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There's Only One Sin in Hollywood: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26A cinematic, razor-sharp novel following a backlot fixer’s daring investigation into the suspicious death of a closeted Black actor within the glamorous world of Hollywood, from the bestselling author of
My Government Means to Kill Me
Xavier C. Barlow, one of Hollywood’s young Black stars taking the industry by storm in the late 1950s, is Skyline Studios’s ambitious attempt to rival Sidney Poitier's burgeoning success. His arrival into the industry is calculated, his charm is magnetic, and his seductive screen presence appeals to both audiences and celebrities across generations.
But years later, after Xavier dies at the height of his fame, Aaron Touissant—Skyline’s designated backlot fixer who helps the studio’s stars stay as deep in the closet as humanly possible—is finally ready to expose the powerful culprits responsible for his untimely death.
Written as part-confessional, part-cris de coeur from Aaron's panoramic lens, There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood is a searing portrait of the movie industry as a manicured minefield and a compelling journey into the queer history of Los Angeles.
Xavier C. Barlow, one of Hollywood’s young Black stars taking the industry by storm in the late 1950s, is Skyline Studios’s ambitious attempt to rival Sidney Poitier's burgeoning success. His arrival into the industry is calculated, his charm is magnetic, and his seductive screen presence appeals to both audiences and celebrities across generations.
But years later, after Xavier dies at the height of his fame, Aaron Touissant—Skyline’s designated backlot fixer who helps the studio’s stars stay as deep in the closet as humanly possible—is finally ready to expose the powerful culprits responsible for his untimely death.
Written as part-confessional, part-cris de coeur from Aaron's panoramic lens, There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood is a searing portrait of the movie industry as a manicured minefield and a compelling journey into the queer history of Los Angeles.
Audible Audio
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Rasheed Newson
2 books354 followersRasheed Newson is the author of the national bestseller "My Government Means to Kill Me." The novel was a Lambda Literary finalist for Gay Fiction and was named one of the “The 100 Notable Books of 2022” by The New York Times.
His forthcoming novel, "There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood," is slated for publication by Flatiron on June 2, 2026.
Rasheed is a 2025–26 American Library in Paris Visiting Fellow. He is also a television drama writer, producer, and showrunner. Along with his screenplay writing partner, T.J. Brady, he co-developed and is an executive producer of "Bel-Air." The drama series has won two NAACP Image Awards and has been nominated several times for Best Drama Series.
Additionally, Rasheed has worked on "The Chi," "Animal Kingdom," and "Narcos," among other drama series.
Rasheed was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a graduate of Georgetown University. He currently lives with his husband and their two children in Pasadena.
His forthcoming novel, "There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood," is slated for publication by Flatiron on June 2, 2026.
Rasheed is a 2025–26 American Library in Paris Visiting Fellow. He is also a television drama writer, producer, and showrunner. Along with his screenplay writing partner, T.J. Brady, he co-developed and is an executive producer of "Bel-Air." The drama series has won two NAACP Image Awards and has been nominated several times for Best Drama Series.
Additionally, Rasheed has worked on "The Chi," "Animal Kingdom," and "Narcos," among other drama series.
Rasheed was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a graduate of Georgetown University. He currently lives with his husband and their two children in Pasadena.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 20, 2026
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from the publisher and Goodreads and so it’s only appropriate I share my thoughts.
Thank you and WOW! I am honored and fortunate to be one of the first people to read and comment on, “There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood” by Rasheed Newson. This was a compelling and interesting story; excellently written by Newson with impeccable research and devotion to history - black, gay, military, showbiz and Hollywood. This story took a few turns I wasn’t expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked genuine nature of the characters and the real care that was taken in setting up and crafting the times they lived in. I thought the ending was perfect and really revealed that life is a journey and that we don’t always end up where we think This is one of those books that doesn’t leave you.
I look forward to reading more Rasheed Newson.
Thank you and WOW! I am honored and fortunate to be one of the first people to read and comment on, “There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood” by Rasheed Newson. This was a compelling and interesting story; excellently written by Newson with impeccable research and devotion to history - black, gay, military, showbiz and Hollywood. This story took a few turns I wasn’t expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked genuine nature of the characters and the real care that was taken in setting up and crafting the times they lived in. I thought the ending was perfect and really revealed that life is a journey and that we don’t always end up where we think This is one of those books that doesn’t leave you.
