trouble relating to one another, and how they could find common ground despite their differences. It made for a relationship I cared for and believed in.
I also appreciated how Tag kind of sucked for a lot of the book and wasn’t aware of it at first. He was incredibly frustrating, but in a way that many real-life people are frustrating, and the authors made me believe he could improve and become a good partner for Jay in the end. Tag’s growth felt natural, not forced, which is often difficult for authors to achieve.
I really hope Chambers and Malcolm will keep writing together because this series showed they bring out the best in each other’s writing and are the rare author duo who can write with a unified voice to create something different than what they create alone.
I also appreciated how Tag kind of sucked for a lot of the book and wasn’t aware of it at first. He was incredibly frustrating, but in a way that many real-life people are frustrating, and the authors made me believe he could improve and become a good partner for Jay in the end. Tag’s growth felt natural, not forced, which is often difficult for authors to achieve.
I really hope Chambers and Malcolm will keep writing together because this series showed they bring out the best in each other’s writing and are the rare author duo who can write with a unified voice to create something different than what they create alone.
April 11, 2025
Sexy, accurate
rehearsal romance, plus class.
Excellent series.
rehearsal romance, plus class.
Excellent series.
September 29, 2023
4.5
I really liked this! One of my favorite 2023 releases so far. Really well written with great chemistry and pacing. I was lost in the story from the start and I didn't want to put it down.
Jay and Tag start off on the wrong foot when they meet and become sort of "arch rivals". Their class difference is a big reason why both of these guys are constantly putting their feet in their mouths and offending each other. They were both kind of asses to each other but I could see where they were both coming from.
I loved seeing them work together and gain mutual respect for each other. Finally they start seeing where they've misjudged the other and their work and personal relationships blossom. The sparks from their hate/rivalry transitioned nicely into sexual chemistry. The way they cared for each other and always had each other's back was really sweet.
I really liked this! One of my favorite 2023 releases so far. Really well written with great chemistry and pacing. I was lost in the story from the start and I didn't want to put it down.
Jay and Tag start off on the wrong foot when they meet and become sort of "arch rivals". Their class difference is a big reason why both of these guys are constantly putting their feet in their mouths and offending each other. They were both kind of asses to each other but I could see where they were both coming from.
I loved seeing them work together and gain mutual respect for each other. Finally they start seeing where they've misjudged the other and their work and personal relationships blossom. The sparks from their hate/rivalry transitioned nicely into sexual chemistry. The way they cared for each other and always had each other's back was really sweet.
October 20, 2024
My favorite thing about this author duo is how good they are at writing nuanced characters.
And glorious, GLORIOUS fights. Yeeish. The MCs will say heartless, cutting, ACCURATE things and you'll think.....yoooo how on earth do they get back from this😂
But then they do!? And the how and why ALSO makes sense?
Don't get me wrong, I love black and white characters a lot(the inevitable corruption of one and unwelcome infection of goodness in the other is always a delight), but these characters are so painfully human.
Most of the time, I didn't even KNOW whose side I was on during the fight, and I always know! This time, I could genuinely see both sides being valid.
Had me like, 'Jay is absolutely valid to feel this way, Tag is overreacting a bit' straight to, 'Nah, actually Tag is right. Jay hasn't handled this well at all.' 💀
With context, both their perspectives (and subsequent behavior) make a lot of sense FOR them, even though for the exact same reason, they make no sense TO the other.
With these two, they came from such opposite backgrounds that at the start, they misunderstood each other a lot, but you'd totally get why.
Made it even more adorable the more they got to know each other and you could see them filter through the bluster to the intentions and reasons underneath the words/actions.
A beautiful end to a wonderful series.
And glorious, GLORIOUS fights. Yeeish. The MCs will say heartless, cutting, ACCURATE things and you'll think.....yoooo how on earth do they get back from this😂
But then they do!? And the how and why ALSO makes sense?
Don't get me wrong, I love black and white characters a lot(the inevitable corruption of one and unwelcome infection of goodness in the other is always a delight), but these characters are so painfully human.
Most of the time, I didn't even KNOW whose side I was on during the fight, and I always know! This time, I could genuinely see both sides being valid.
