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Treading the Boards #1
Overly Dramatic
Andy Marshall moves to London looking for a fresh start after breaking up with his long-term boyfriend. To stave off boredom from his day job as an accountant and to meet new people, Andy joins a local amateur dramatics society called the Sarky Players based in Greenwich, South London. Despite his best efforts to avoid it, Andy is cast as one of the leads in a truly dreadful play called Whoops, Vicar, There Goes My Trousers, written by a local playwright.
The play might be bad, but the Sarky Players are a friendly bunch. Andy quickly makes new friends and finds himself attracted to Phil Cormack, a local artist helping with the props. But life doesn’t run to a script, so Andy and Phil will have to work hard to improvise their own happy ending.
The play might be bad, but the Sarky Players are a friendly bunch. Andy quickly makes new friends and finds himself attracted to Phil Cormack, a local artist helping with the props. But life doesn’t run to a script, so Andy and Phil will have to work hard to improvise their own happy ending.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2015
5 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Cohen
50 books227 followersREBECCA COHEN spends her days dreaming of living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 17, 2015
2.5 stars
The blurb for this novella screamed humor, which was why I asked for an ARC copy. It was my first by Rebecca Cohen, and unfortunately, I wasn’t overly impressed by it. For a novella, I found it to be dragging – it took me hours to finish because I kept being distracted with other things (that seemed to be more interesting). I read this with an indifferent manner after I hit about a quarter length, and ended up skimming the last 10-15% or so.
The story is written solely from Andy’s perspective; I didn’t feel like I knew enough of his love interest, Phil. In fact, I found Andy’s other friends, like Naomi or her neighbor, Ussie, to have a stronger presence compared to Phil. The romance felt lackluster at best; frequently ‘interrupted’ by other things, like the play itself, Andy interacting with his family, being set-up on a date by his sister, as well as entertaining his octogenarian neighbor. The romance didn’t feel focused. It was difficult for me to care for the couple because of it.
In addition, the story has a ‘slice-of-life’ style of it – it doesn’t have any ‘overly dramatic’ situations (despite the title), except for one hard slap on a cheek, which was neither done nor happened to either of our heroes. I really don’t have issues with slice-of-life; one of my favorite MM romances last year has this style.
However, slice-of-life works better when I’m already familiar with the characters – thus fan fiction seems to be the best offering this – or if the story gives enough length to build the foundation between myself and the characters. Slice-of-life is already mundane by nature and when I’m not interested with the characters, it is hard for me to invest in their humdrum everyday life as well.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
The blurb for this novella screamed humor, which was why I asked for an ARC copy. It was my first by Rebecca Cohen, and unfortunately, I wasn’t overly impressed by it. For a novella, I found it to be dragging – it took me hours to finish because I kept being distracted with other things (that seemed to be more interesting). I read this with an indifferent manner after I hit about a quarter length, and ended up skimming the last 10-15% or so.
The story is written solely from Andy’s perspective; I didn’t feel like I knew enough of his love interest, Phil. In fact, I found Andy’s other friends, like Naomi or her neighbor, Ussie, to have a stronger presence compared to Phil. The romance felt lackluster at best; frequently ‘interrupted’ by other things, like the play itself, Andy interacting with his family, being set-up on a date by his sister, as well as entertaining his octogenarian neighbor. The romance didn’t feel focused. It was difficult for me to care for the couple because of it.
In addition, the story has a ‘slice-of-life’ style of it – it doesn’t have any ‘overly dramatic’ situations (despite the title), except for one hard slap on a cheek, which was neither done nor happened to either of our heroes. I really don’t have issues with slice-of-life; one of my favorite MM romances last year has this style.
However, slice-of-life works better when I’m already familiar with the characters – thus fan fiction seems to be the best offering this – or if the story gives enough length to build the foundation between myself and the characters. Slice-of-life is already mundane by nature and when I’m not interested with the characters, it is hard for me to invest in their humdrum everyday life as well.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
January 11, 2020
What a delightfully funny story this turned out to be: full of (very) British humor and references, floundering and squabbling characters, and a play/farce so ridiculous it’s probably considered high art by some. Actually, if you want to get a really quick feel for what the book is like without reading this or any other reviews, all you need to do is look at the cover. It is the embodiment of this novella’s spirit, and I suspect you either hate it or love it. I definitely loved it, and laughed out loud several times. It’s a story that doesn’t take itself seriously, making it all the more enjoyable for me to read and discover all the little observations and details the author has included for my amusement. Much like in real life, the romance is only part of what is going on in Andy and Phil’s lives, but once they figure out what they want, there is no doubt in my mind that they are well suited to make a go of being more than friends.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 20, 2015
Review previously at bmbr.