I look forward to reading more Rasheed Newson.
May 14, 2026
This guy sure knows a lot about old films! Fr tho this was a fantastic read, I did want more of a love story on the Xavier end of things
April 15, 2026
Thank you FlatIron books for the Advance Reading Copy!
As a big fan of classic-Hollywood-era films, I was more than a little excited to dive into this book. I knew I was in good hands as the historical fiction continued to develop sprinkled with real history and references to actual stars/ their work.
Newson crafted this tragic fictional story that still manages to ring true in exploring the dark side of fame - especially for those in the queer and BIPOC communities. Definitely recommend picking this book up when it is released in June!
As a big fan of classic-Hollywood-era films, I was more than a little excited to dive into this book. I knew I was in good hands as the historical fiction continued to develop sprinkled with real history and references to actual stars/ their work.
Newson crafted this tragic fictional story that still manages to ring true in exploring the dark side of fame - especially for those in the queer and BIPOC communities. Definitely recommend picking this book up when it is released in June!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sex, love, power, lust; the want of fame, the desire to leave a mark, the hope of a budding revolution; the money and influence of the establishment that refuses to lose. This was glamorous, gritty, sexy, and propulsively readable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Out and proud was the opposite of a thing in Hollywood in the fifties and sixties, especially if you were Black. Which is exactly who Rasheed Newson writes about in There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood.
The book’s narrator is Aaron Toussaint, a fixer in Hollywood after he serves a stint in the Navy. He’s introduced to the reader at the point where the two men who have the biggest impact on his life briefly meet, setting two storylines into play that eventually intertwine, with devastating consequences.
Aaron figures out pretty early in life that he’s gay, as do his father and brother, leading to Aaron fleeing home and joining the Navy, where he’s sees charismatic fighter pilot Lieutenant Horace “Hornet” Dixon as a way out of the miserable duty he’s been assigned-and as a major source of attraction.
The men have an intense and complicated relationship and they land in Hollywood after serving in the Korean War, with Horace trying to get his life story made into a movie, with him in a starring role. But when you’re Black during the mid twentieth century it can be hard to land a starring role (unless you’re Sidney) even when the studio bosses think you’re straight. So Horace leaves, but Aaron sticks around to see what kind of life he can make for himself, and Xavier Barlow lands in his lap.
Unlike Horace, Xavier is willing to put in the time to work his way up to fame and fortune, competing with Sidney to be Hollywood’s leading Black man. As his star ascends the opportunity to tell Horace’s story comes around again, this time for Xavier, but it comes at a time when he wants to tell the true story of who he is to the world and help kick down the door of the closet all the queer people have been afraid to come out of.
Newson has clearly done his research on Hollywood and Black Hollywood in particular during the time the book was set and the years leading up to it. While it’s pretty clear that some of the movies are very real by the years they were released being included, he’s makes the characters feel so real that it’s hard to imagine it being a fictional story. I really wish the advance copy I read had an author’s note that broke down how Newson incorporated his story with real history.
I did get a bit turned around at the beginning of the book when the story was jumping back and forth between Aaron’s time in Hollywood and his time on an aircraft carrier with Horace during the war. Once those storylines catch up to each other the book is told in a singular storyline that’s easier to follow and very engrossing. It was agonizing worrying about whether the men would get caught and the stupidity of the world we live in that they couldn’t live openly without worrying about the consequences.
I was a bit surprised that the Red Scare was only fleetingly touched on in a story that took place during the height of it in an industry heavily impacted by it, especially with protagonists who had a major secret they were keeping, and knew many people in the industry who were keeping it too.
This is an engrossing read that will suck you in to both the glamour and the excitement of the times while railing at the unfairness of it.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The book’s narrator is Aaron Toussaint, a fixer in Hollywood after he serves a stint in the Navy. He’s introduced to the reader at the point where the two men who have the biggest impact on his life briefly meet, setting two storylines into play that eventually intertwine, with devastating consequences.
Aaron figures out pretty early in life that he’s gay, as do his father and brother, leading to Aaron fleeing home and joining the Navy, where he’s sees charismatic fighter pilot Lieutenant Horace “Hornet” Dixon as a way out of the miserable duty he’s been assigned-and as a major source of attraction.