Had me like, 'Jay is absolutely valid to feel this way, Tag is overreacting a bit' straight to, 'Nah, actually Tag is right. Jay hasn't handled this well at all.' 💀
With context, both their perspectives (and subsequent behavior) make a lot of sense FOR them, even though for the exact same reason, they make no sense TO the other.
With these two, they came from such opposite backgrounds that at the start, they misunderstood each other a lot, but you'd totally get why.
Made it even more adorable the more they got to know each other and you could see them filter through the bluster to the intentions and reasons underneath the words/actions.
A beautiful end to a wonderful series.
September 26, 2023
4.5 stars
Tag O'Rourke is about to get his big acting break after a stellar performance on a tv pilot he's hoping will be picked up for a series. Tag is a bit disgruntled about the nepotism in the acting world.
Jay Warren comes from a famous acting family and while he's very talented, he didn't have to make his own breaks to get some plum roles.
When the 2 meet, sparks fly but they also don't get along - mainly because of Tag's view on Jay's background.
When the 2 end up selected for a 2-man play, they get to know each other and their attraction turns into so much more. Jay starts to understand how much Tag has had to struggle to get where he is in the business. Tag starts to see Jay's vulnerabilities.
The writing is top notch and I loved these MC's.
I didn't read the first 2 books in this series and while I didn't fully grasp when the characters from those books appeared in this one, it didn't dampen my enjoyment at all. I didn't feel like I needed to know who they were to enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tag O'Rourke is about to get his big acting break after a stellar performance on a tv pilot he's hoping will be picked up for a series. Tag is a bit disgruntled about the nepotism in the acting world.
Jay Warren comes from a famous acting family and while he's very talented, he didn't have to make his own breaks to get some plum roles.
When the 2 meet, sparks fly but they also don't get along - mainly because of Tag's view on Jay's background.
When the 2 end up selected for a 2-man play, they get to know each other and their attraction turns into so much more. Jay starts to understand how much Tag has had to struggle to get where he is in the business. Tag starts to see Jay's vulnerabilities.
The writing is top notch and I loved these MC's.
I didn't read the first 2 books in this series and while I didn't fully grasp when the characters from those books appeared in this one, it didn't dampen my enjoyment at all. I didn't feel like I needed to know who they were to enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2023
Solid, character-driven romance. I really enjoyed watching both characters grow. I don’t usually like celebrity romance and skipped the second book in the series. This one stands alone-characters from the other books are there but it didn’t get in the way. It sensitively dealt with themes of wealth and class, too.
April 2, 2025
Après l'écriture/fanfiction et la télévision/réseaux sociaux, les auteurs nous emmènent, pour le dernier tome de cette trilogie, dans le monde du théâtre, où vont se confronter Jay, fils d'une star du milieu, et Tag, jeune comédien très talentueux qui rêve de percer.
Déjà croisés dans le tome précédent, alors qu'ils sont dans une espèce de bataille de faux rencarts avec Mason (qui va finir par trouver le bonheur dans le pré... oui, elle est facile), les deux hommes ont partagé un moment sensuel qui s'est fini de façon assez explosive.
Mais le destin (les auteurs, oui, plus que le destin), va faire croiser leur route à nouveau et les faire collaborer pour la création d'une pièce de théâtre dont le sujet va résonner très fort dans leur histoire personnelle et les forcer, chacun, à reconsidérer l'autre.
Tag est un jeune homme bourré de talents, qui bosse en tant que barista, qui bosse aussi dans la boîte de travaux publics de son père. Il vient de tourner dans le pilote d'un feuilleton télé (scénario d'Aaron, voir tome 1, et oui...) et espère que ce petit rôle va lui ouvrir des portes. Alors quand justement ces portes s'ouvrent vers une pièce de théâtre, il vit enfin son rêve...
Jay a débuté très tôt et plutôt facilement dans le milieu, forcément, avoir une mère comédienne réputée et star adulée, ça ouvre les portes... mais sa première expérience théâtrale s'est finie par un fiasco, et la seconde n'a pas été mieux. Pour ça qu'il préfère tourner tranquillement dans le feuilleton écrit par Lewis (toujours tome 1), comme ça, il gère le trac qui le paralyse et il évite de revivre ce qui l'a mis à terre (au gré de rencontres avec des personnages plutôt bien pourris).