From page one, I had high hopes for this author's writing style. The humorous tone and witty observations were right up my street. It was these two things that kept me reading, I enjoyed the nod to modern culture - Andy and Naomi's gif war. I mean, who hasn't reposted/tweeted/pinned/e-mailed ridiculous animal gifs? No? Really, well you must have at least laughed at them right? Come on, nobody will tell your little secret, hell there are whole TV programmes dedicated to ridiculous animals! Well, I'm not to proud to admit I like a good animal gif and laughed at this bit. Mentally recognising many of the gifs mentioned may have added to the liking...
Ussie also made me laugh. Hell, she was my favourite character;
"An octogeneraian with too much time on her hands."
She not only pens farcical plays full of double entendres, she games as a sexy elf and wishes to write erotica. Go you Ussie, grow old disgracefully and have fun! I mean, who doesn't want to be like that when they hit their eighties? I know I do!
Unfortunately the characters was where it fell down for me, mainly because the only one I truly liked was Ussie. This means it is probably a personal thing, because the writing wasn't bad, I just didn't really grow attached to any of the characters, not even Andy the MC, and this is a big thing for me. I need to... not even like the characters, but have an attachment to them.
Andy seemed a bit know-it-all, Phil blew as hot and cold as a British summer, and the others seemed to be stereotypes. Naomi - cool, collected Naomi, Andy's office mate and first proper friend ends up having a slanging match with Jeanette because of some texts sent to Naomi's husband. That whole storyline annoyed the living daylights out of me, especially Andy's advice to Naomi, not that she join the players too, but that she keep an eye on Mark and Jeanette. Interfering bastard. I hate the implication that you can't have a laugh with someone (usually of the opposite gender) without it meaning you are flirting. Not even just flirting, but flirting with intention. Pisses me right off! I found it all the ,more irritating that Andy had only just become friends with these people and was dishing out advice.
Yeah, I found it difficult to become attached to the characters, but as I said, this is truly a personal judgement and just because I didn't overly like them, doesn't mean you won't. I did enjoy the story as a whole, but I do need to invest in the characters for the story it really resonate with me.
A couple of times things were mentioned, that I stored away thinking they would be important to the story later, yet they never became an issue. This felt like a rooky writing mistake. At the start of rehearsals it is mentioned dates to keep clear and Andy notices a clash with his mum's surprise party. I really felt, the fact that this was mentioned, meant it was going to be significant to the plot later...but it wasn't at all. There is a quote by someone, possibly Alfred Hitchcock, that I can't find, so here is my mangled version of it (if anyone knows the actual quote and context please mention it in the comments):
" If there is an umbrella in scene one, it had damn well better rain by scene four."
Seeing as I seem to be particularly grumpy this morning I am going to mention a bugbear, and this is purely indulgent, definitely a me thing, and probably more to do with the publisher than the author but... I hate when books are set in England yet have an Americanised spelling. I have nothing against American spellings, nine time out of ten they make way more sense than the British version, but if it's set in England, use the English version. Please. Every time I came across the word theater I had a mental tantrum and said THEATRE, THEATRE, THEATRE.
Theatre.
Sorry. Totally personal to me. I don't care about the spelling if the book is set in America, it wouldn't cross my mind (actually, the English version would then send me into my mental rant). I've just seen it in so many books and it really bugs me and takes me out of the book...again I reiterate, this is a personal thing.
Okay, so, all in all a fun book that I'm sure will be loved by many. Don;t let my personal dislikes put you off - sometimes a book is just not for everyone and I certainly didn't hate it. I'm tasked with writing a review about how I honestly felt about a book, and this is it.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
From page one, I had high hopes for this author's writing style. The humorous tone and witty observations were right up my street. It was these two things that kept me reading, I enjoyed the nod to modern culture - Andy and Naomi's gif war. I mean, who hasn't reposted/tweeted/pinned/e-mailed ridiculous animal gifs? No? Really, well you must have at least laughed at them right? Come on, nobody will tell your little secret, hell there are whole TV programmes dedicated to ridiculous animals! Well, I'm not to proud to admit I like a good animal gif and laughed at this bit. Mentally recognising many of the gifs mentioned may have added to the liking...