The men have an intense and complicated relationship and they land in Hollywood after serving in the Korean War, with Horace trying to get his life story made into a movie, with him in a starring role. But when you’re Black during the mid twentieth century it can be hard to land a starring role (unless you’re Sidney) even when the studio bosses think you’re straight. So Horace leaves, but Aaron sticks around to see what kind of life he can make for himself, and Xavier Barlow lands in his lap.
Unlike Horace, Xavier is willing to put in the time to work his way up to fame and fortune, competing with Sidney to be Hollywood’s leading Black man. As his star ascends the opportunity to tell Horace’s story comes around again, this time for Xavier, but it comes at a time when he wants to tell the true story of who he is to the world and help kick down the door of the closet all the queer people have been afraid to come out of.
Newson has clearly done his research on Hollywood and Black Hollywood in particular during the time the book was set and the years leading up to it. While it’s pretty clear that some of the movies are very real by the years they were released being included, he’s makes the characters feel so real that it’s hard to imagine it being a fictional story. I really wish the advance copy I read had an author’s note that broke down how Newson incorporated his story with real history.
I did get a bit turned around at the beginning of the book when the story was jumping back and forth between Aaron’s time in Hollywood and his time on an aircraft carrier with Horace during the war. Once those storylines catch up to each other the book is told in a singular storyline that’s easier to follow and very engrossing. It was agonizing worrying about whether the men would get caught and the stupidity of the world we live in that they couldn’t live openly without worrying about the consequences.
I was a bit surprised that the Red Scare was only fleetingly touched on in a story that took place during the height of it in an industry heavily impacted by it, especially with protagonists who had a major secret they were keeping, and knew many people in the industry who were keeping it too.
This is an engrossing read that will suck you in to both the glamour and the excitement of the times while railing at the unfairness of it.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A remarkable work. Newson is the undisputed king of gay, historical fiction.
While not literally being a prequel to My Government Means to Kill Me, There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood feels like one. In his previous book, we follow a much younger and less jaded character, Trey Singleton, as he grows up and finds meaning in the New York City of the 1980s. Aaron Touissant, the narrator of There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood, lives on the other side of Stonewall from Trey. He matured in a world much more hostile and dangerous to queerness. As Aaron says while reflecting on the next generation of more activist young queers, “I am haunted by a society that was eviler and crueler than the one you’ve met.”
From the first chapter, we’re told that this will be a tragedy, and it is. Aaron loses so much because of the cruel and evil society that he lives in. But he does live in it. He does find, for however brief the time, happiness and community, sexual fulfillment and even love. Aaron narrates the story like he’s telling it to an old friend over drinks. He is utterly honest, never shying away from deep pain or splendid joy, the brutal facts of Hollywood or his erotic life, triumphs or tragedies. And the story loses nothing despite knowing that it is doomed from page one.
Like his previous book, My Government Means to Kill Me, There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood is told in the style of a memoir. Newson’s ability to weave together real history, compelling and complex characters, and a propulsive plot into a format that feels utterly truthful is uncanny. Part One sets up Aaron’s early life, his relationship with Black fighter ace Horace “Hornet” Dixon, how he came to be a backlot “fixer” for a major Hollywood studio, and how another hotshot (this time an actor, Xavier Barlow) came into his life. Part Two brings all of the various threads together in a way that feels inevitable and breathtaking. Part Three plays out the almost Greek-level tragedy of Barlow trying to bring Dixon’s story to the screen, homosexuality and all.
As with My Government Means to Kill Me, Newson has done remarkable research into the era and features numerous real life people as characters. The world he crafted of Black stars and homosexuality in 1950s and 1960s Hollywood feels gritty and lived in and real. And it is real. There were real closeted gay movie stars trying to survive and, perhaps, even bring some of their truth to the screen, only to be swatted down by the system. Newson inhaled that truth and life in his research and breathed it out on to the characters in There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood.
While not literally being a prequel to My Government Means to Kill Me, There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood feels like one. In his previous book, we follow a much younger and less jaded character, Trey Singleton, as he grows up and finds meaning in the New York City of the 1980s. Aaron Touissant, the narrator of There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood, lives on the other side of Stonewall from Trey. He matured in a world much more hostile and dangerous to queerness. As Aaron says while reflecting on the next generation of more activist young queers, “I am haunted by a society that was eviler and crueler than the one you’ve met.”