En plongeant dans les répétitions de cette pièce, nous allons aussi plonger dans les traumatismes des deux hommes et suivre leur rapprochement, évident.
Une fois de plus, les auteurs abordent des sujets assez forts sous couvert de romance entre deux hommes attachants. L'histoire est plutôt douce, l'attraction est forte mais se consolide doucement, au gré des échanges, des confidences, des répétitions...
Bref, une série d'une qualité plutôt constante, ce qui est assez agréable et parfois pas si évident que ça, qui nous propose une plongée dans les milieux du show-biz et des paillettes et qui montre un envers du décor pas top.
J'ai hâte de découvrir d'autres œuvres des auteurs.
Déjà croisés dans le tome précédent, alors qu'ils sont dans une espèce de bataille de faux rencarts avec Mason (qui va finir par trouver le bonheur dans le pré... oui, elle est facile), les deux hommes ont partagé un moment sensuel qui s'est fini de façon assez explosive.
Mais le destin (les auteurs, oui, plus que le destin), va faire croiser leur route à nouveau et les faire collaborer pour la création d'une pièce de théâtre dont le sujet va résonner très fort dans leur histoire personnelle et les forcer, chacun, à reconsidérer l'autre.
Tag est un jeune homme bourré de talents, qui bosse en tant que barista, qui bosse aussi dans la boîte de travaux publics de son père. Il vient de tourner dans le pilote d'un feuilleton télé (scénario d'Aaron, voir tome 1, et oui...) et espère que ce petit rôle va lui ouvrir des portes. Alors quand justement ces portes s'ouvrent vers une pièce de théâtre, il vit enfin son rêve...
Jay a débuté très tôt et plutôt facilement dans le milieu, forcément, avoir une mère comédienne réputée et star adulée, ça ouvre les portes... mais sa première expérience théâtrale s'est finie par un fiasco, et la seconde n'a pas été mieux. Pour ça qu'il préfère tourner tranquillement dans le feuilleton écrit par Lewis (toujours tome 1), comme ça, il gère le trac qui le paralyse et il évite de revivre ce qui l'a mis à terre (au gré de rencontres avec des personnages plutôt bien pourris).
En plongeant dans les répétitions de cette pièce, nous allons aussi plonger dans les traumatismes des deux hommes et suivre leur rapprochement, évident.
Une fois de plus, les auteurs abordent des sujets assez forts sous couvert de romance entre deux hommes attachants. L'histoire est plutôt douce, l'attraction est forte mais se consolide doucement, au gré des échanges, des confidences, des répétitions...
Bref, une série d'une qualité plutôt constante, ce qui est assez agréable et parfois pas si évident que ça, qui nous propose une plongée dans les milieux du show-biz et des paillettes et qui montre un envers du décor pas top.
J'ai hâte de découvrir d'autres œuvres des auteurs.
March 22, 2025
Bello. Bello. Bello❤️
I protagonisti sono Tag, aspirante attore squattrinato, e Jay protagonista di una famosa serie tv e figlio d’arte.
Chi ha letto i libri precedenti, sa che tra loro non scorre buon sangue. Nel secondo, infatti, li abbiamo visti litigare e scambiarsi occhiate minacciose, anche se per tutti gli altri era più tensione sessuale che vero e proprio astio.
Qui li ritroviamo, più o meno, dove li avevamo lasciati, cioè a quella famosa serata di Gala in cui Owen e Mason si sono incontrati e in cui anche i nostri protagonisti hanno approfondito (se così si può dire) la loro conoscenza, con un risultato alquanto disastroso. Quando però si ritrovano dopo mesi a recitare nella stessa rappresentazione teatrale, grazie alla recitazione e all’intensità dei rispettivi ruoli, iniziano pian piano a conoscersi meglio e i loro pregiudizi a sgretolarsi.