Ussie also made me laugh. Hell, she was my favourite character;
"An octogeneraian with too much time on her hands."
She not only pens farcical plays full of double entendres, she games as a sexy elf and wishes to write erotica. Go you Ussie, grow old disgracefully and have fun! I mean, who doesn't want to be like that when they hit their eighties? I know I do!
Unfortunately the characters was where it fell down for me, mainly because the only one I truly liked was Ussie. This means it is probably a personal thing, because the writing wasn't bad, I just didn't really grow attached to any of the characters, not even Andy the MC, and this is a big thing for me. I need to... not even like the characters, but have an attachment to them.
Andy seemed a bit know-it-all, Phil blew as hot and cold as a British summer, and the others seemed to be stereotypes. Naomi - cool, collected Naomi, Andy's office mate and first proper friend ends up having a slanging match with Jeanette because of some texts sent to Naomi's husband. That whole storyline annoyed the living daylights out of me, especially Andy's advice to Naomi, not that she join the players too, but that she keep an eye on Mark and Jeanette. Interfering bastard. I hate the implication that you can't have a laugh with someone (usually of the opposite gender) without it meaning you are flirting. Not even just flirting, but flirting with intention. Pisses me right off! I found it all the ,more irritating that Andy had only just become friends with these people and was dishing out advice.
Yeah, I found it difficult to become attached to the characters, but as I said, this is truly a personal judgement and just because I didn't overly like them, doesn't mean you won't. I did enjoy the story as a whole, but I do need to invest in the characters for the story it really resonate with me.
A couple of times things were mentioned, that I stored away thinking they would be important to the story later, yet they never became an issue. This felt like a rooky writing mistake. At the start of rehearsals it is mentioned dates to keep clear and Andy notices a clash with his mum's surprise party. I really felt, the fact that this was mentioned, meant it was going to be significant to the plot later...but it wasn't at all. There is a quote by someone, possibly Alfred Hitchcock, that I can't find, so here is my mangled version of it (if anyone knows the actual quote and context please mention it in the comments):
" If there is an umbrella in scene one, it had damn well better rain by scene four."
Seeing as I seem to be particularly grumpy this morning I am going to mention a bugbear, and this is purely indulgent, definitely a me thing, and probably more to do with the publisher than the author but... I hate when books are set in England yet have an Americanised spelling. I have nothing against American spellings, nine time out of ten they make way more sense than the British version, but if it's set in England, use the English version. Please. Every time I came across the word theater I had a mental tantrum and said THEATRE, THEATRE, THEATRE.
Theatre.
Sorry. Totally personal to me. I don't care about the spelling if the book is set in America, it wouldn't cross my mind (actually, the English version would then send me into my mental rant). I've just seen it in so many books and it really bugs me and takes me out of the book...again I reiterate, this is a personal thing.
Okay, so, all in all a fun book that I'm sure will be loved by many. Don;t let my personal dislikes put you off - sometimes a book is just not for everyone and I certainly didn't hate it. I'm tasked with writing a review about how I honestly felt about a book, and this is it.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2016
2.6 Stars
While the story is fine and the characters adequately fleshed out I never really engaged with anything. I read the story after the first five chapters in an almost perfunctory manner.
I think this might be a "It's not you, it's me..." situation. Mostly because it's me not caring.
Nothing really bothered me about it, but nothing thrilled me either.
Recommended with caution.
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
While the story is fine and the characters adequately fleshed out I never really engaged with anything. I read the story after the first five chapters in an almost perfunctory manner.
I think this might be a "It's not you, it's me..." situation. Mostly because it's me not caring.
Nothing really bothered me about it, but nothing thrilled me either.
Recommended with caution.
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
September 18, 2015
This review was originally written for Joyfully Jay Reviews and can be accessed here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2015/09/review...
Andy Marshall is a bit of a fussy out gay man who has recently separated from his long-term boyfriend, Charlie, and returned to London to start over. He moves into Greenwich and begins making friends, Naomi being the first. She’s a work colleague who lives near him and invites him out for drinks on a Friday. She’s not excited to introduce Andy to her husband’s friends however, because they are all members of an amateur dramatics company, the Sarky Players. Andy is happy to connect with them, as he did drama back in uni, and thinks taking it up again might fit with his life makeover.