From the first chapter, we’re told that this will be a tragedy, and it is. Aaron loses so much because of the cruel and evil society that he lives in. But he does live in it. He does find, for however brief the time, happiness and community, sexual fulfillment and even love. Aaron narrates the story like he’s telling it to an old friend over drinks. He is utterly honest, never shying away from deep pain or splendid joy, the brutal facts of Hollywood or his erotic life, triumphs or tragedies. And the story loses nothing despite knowing that it is doomed from page one.
Like his previous book, My Government Means to Kill Me, There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood is told in the style of a memoir. Newson’s ability to weave together real history, compelling and complex characters, and a propulsive plot into a format that feels utterly truthful is uncanny. Part One sets up Aaron’s early life, his relationship with Black fighter ace Horace “Hornet” Dixon, how he came to be a backlot “fixer” for a major Hollywood studio, and how another hotshot (this time an actor, Xavier Barlow) came into his life. Part Two brings all of the various threads together in a way that feels inevitable and breathtaking. Part Three plays out the almost Greek-level tragedy of Barlow trying to bring Dixon’s story to the screen, homosexuality and all.
As with My Government Means to Kill Me, Newson has done remarkable research into the era and features numerous real life people as characters. The world he crafted of Black stars and homosexuality in 1950s and 1960s Hollywood feels gritty and lived in and real. And it is real. There were real closeted gay movie stars trying to survive and, perhaps, even bring some of their truth to the screen, only to be swatted down by the system. Newson inhaled that truth and life in his research and breathed it out on to the characters in There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Rasheed Newson’s There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood is the kind of book that entertains as well as educates. It tells a magnificent story of what it means to be black and gay in the late 1950s and 1960s Hollywood and the inner workings of the studio system.
Right from its opening pages, the reader is immediately transported into the magical world of cinema, the intricacies within, and the stars that dominate the silver screen that has been a source of delight for generations of moviegoers.
What Rasheed Newson achieves in this book is paint a picture of what audiences don’t usually get to see behind the curtains of all the glamor and fame synonymous with the movie business, paying close attention to the plights of black actors. One of the most beautiful things about this book is the creative way the author brings to life the fictional interactions between his characters and legendary black Hollywood actors, with an added bonus of titles and release dates of cinema gems that are fun to check out.
The author brilliantly captures the demands put on black gay actors to define themselves in a way that fits snugly into the box of the American heteronormative puritanical society. Dare a star in tinsel town deviate from this path or engage in any activity deemed improper or indecent. In order that they are in line with this ideology, they’re watched like a hawk by fixers who follow them around town including social gatherings just to make sure their studio’s image of preserving the status quo is strictly followed. Dalliances and indiscretions are quietly squashed, rumors plucked and destroyed as quickly as rotten fruit. It’s unthinkable for a star, or anyone associated with the movie business during this period, to be overtly gay. And it’s double worse if you’re black. Just the rumor of it can destroy a career and get that actor in deep waters.
Characters in this book are richly drawn, and the author does a fantastic job of making me care for all of them. I fell in love with Xavier right from the start, his rebelliousness in his subtle attempt at asserting his identity as a black gay man in the production of a major motion picture. I would have loved to know a bit more of his past and how that informed his character as a black gay Hollywood actor. Horace’s story is also beautifully told, and I have no doubt that his character, as well as that of Toussaint and all the others will stay with readers for a long time after the last page is turned.