Premetto che amo le storie d’amore ambientate in Inghilterra, soprattutto quelle in cui all’intensità dei sentimenti va di pari passo con l’irritazione e l’incompresione. Quelle in cui i protaginisti dopo aver fatto un passo in avanti ne fanno dieci indietro, dove pensi che tutta sta andando bene ma poi uno dei due dice la cosa sbagliata e tutto va a rotoli.
Quindi sì, per me è stata un lettura bellissima che mi ha emozionato davvero tanto.
5⭐️+++++
I protagonisti sono Tag, aspirante attore squattrinato, e Jay protagonista di una famosa serie tv e figlio d’arte.
Chi ha letto i libri precedenti, sa che tra loro non scorre buon sangue. Nel secondo, infatti, li abbiamo visti litigare e scambiarsi occhiate minacciose, anche se per tutti gli altri era più tensione sessuale che vero e proprio astio.
Qui li ritroviamo, più o meno, dove li avevamo lasciati, cioè a quella famosa serata di Gala in cui Owen e Mason si sono incontrati e in cui anche i nostri protagonisti hanno approfondito (se così si può dire) la loro conoscenza, con un risultato alquanto disastroso. Quando però si ritrovano dopo mesi a recitare nella stessa rappresentazione teatrale, grazie alla recitazione e all’intensità dei rispettivi ruoli, iniziano pian piano a conoscersi meglio e i loro pregiudizi a sgretolarsi.
Premetto che amo le storie d’amore ambientate in Inghilterra, soprattutto quelle in cui all’intensità dei sentimenti va di pari passo con l’irritazione e l’incompresione. Quelle in cui i protaginisti dopo aver fatto un passo in avanti ne fanno dieci indietro, dove pensi che tutta sta andando bene ma poi uno dei due dice la cosa sbagliata e tutto va a rotoli.
Quindi sì, per me è stata un lettura bellissima che mi ha emozionato davvero tanto.
5⭐️+++++
April 6, 2024
best supporting actor left me feeling conflicted. on the one hand, act II was a real standout. when tag and jay were good, they were good. their relationship was super sweet and they really complimented each other.
that said … um, i don't know if they should have ended up together 🫣 at least not without a few more talks. because here's the thing, when these two fight they fight mean. the comments they would say out of anger were so unbelievably mean, and THEY WEREN'T EVEN OFFICIALLY DATING YET. the last fight especially, i was side eying tag SO HARD.
however, i was able to overlook my slight niggles because i absolutely adored jay and tag together. plus, the side characters were fantastic. aaronlewis are my favorite couple so far but jaytag come a close second.
October 19, 2023
This book - series as a whole, really - is this odd combination of banality and *really* excellent romance writing. Like it’s simultaneously cliche and borderline cringy but also insightful, nuanced, and even kinda moving?
The cons:
- The first 5-10% and last 5-10% of this book could have been cut entirely - mostly focused on the MCs interacting with MCs from prior books. Despite enjoying those books I have absolutely no memory of what happened in this which made all the scenes with these characters a drag. They felt obligatory at best.
- The writing is just *bad* in places. So generic, so trite.
- There were aspects of the sex scenes and the way the characters thought about sex that felt extremely m/m romance (derogatory).
And yet:
- These characters actually lose their tempers and say hurtful shit to each other on multiple occasions and yet the ways it happens, and the aftermaths, and the reconciliations are SO true to character, and so nuanced, and so emotionally engaging - and the light tone of the book is never lost! It’s like a magic trick, like I want to break it down and see how it works (but I know how it works and it’s just good writing!).
- The character’s individual conflicts and relationship conflicts and workplace conflicts all feed into each other and thematically complement each other and are all perfectly balanced throughout the book.
- The realistic portrayal of having a very low income and making sacrifices for your career is realistic… and yet in this romance between a struggling actor and a self-described “nepo baby” you never feel (a) grossed out by glorification of the wealthy or (b) depressed by the state of income inequality and wealth inequality and class issues in the world. I mean, I guess I feel depressed in general about (b) haha but this book never overwhelms you with it. But it never hides it from you either. Yeah just somehow this element worked very very well, much better than at minimum a cool 80% of romance novels with any inkling of class/income difference between their MCs.