In the process, Andy meets Ryan and Phil, both out gay men, too. Andy is cast as the rector in an atrocious, irreverent, and bawdy comedy that involves Ryan as a costar and Phil as the props manager. Phil is very attractive to Andy, but emotionally unavailable as he has recently broken off (for good this time!) with his long-time, abusive partner. Andy commits his time to the Sarky Players and their preposterous play, and takes on a cautious friendship with Phil. It seems that Phil wants more, but he pulls away time and again. It’s all so confusing!
This is a breezy read with delicious Brit humor that got me laughing. I do like Andy. He’s all about lists and adding up the pros and cons of a situation, which is completely in character for this professional accountant. He’s a decent bloke, always ready to assist his geriatric neighbor with a blown light bulb, or be the rock Phil needs at a gallery opening. I kinda felt bad for him regarding Phil, because there is a lot of mixed messages going on. And, also because he’s so mortified about his role in the play. He can’t get out of it, even though he wants to, because he’s involved in a bit of spying on behalf of Naomi—and her (potentially philandering) hubby. This strikes all Andy’s bells because Charlie was a cheater and it was one of the last slights Andy took before leaving. I ached for Andy to find a decent guy to share his mostly empty flat with, so, when his sister attempts to play matchmaker, I hoped it would work out. Unfortunately, it leaves Andy at his wit’s end. For the first time in his life he seems to have a handle on his world, and he’s steering it in the direction he wants to take.
I really appreciated that Andy stood up for himself in his relationships. He definitely feels as if he has the right to ask for fidelity and companionship, and won’t settle for less. This is in opposition to how he feels about himself as a partner. He has no illusions about his looks or sexiness, but offers himself as he is—and that is attractive to the right man. I liked the slow build once Andy agreed to date Phil officially. He and Phil take time to discuss their pasts and what they envision for their futures. It’s heartwarming and tender and I really connected with that.
As for the book as a whole, the story is engaging and kept me interested. I always want an early connection, and was a little frustrated by the one-step-forward, two-steps-back going on with Andy and Phil. That is my issue, however, and I enjoyed watching the quiet development of feelings on Andy’s side. He knows his heart longs for Phil, but he’s circumspect about it, ensuring he will not get hurt like he had with Charlie. That open communication was excellent. I appreciated that Phil had been hurt, too, and understood how guarded he needed to be, though this really wasn’t revealed until pretty late in the story. Don’t expect a lot of heat, because there’s just one sexy scene and it’s not long. It is so sweet, however.
Andy Marshall is a bit of a fussy out gay man who has recently separated from his long-term boyfriend, Charlie, and returned to London to start over. He moves into Greenwich and begins making friends, Naomi being the first. She’s a work colleague who lives near him and invites him out for drinks on a Friday. She’s not excited to introduce Andy to her husband’s friends however, because they are all members of an amateur dramatics company, the Sarky Players. Andy is happy to connect with them, as he did drama back in uni, and thinks taking it up again might fit with his life makeover.
In the process, Andy meets Ryan and Phil, both out gay men, too. Andy is cast as the rector in an atrocious, irreverent, and bawdy comedy that involves Ryan as a costar and Phil as the props manager. Phil is very attractive to Andy, but emotionally unavailable as he has recently broken off (for good this time!) with his long-time, abusive partner. Andy commits his time to the Sarky Players and their preposterous play, and takes on a cautious friendship with Phil. It seems that Phil wants more, but he pulls away time and again. It’s all so confusing!
This is a breezy read with delicious Brit humor that got me laughing. I do like Andy. He’s all about lists and adding up the pros and cons of a situation, which is completely in character for this professional accountant. He’s a decent bloke, always ready to assist his geriatric neighbor with a blown light bulb, or be the rock Phil needs at a gallery opening. I kinda felt bad for him regarding Phil, because there is a lot of mixed messages going on. And, also because he’s so mortified about his role in the play. He can’t get out of it, even though he wants to, because he’s involved in a bit of spying on behalf of Naomi—and her (potentially philandering) hubby. This strikes all Andy’s bells because Charlie was a cheater and it was one of the last slights Andy took before leaving. I ached for Andy to find a decent guy to share his mostly empty flat with, so, when his sister attempts to play matchmaker, I hoped it would work out. Unfortunately, it leaves Andy at his wit’s end. For the first time in his life he seems to have a handle on his world, and he’s steering it in the direction he wants to take.