This is my first Rasheed Newson book, and it won’t be the last. Thank you, Goodreads and Flatiron Books, for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you to Edelweiss, author Rasheed Newson, and Flatiron Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
This was an extremely engrossing and engaging read. I've had Newson's previous novel on my radar (I haven't read it yet but am familiar), and There's Only One Sin in Hollywood seemed right up my alley. I have a Film Studies minor from my undergraduate degree, and this was one of the best historical fiction novels set in Hollywood I've read. Newson's writing is vivid and sharp; as a narrator, Aaron's perspective leapt off the page with both quick quips and detailed descriptions. I loved that as a reader, we found out Xavier's story completely through the account and narrator of Aaron. Although he seemed (mostly) reliable, it was so fascinating to see how Aaron's own flaws, feelings, experiences, and judgement ultimately clouded Xavier and his story. Never getting Xavier's perspective from his account plants even a small seed of doubt to know what is "real" and what is "fictionalized" throughout the (fictional) novel. This novel is also unashamedly queer, which as a queer person myself, I loved to see. Newson does not shy away from very real dilemmas of gay men, especially Black gay men, of the time, and I appreciated this authentic and unashamed account. It is very smart writing and character work. Even though these characters were fictionalized, it truly felt like reading about real Hollywood stars. The blend of real stars and films mentioned helped to give context to timelines, and it helped root the story in reality. I do think there were times the story dragged a bit, and I was a bit surprised to see this was more of just regular historical fiction versus a thriller. From the promotion/description, I thought more time was going to be spent on investigating the tragic case of Xavier's death, but this was not the case. The story was told in a linear account of Aaron's own life from his perspective of what he knew. This led to Xavier's death not even being mentioned until the last 10% of the novel and really not "investigated" heavily. It wasn't per se a detraction from the novel, as I enjoyed the story otherwise, but I do think it was a bit of a marketing miss. Overall, I really enjoyed reading such an engrossing novel, and I will be eagerly checking out other work by Newson.
This was an extremely engrossing and engaging read. I've had Newson's previous novel on my radar (I haven't read it yet but am familiar), and There's Only One Sin in Hollywood seemed right up my alley. I have a Film Studies minor from my undergraduate degree, and this was one of the best historical fiction novels set in Hollywood I've read. Newson's writing is vivid and sharp; as a narrator, Aaron's perspective leapt off the page with both quick quips and detailed descriptions. I loved that as a reader, we found out Xavier's story completely through the account and narrator of Aaron. Although he seemed (mostly) reliable, it was so fascinating to see how Aaron's own flaws, feelings, experiences, and judgement ultimately clouded Xavier and his story. Never getting Xavier's perspective from his account plants even a small seed of doubt to know what is "real" and what is "fictionalized" throughout the (fictional) novel. This novel is also unashamedly queer, which as a queer person myself, I loved to see. Newson does not shy away from very real dilemmas of gay men, especially Black gay men, of the time, and I appreciated this authentic and unashamed account. It is very smart writing and character work. Even though these characters were fictionalized, it truly felt like reading about real Hollywood stars. The blend of real stars and films mentioned helped to give context to timelines, and it helped root the story in reality. I do think there were times the story dragged a bit, and I was a bit surprised to see this was more of just regular historical fiction versus a thriller. From the promotion/description, I thought more time was going to be spent on investigating the tragic case of Xavier's death, but this was not the case. The story was told in a linear account of Aaron's own life from his perspective of what he knew. This led to Xavier's death not even being mentioned until the last 10% of the novel and really not "investigated" heavily. It wasn't per se a detraction from the novel, as I enjoyed the story otherwise, but I do think it was a bit of a marketing miss. Overall, I really enjoyed reading such an engrossing novel, and I will be eagerly checking out other work by Newson.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I expected Rasheed Newson to excel in the imagery, the visual storytelling as someone who executive produces Bel-Air and writes for shows like The Chi and Narcos. Exceptional storytellers are in those fields so of course he will be good at that. But I was not prepared for how well written this story is. The story is told from the POV of Aaron, a Hollywood fixer, - think Olivia Pope but for entertainers. He wants to expose those he feels are responsible for the untimely death of Xavier Toussaint, the new it guy in Hollywood films positioned to rival Sidney Poitier. You can read the synopsis. The chapters alternate between Aaron’s life experiences with both Xavier and Horace (who he worked for while in the military). The story is presented as if it is about Xavier. But because of how beautifully written it is, Aaron is really giving us HIS story. We see how he navigates his sexuality through different periods of his life and with different people. It’s a testament how time, maturity and circumstances impact our relationships - platonic and romantic. It’s a reckoning for Aaron and for us as readers as we see how our own internalize biases impact the lives of others especially when it comes to sexuality. And then even with all that we get cameos from Belafonte, Diahann Carroll. It’s giving Black excellence. The book pulls you in immediately. They may or may not be getting a lil hot and heavy in the first chapter. It’s sexy without being sexual - that’ might be a bar. As a historical fiction, you can tell the amount of research that went into this story making me wonder how long it took Rasheed to write this. Baybee Sidney Poitier was a whole ass mess. I was trying to figure out which of the places or events were real. I see this as a series on Netflix. and I mean Rasheed you’re right there. Can’t you option your own book? Anyway, the book comes out June 2026. Definitely pre-order it so it is on your doorstep on the 6th. I’m finta pre-order right now myself because I have to have a physical copy of this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It has been a standout year, thus far, for great Black‑authored historical fiction, and this one definitely belongs on that list. The author delivers a richly researched, immersive story set in 1950s–60s Hollywood, specifically Black Hollywood, bringing the era vividly to life.