- I just critiqued the sex scenes but actually the depiction of the sexual compatibility of these protagonists worked really well without being overstated (or understated). Yeah, again I guess just a great balancing act!
- There were so many small details - language choices or minor character traits or tiny plot choices - that just kind of brought the story home. Like just enough specificity to land the story emotionally…. And no more.
Yeah - a fun read and also an interesting one!
The cons:
- The first 5-10% and last 5-10% of this book could have been cut entirely - mostly focused on the MCs interacting with MCs from prior books. Despite enjoying those books I have absolutely no memory of what happened in this which made all the scenes with these characters a drag. They felt obligatory at best.
- The writing is just *bad* in places. So generic, so trite.
- There were aspects of the sex scenes and the way the characters thought about sex that felt extremely m/m romance (derogatory).
And yet:
- These characters actually lose their tempers and say hurtful shit to each other on multiple occasions and yet the ways it happens, and the aftermaths, and the reconciliations are SO true to character, and so nuanced, and so emotionally engaging - and the light tone of the book is never lost! It’s like a magic trick, like I want to break it down and see how it works (but I know how it works and it’s just good writing!).
- The character’s individual conflicts and relationship conflicts and workplace conflicts all feed into each other and thematically complement each other and are all perfectly balanced throughout the book.
- The realistic portrayal of having a very low income and making sacrifices for your career is realistic… and yet in this romance between a struggling actor and a self-described “nepo baby” you never feel (a) grossed out by glorification of the wealthy or (b) depressed by the state of income inequality and wealth inequality and class issues in the world. I mean, I guess I feel depressed in general about (b) haha but this book never overwhelms you with it. But it never hides it from you either. Yeah just somehow this element worked very very well, much better than at minimum a cool 80% of romance novels with any inkling of class/income difference between their MCs.
- I just critiqued the sex scenes but actually the depiction of the sexual compatibility of these protagonists worked really well without being overstated (or understated). Yeah, again I guess just a great balancing act!
- There were so many small details - language choices or minor character traits or tiny plot choices - that just kind of brought the story home. Like just enough specificity to land the story emotionally…. And no more.
Yeah - a fun read and also an interesting one!
September 29, 2023
Loved this end to a very enjoyable series. The authors saved the best for last. Both Tag and Jay were compelling, likeable and flawed. The supporting characters were full developed and compelling. I would have enjoyed spending more time in the epilogue with these two but that’s just because I liked them so much.
November 4, 2024
This was all in all very sweet and read easy and smooth.
I liked the progression of the relationship and I appreciated that they took their time with it. What started as an unfortunate ONS evolves slowly into friendship/mentorship and then love.
The spice was hot and sweet.
I also loved the cameos!
I liked the progression of the relationship and I appreciated that they took their time with it. What started as an unfortunate ONS evolves slowly into friendship/mentorship and then love.
The spice was hot and sweet.
I also loved the cameos!
December 1, 2023
As with #2, I liked it but didn’t get the same feeling I got from #1. Each book has gotten a little longer (and felt it), but also less remarkable each time. It seemed like they had to work harder to try to wring out the feels.
August 30, 2024
Best Supporting Actor is the third book in Joanna Chambers and Sally Malcolm's Creative Types series, you can read these books as standalones.
These are interesting characters, though at the stary I wasn't really sure how the authors would make a relationship between them work. Once they get to York and start rehearsals for this play though everything changes.
I enjoyed the hurt/comfort aspects of the story as well.
Simon Goldhill delivers a marvelous performance in the audio edition of . I enjoyed all the different voices Goldhill comes up with for this varied cast of characters. He has a very pleasant accent and it really suits this series.
an audiobook copy of Best Supporting Actor was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
These are interesting characters, though at the stary I wasn't really sure how the authors would make a relationship between them work. Once they get to York and start rehearsals for this play though everything changes.
I enjoyed the hurt/comfort aspects of the story as well.
Simon Goldhill delivers a marvelous performance in the audio edition of . I enjoyed all the different voices Goldhill comes up with for this varied cast of characters. He has a very pleasant accent and it really suits this series.
an audiobook copy of Best Supporting Actor was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
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