I really appreciated that Andy stood up for himself in his relationships. He definitely feels as if he has the right to ask for fidelity and companionship, and won’t settle for less. This is in opposition to how he feels about himself as a partner. He has no illusions about his looks or sexiness, but offers himself as he is—and that is attractive to the right man. I liked the slow build once Andy agreed to date Phil officially. He and Phil take time to discuss their pasts and what they envision for their futures. It’s heartwarming and tender and I really connected with that.
As for the book as a whole, the story is engaging and kept me interested. I always want an early connection, and was a little frustrated by the one-step-forward, two-steps-back going on with Andy and Phil. That is my issue, however, and I enjoyed watching the quiet development of feelings on Andy’s side. He knows his heart longs for Phil, but he’s circumspect about it, ensuring he will not get hurt like he had with Charlie. That open communication was excellent. I appreciated that Phil had been hurt, too, and understood how guarded he needed to be, though this really wasn’t revealed until pretty late in the story. Don’t expect a lot of heat, because there’s just one sexy scene and it’s not long. It is so sweet, however.
May 4, 2016
Moving to Greenwich is a good thing. Sure, Andy no longer has a (cheating asshole bastard) boyfriend, or friends–-and still has boring job as an accountant–-but this is going to be great. Even when he gets roped into acting in what has to be the worst play ever written for the stage, by the husband of his work-mate, he is pretty upbeat. He never planned for the goat. Or the am-dram relationship dramatics. Or the fact he seems to fall for guys who are clearly not relationship material. All in all, this play is a big disaster just waiting to happen. But if the play must go on, the actors will just have to find a way to survive it!
Despite Andy’s constant griping about it, the play was actually one of my favorite parts of this book. It was so over-the-top with its innuendo and gags that I really couldn’t help but find myself bemusedly enchanted. This would actually be something I could see myself going to see. Which probably says a lot about my sense of humor.
The story itself wasn’t half-bad, either. I quiet liked all the am-dram players (well, except for the husband-stealing harpy who really needs to learn some self control). I’ve been around theater people almost my whole life (even spent 20 or so years sharing a bedroom with a self-proclaimed theater geek) so I know all about the shit that can go down behind (and sometimes in front) of the curtain. This book did a good job of showing that with out letting it take over the story. It gave the story a nice dash of oddness and dramatics when the MCs were not cooperating.
For all that I get that Andy is gun shy when it comes to Phil, I still had a hard time not judging him for how he was judging Phil. Andy just seem to give off this “I’m better than all you” vibe sometimes, and it kinda put me off. Yeah, Phil was giving out some mixed signals, but the way Andy reacted was a bit ridiculous. He kissed you and then said sorry, he didn’t knock-up your mother and then run off with your sister–-you should probably get the hell over yourself. Phil has issues, and running away is probably not the answer to those issues, but neither was it right for Andy to treat it like a killing offense.
Also, every time Andy went all “O.M.G. this play is the worst thing in creation. However did I get myself in this most horrible of positions [insert fake swoon here]” I felt like slapping him. Dude needs to grow a sense of humor.
Still, when Andy wasn’t being stuck-up, he and Phil did make a nice couple. And since I have been in a very no-sex mood lately, the very short sex scenes near the end really worked for me. If you are looking for something with a lot of hanky-panky, this is not going to be your book, but it does have some great characters and a fun story.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Despite Andy’s constant griping about it, the play was actually one of my favorite parts of this book. It was so over-the-top with its innuendo and gags that I really couldn’t help but find myself bemusedly enchanted. This would actually be something I could see myself going to see. Which probably says a lot about my sense of humor.
The story itself wasn’t half-bad, either. I quiet liked all the am-dram players (well, except for the husband-stealing harpy who really needs to learn some self control). I’ve been around theater people almost my whole life (even spent 20 or so years sharing a bedroom with a self-proclaimed theater geek) so I know all about the shit that can go down behind (and sometimes in front) of the curtain. This book did a good job of showing that with out letting it take over the story. It gave the story a nice dash of oddness and dramatics when the MCs were not cooperating.