Aaron Toussaint serves as the story’s anchor, a studio “fixer”, the Olivia Pope for his time. His job is to investigate and manage Black actors on behalf of the studio, ensuring their public images remain pristine, often at the cost of truth and personal freedom. When rising star Xavier Barlow, a talented young Black actor poised to rival Sidney Poitier, dies under suspicious circumstances, Aaron feels both responsible and compelled to uncover what really happened. He also wants the world to know who Xavier truly was: a gifted actor forced to hide his identity as a gay man.
The novel unfolds as Aaron recounts his life in an intimate, confessional tone. Through his narrative, we learn about the painful rejection he endured from his own family because of his sexuality, which led him to enlist in the Navy. There, he found love with Horace, a decorated war hero whose story Hollywood later seeks to adapt. This journey ultimately brings Horace and Aaron to Hollywood, where his fate becomes intertwined with Xavier’s.
What stands out most is the depth of research and authenticity. The author skillfully weaves in real films and figures: Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll, Sammy Davis Jr., and Harry Belafonte, making the world feel very real. The novel offers an unflinching look at the power structures of the studio system, the realities of being Black in mid-century Hollywood, and the challenges faced by closeted gay actors navigating both racism and homophobia.
From the beginning, we’re told this is a tragedy. Xavier’s story certainly lives up to that promise. I initially assumed the “sin” in the title referred to homosexuality, but that assumption is thoughtfully challenged. By the end, the novel reveals a deeper, more complex truth about what the real sin is.
This is a powerful, layered, and emotional read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and McMillan Audio for the ALC in return for my review.
Aaron Toussaint serves as the story’s anchor, a studio “fixer”, the Olivia Pope for his time. His job is to investigate and manage Black actors on behalf of the studio, ensuring their public images remain pristine, often at the cost of truth and personal freedom. When rising star Xavier Barlow, a talented young Black actor poised to rival Sidney Poitier, dies under suspicious circumstances, Aaron feels both responsible and compelled to uncover what really happened. He also wants the world to know who Xavier truly was: a gifted actor forced to hide his identity as a gay man.
The novel unfolds as Aaron recounts his life in an intimate, confessional tone. Through his narrative, we learn about the painful rejection he endured from his own family because of his sexuality, which led him to enlist in the Navy. There, he found love with Horace, a decorated war hero whose story Hollywood later seeks to adapt. This journey ultimately brings Horace and Aaron to Hollywood, where his fate becomes intertwined with Xavier’s.
What stands out most is the depth of research and authenticity. The author skillfully weaves in real films and figures: Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll, Sammy Davis Jr., and Harry Belafonte, making the world feel very real. The novel offers an unflinching look at the power structures of the studio system, the realities of being Black in mid-century Hollywood, and the challenges faced by closeted gay actors navigating both racism and homophobia.
From the beginning, we’re told this is a tragedy. Xavier’s story certainly lives up to that promise. I initially assumed the “sin” in the title referred to homosexuality, but that assumption is thoughtfully challenged. By the end, the novel reveals a deeper, more complex truth about what the real sin is.
This is a powerful, layered, and emotional read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and McMillan Audio for the ALC in return for my review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I fell in love with historical fiction because of Rasheed Newson’s debut novel MY GOVERNMENT MEANS TO KILL ME, a book about a Black queer New York transplant finding his way to himself during the AIDS crisis. The historical period this book centers is different. It’s the Golden Age of Hollywood, which includes the rise of iconic Black actors like Sidney Poitier and Diahann Carroll. Like his debut, Newson’s extensive research allows him to render fictitious but ultimately authentic interactions of his main characters with these icons. The book follows Aaron, our veteran turned fixer, as he navigated his queerness + race in an era and in spaces where being gay is absolute no-no—the military, the movie industry, everyday life in LA. And as queer folks and Black folks have been doing since the history of time, he manages to assert his agency and experience the full emotional spectrum of his humanity despite the structural constraints he faces. There is so much action that happens in this book—war, love, moviemaking, sex, religion, more sex—so it’s hard to sum up. All I’ll say it’s a page turner, which is why my copy is all tattered up. I couldn’t put it down. For the sociologist in me, it was also a treat to have a front row seat to the literal production of culture, and how all the micro-level decisions that are made can have serious consequences for every actor involved both on and beyond the silver screen.