For all that I get that Andy is gun shy when it comes to Phil, I still had a hard time not judging him for how he was judging Phil. Andy just seem to give off this “I’m better than all you” vibe sometimes, and it kinda put me off. Yeah, Phil was giving out some mixed signals, but the way Andy reacted was a bit ridiculous. He kissed you and then said sorry, he didn’t knock-up your mother and then run off with your sister–-you should probably get the hell over yourself. Phil has issues, and running away is probably not the answer to those issues, but neither was it right for Andy to treat it like a killing offense.
Also, every time Andy went all “O.M.G. this play is the worst thing in creation. However did I get myself in this most horrible of positions [insert fake swoon here]” I felt like slapping him. Dude needs to grow a sense of humor.
Still, when Andy wasn’t being stuck-up, he and Phil did make a nice couple. And since I have been in a very no-sex mood lately, the very short sex scenes near the end really worked for me. If you are looking for something with a lot of hanky-panky, this is not going to be your book, but it does have some great characters and a fun story.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 10, 2015
Cute and humorous. A little slow in the beginning, but I was mostly disappointed with the sudden ending. I see Ryan's book is next!
August 22, 2015
It was fine, really, but not enough to keep my attention from wandering. Plus, the MCs weren't really together that much.
January 11, 2020
What a delightfully funny story this turned out to be: full of (very) British humor and references, floundering and squabbling characters, and a play/farce so ridiculous it’s probably considered high art by some. Actually, if you want to get a really quick feel for what the book is like without reading this or any other reviews, all you need to do is look at the cover. It is the embodiment of this novella’s spirit, and I suspect you either hate it or love it. I definitely loved it, and laughed out loud several times. It’s a story that doesn’t take itself seriously, making it all the more enjoyable for me to read and discover all the little observations and details the author has included for my amusement. Much like in real life, the romance is only part of what is going on in Andy and Phil’s lives, but once they figure out what they want, there is no doubt in my mind that they are well suited to make a go of being more than friends.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 25, 2018
Where is the love story? By the way, where is the story? After a promising start I got more and more bored page after page and at a certain point started to skip pages, then chapters - but realized that nothing less a slight thrill happened in the previous I skipped - and then I got to the end asking myself WT*? Really a total disaster this one. A big waste of my leisure time.
September 15, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This is a breezy read with delicious Brit humor that got me laughing. I do like Andy. He’s all about lists and adding up the pros and cons of a situation, which is completely in character for this professional accountant. He’s a decent bloke, always ready to assist his geriatric neighbor with a blown light bulb, or be the rock Phil needs at a gallery opening. I kinda felt bad for him regarding Phil, because there is a lot of mixed messages going on. And, also because he’s so mortified about his role in the play. He can’t get out of it, even though he wants to, because he’s involved in a bit of spying on behalf of Naomi—and her (potentially philandering) hubby. This strikes all Andy’s bells because Charlie was a cheater and it was one of the last slights Andy took before leaving. I ached for Andy to find a decent guy to share his mostly empty flat with, so, when his sister attempts to play matchmaker, I hoped it would work out. Unfortunately, it leaves Andy at his wit’s end. For the first time in his life he seems to have a handle on his world, and he’s steering it in the direction he wants to take.
I really appreciated that Andy stood up for himself in his relationships. He definitely feels as if he has the right to ask for fidelity and companionship, and won’t settle for less. This is in opposition to how he feels about himself as a partner. He has no illusions about his looks or sexiness, but offers himself as he is—and that is attractive to the right man. I liked the slow build once Andy agreed to date Phil officially. He and Phil take time to discuss their pasts and what they envision for their futures. It’s heartwarming and tender and I really connected with that.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This is a breezy read with delicious Brit humor that got me laughing. I do like Andy. He’s all about lists and adding up the pros and cons of a situation, which is completely in character for this professional accountant. He’s a decent bloke, always ready to assist his geriatric neighbor with a blown light bulb, or be the rock Phil needs at a gallery opening. I kinda felt bad for him regarding Phil, because there is a lot of mixed messages going on. And, also because he’s so mortified about his role in the play. He can’t get out of it, even though he wants to, because he’s involved in a bit of spying on behalf of Naomi—and her (potentially philandering) hubby. This strikes all Andy’s bells because Charlie was a cheater and it was one of the last slights Andy took before leaving. I ached for Andy to find a decent guy to share his mostly empty flat with, so, when his sister attempts to play matchmaker, I hoped it would work out. Unfortunately, it leaves Andy at his wit’s end. For the first time in his life he seems to have a handle on his world, and he’s steering it in the direction he wants to take.