Review of advance copy
The characters were what made this book so great for me! They were well-written and believable given the queer aspect and the timeframe of the book. The author did their homework! I loved how there were real actors and movies sprinkled in and it did not feel forced as these references sometimes do.
I really liked the relationship between Aaron and Xavier, and how Xavier wanted to live authentically and how Aaron admired and feared that. I did feel for Aaron's wife, but she knew what was up when she married him, so I think she should have been a lot less shaming than the was.
The looming spectre of Horace was always there and seeing how Aaron navigated that was heartbreaking, even though Horace treated Aaron pretty danged badly, in my opinion. Having Xavier play him in the biopic had to be awful and wonderful for Aaron and the writer conveyed both sides of this coin well.
I'll be going back to check out the author's first book, based on this one!
I received a free copy to review and I am leaving my review of my own volition.
I really liked the relationship between Aaron and Xavier, and how Xavier wanted to live authentically and how Aaron admired and feared that. I did feel for Aaron's wife, but she knew what was up when she married him, so I think she should have been a lot less shaming than the was.
The looming spectre of Horace was always there and seeing how Aaron navigated that was heartbreaking, even though Horace treated Aaron pretty danged badly, in my opinion. Having Xavier play him in the biopic had to be awful and wonderful for Aaron and the writer conveyed both sides of this coin well.
I'll be going back to check out the author's first book, based on this one!
I received a free copy to review and I am leaving my review of my own volition.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Booktrovert (Netgalley) and Flatiron Books for the Advanced Readers’ Copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is my first time reading this author, and I am glad I did. The book is impressive—steeped in history and compelling storytelling. At the beginning, it took me a while to be captivated by the novel. It was a time-period piece, and I needed to get myself into that headspace. But once I read further into the story, I was hooked.
What I love about the story is how the author interweaves famous figures of the period to create a more believable narrative. The subject matter of the 1950s and 1960s was explained very well, too. Not to mention, some of the issues mirror the present times. My satisfaction with the book’s ending was where I expected it to be. It was blatantly honest. I had to accept that was how things were back then, and the outcome.
Overall, the novel is solid. I would recommend people take the time to add this book to their bookshelf. Run, not walk, to get this book. You will not regret it!
This is my first time reading this author, and I am glad I did. The book is impressive—steeped in history and compelling storytelling. At the beginning, it took me a while to be captivated by the novel. It was a time-period piece, and I needed to get myself into that headspace. But once I read further into the story, I was hooked.
What I love about the story is how the author interweaves famous figures of the period to create a more believable narrative. The subject matter of the 1950s and 1960s was explained very well, too. Not to mention, some of the issues mirror the present times. My satisfaction with the book’s ending was where I expected it to be. It was blatantly honest. I had to accept that was how things were back then, and the outcome.
Overall, the novel is solid. I would recommend people take the time to add this book to their bookshelf. Run, not walk, to get this book. You will not regret it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for advance access to this book!
This is a hauntingly beautiful, funny, and timely story about two queer Black men’s forbidden love and all they do to gain love and respect when the world seems hell-bent to deny them either. It reminds us that stars that burn the brightest often burn the fastest, going out in a picturesque burst while those that remain can only bear witness.
I've been telling folks to pre-order this book since I finished reading it, and can't wait for this sophomore work by Rasheed Newson to hit the shelves. In these turbulent times, a book full of heart, negotiating discretion and secrecy in personal and professional spheres, and learning about lesser-known queer history is the balm readers need to remember that our own lives and our community will always be worth the effort.
This is a hauntingly beautiful, funny, and timely story about two queer Black men’s forbidden love and all they do to gain love and respect when the world seems hell-bent to deny them either. It reminds us that stars that burn the brightest often burn the fastest, going out in a picturesque burst while those that remain can only bear witness.