I really appreciated that Andy stood up for himself in his relationships. He definitely feels as if he has the right to ask for fidelity and companionship, and won’t settle for less. This is in opposition to how he feels about himself as a partner. He has no illusions about his looks or sexiness, but offers himself as he is—and that is attractive to the right man. I liked the slow build once Andy agreed to date Phil officially. He and Phil take time to discuss their pasts and what they envision for their futures. It’s heartwarming and tender and I really connected with that.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
October 13, 2016
4.5 Stars
This is book one of Rebecca Cohen’s Treading the Boards series. Overly Dramatic is the type of story you read when you want to just have a good time and enjoy reading. See, I was a huge theater nerd in high school. I directed, stage managed, and acted in the plays and musicals. So this story was such a treat for me.
Andy just broke up with his boyfriend of 4 years because he was cheated on. Yeah we already want to hug Andy right from the beginning. What I loved most about Andy was the fact that even though he had some self-doubt about himself, because who wouldn’t after being cheated on, he didn’t let it rule him. He started his new job, embraced new people, went out when asked, made new friends, and joined an Amateur Theater club and became part of an absurd play.
When he meets Phil, who is also sore from a breakup, he refuses to let Phil jerk him around with his own self-doubt. He gives Phil a chance but when he falls apart he doesn’t hide and drink, he gets back up and keeps going. Don’t hate on Phil give him a second chance… Andy does.
That was my favorite part. Andy’s strength. Now it was also hilarious and the actors were dramatic and chaotic. I mean there’s a cat fight, a ridiculous play, all sorts of romance, and an ensemble that is built up beautifully.
This is the start of a great series.
This is book one of Rebecca Cohen’s Treading the Boards series. Overly Dramatic is the type of story you read when you want to just have a good time and enjoy reading. See, I was a huge theater nerd in high school. I directed, stage managed, and acted in the plays and musicals. So this story was such a treat for me.
Andy just broke up with his boyfriend of 4 years because he was cheated on. Yeah we already want to hug Andy right from the beginning. What I loved most about Andy was the fact that even though he had some self-doubt about himself, because who wouldn’t after being cheated on, he didn’t let it rule him. He started his new job, embraced new people, went out when asked, made new friends, and joined an Amateur Theater club and became part of an absurd play.
When he meets Phil, who is also sore from a breakup, he refuses to let Phil jerk him around with his own self-doubt. He gives Phil a chance but when he falls apart he doesn’t hide and drink, he gets back up and keeps going. Don’t hate on Phil give him a second chance… Andy does.
That was my favorite part. Andy’s strength. Now it was also hilarious and the actors were dramatic and chaotic. I mean there’s a cat fight, a ridiculous play, all sorts of romance, and an ensemble that is built up beautifully.
This is the start of a great series.
August 10, 2016
I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This was absolutely delightful, start to finish. It's been a long time since I laughed so hard at a book that I actually had tears streaming. There were so many perfect moments. As an American, I was highly amused by the one American character who was so clueless about UK slang--that would probably have been me in the same situation!
The relationship between Andy and Phil was nicely paced for the length of the story. It was a very sweet romance, and I felt like I understood the characters' perspectives despite being only novella length. Ms. Cohen was skilled at conveying a lot of information in a small space.
I didn't feel that this was too long or too short; it was just right for the story which needed to be told. The pacing was terrific, the secondary characters engaging, and the plot complete. I loved the whole concept of a terrible play put on by amateur theater folks, and it definitely lived up to its promise.
I am so glad I didn't pass this one by. What a fun way to spend a couple of hours. This definitely won't be the last thing I read by Ms. Cohen.
This was absolutely delightful, start to finish. It's been a long time since I laughed so hard at a book that I actually had tears streaming. There were so many perfect moments. As an American, I was highly amused by the one American character who was so clueless about UK slang--that would probably have been me in the same situation!
The relationship between Andy and Phil was nicely paced for the length of the story. It was a very sweet romance, and I felt like I understood the characters' perspectives despite being only novella length. Ms. Cohen was skilled at conveying a lot of information in a small space.