I've been telling folks to pre-order this book since I finished reading it, and can't wait for this sophomore work by Rasheed Newson to hit the shelves. In these turbulent times, a book full of heart, negotiating discretion and secrecy in personal and professional spheres, and learning about lesser-known queer history is the balm readers need to remember that our own lives and our community will always be worth the effort.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Newson has quickly become an auto-read for me. After this brilliant sophomore novel I will read anything he puts out.
I was blown away by his first novel My Government Means To Kill Me and I am equally in awe of him here where we go to 1950-60s Hollywood. Newson has a talent for melding a fiction book into the crevasses of true events and telling deeply meaningful stories of the Gay Black men who are often overlooked in these times and places.
Aaron is a well thought out rounded character, and highly believable in this Hollywood machine. Xavier is a force and I enjoyed their relationship, how it felt naturally grew and changed.
A soulful and interesting read that had me questioning what was real and what was fiction throughout in the best possible way.
I was blown away by his first novel My Government Means To Kill Me and I am equally in awe of him here where we go to 1950-60s Hollywood. Newson has a talent for melding a fiction book into the crevasses of true events and telling deeply meaningful stories of the Gay Black men who are often overlooked in these times and places.
Aaron is a well thought out rounded character, and highly believable in this Hollywood machine. Xavier is a force and I enjoyed their relationship, how it felt naturally grew and changed.
A soulful and interesting read that had me questioning what was real and what was fiction throughout in the best possible way.
March 27, 2026
While you can make an easy comparison to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this novel has the bite and real history that one lacks. Immediately I could see Newson’s passion for old Hollywood and knew I was in good hands. What I appreciated most was the nuance of the characters; the jaded protagonist Aaron who truly cares for the naive idealist Xavier who makes it hard for him to do so. It can be hard to find queer media that truly examines less savory aspects such as political infighting, but this wasn’t afraid to tackle it. The world Newson builds isn’t flat or designed to bring about the happiest ending. There is real value in showing how the world has been, and still is.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
There Is Only One Sin in Hollywood delivers a sharp and compelling look into the glittering yet unforgiving world of the entertainment industry. The story peels back the polished façade of Hollywood to reveal a culture driven by image, power, and the constant fear of failure. Through dynamic characters and witty, often biting dialogue, the author explores ambition, moral compromise, and the high cost of success. The pacing keeps readers engaged while the underlying message—that perception often matters more than truth—lingers long after the final page. Overall, it’s an insightful and entertaining read that captures both the allure and the darker realities of Hollywood.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. What a banger of a novel. I loved every minute of this deeply researched, dramatic, sexy novel. I was a fan of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" - so I was very excited to dive into another Hollywood historical fiction novel. And this one didn't disappoint. I really don't want to spoil too much in this review since it doesn't come out until early June, because every turn in this book had me turning the pages furiously (granted it was digital pages). Aaron Touissant and Xavier C. Barlow are two characters that I will be thinking about for years to come. READ THIS BOOK!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley for sending me an e-ARC of this book.
This book is an engrossing, emotional journey into Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s from a perspective I've never read before. Glorious and glamorous. Salacious and sexy. Queer and quippy. I cannot wait for the world to get the chance to read this book, so I have more people to talk about who should star in the movie adaptation...
This book is an engrossing, emotional journey into Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s from a perspective I've never read before. Glorious and glamorous. Salacious and sexy. Queer and quippy. I cannot wait for the world to get the chance to read this book, so I have more people to talk about who should star in the movie adaptation...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The level of research in writing this book was astounding! I felt transported back to the golden age of Hollywood and loved all the references to real stars. The author wrote complicated characters with so much depth I thought they were real historical figures. I definitely recommend this book to historical fiction fans
May 16, 2026
this was excellent; I was pulled in DEEP into 1950s-era Hollywood—its glitz and gutting history, deeply personalized through Aaron’s lens. Historical fiction utilized to maximum effect—this was so well written (and SO well narrated - cannot recommend the audio highly enough); I’m going to need to sit with that ending and Aaron/Xavier/Horace’s story for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I really liked this book. It was an interesting way of portraying alternate history. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed the alternate version of gay and black history. I was lucky enough to win this book off of Goodreads giveaways!
Want to Read
March 20, 2026dnf
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
very well written
Want to Read
April 26, 2026there's only one sin and it's that I can't press play on the audiobook narrated by Jelani Alladin until June 2nd
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