I didn't feel that this was too long or too short; it was just right for the story which needed to be told. The pacing was terrific, the secondary characters engaging, and the plot complete. I loved the whole concept of a terrible play put on by amateur theater folks, and it definitely lived up to its promise.
I am so glad I didn't pass this one by. What a fun way to spend a couple of hours. This definitely won't be the last thing I read by Ms. Cohen.
September 10, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
This was such a cute story. I enjoyed it so much. Andy is sweet and so deserved to find someone worthy of his affections. Phil is still dealing with his baggage when they meet. But he’s clearly besotted with Andy from the start. Once they’re both finally in a place to get together, you can tell how quickly they begin to fall for each other. The play the group performs is over the top hysterical. I love how Ms. Cohen had the play’s story within the full novel. It takes work to pull it off as well as she did. I loved the full cast of characters that were part of the am-dram group. They all had their own personality and they came alive on their pages. I am excited to read more about these characters in future stories.
Four stars!
This was such a cute story. I enjoyed it so much. Andy is sweet and so deserved to find someone worthy of his affections. Phil is still dealing with his baggage when they meet. But he’s clearly besotted with Andy from the start. Once they’re both finally in a place to get together, you can tell how quickly they begin to fall for each other. The play the group performs is over the top hysterical. I love how Ms. Cohen had the play’s story within the full novel. It takes work to pull it off as well as she did. I loved the full cast of characters that were part of the am-dram group. They all had their own personality and they came alive on their pages. I am excited to read more about these characters in future stories.
January 24, 2020
3 1/2 💖💖💖💖 Hearts Reviewed by Prime for MM Good Book Reviews
This is a bit of a fun novella which was thoroughly enjoyable and good when you just want to read and relax. ‘
It’s a bit of a usual story – main character moves town/city to get away from a bad relationship and a fresh start. Andy has done exactly that after a long-term relationship breaks down and takes up a job in London where he works as an accountant. After talking to one of his co-workers he winds up joining a small amateur theatre group called the Sarky Players.
This is a funny story, helped particularly by the fact that Andy finds himself cast in the horrendously named Whoops, Vicar, There Goes My Trousers. It’s especially funny when Andy encounters the play right and her reaction that the play she wrote as a bet was being put on by the local am-dram company. It’s through the Sarky Players that he meets one of the props managers, Phil, and instantly there are sparks between the guys. Sometimes it felt like the romance was a bit slow in coming along but I love the chemistry between Andy and Phil, nonetheless.
I liked the very human and relatable feel of the other characters in the Sarky Players, including the woman and her husband that had introduced Andy back into the world of theatre. It’s a lot of fun and nothing to take more seriously than the words on the page.
This is a bit of a fun novella which was thoroughly enjoyable and good when you just want to read and relax. ‘
It’s a bit of a usual story – main character moves town/city to get away from a bad relationship and a fresh start. Andy has done exactly that after a long-term relationship breaks down and takes up a job in London where he works as an accountant. After talking to one of his co-workers he winds up joining a small amateur theatre group called the Sarky Players.
This is a funny story, helped particularly by the fact that Andy finds himself cast in the horrendously named Whoops, Vicar, There Goes My Trousers. It’s especially funny when Andy encounters the play right and her reaction that the play she wrote as a bet was being put on by the local am-dram company. It’s through the Sarky Players that he meets one of the props managers, Phil, and instantly there are sparks between the guys. Sometimes it felt like the romance was a bit slow in coming along but I love the chemistry between Andy and Phil, nonetheless.
I liked the very human and relatable feel of the other characters in the Sarky Players, including the woman and her husband that had introduced Andy back into the world of theatre. It’s a lot of fun and nothing to take more seriously than the words on the page.
May 7, 2021
Overly Dramatic is a cute, funny story of two men, both damaged from past relationships, who met in a local theater group. Andy has done a bit of amateur acting and Phil is in charge of the set up, props, and scenery. It's a really enjoyable and light tale as they slowing get close.
July 16, 2025
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant
As someone who does AmDram (Amateur Dramatics) i absolutely adored this story. All the characters were brilliant and I love how Andy and Phil found love in each other. The use of playscripts and scenes from the play made me enjoy this even more.
As someone who does AmDram (Amateur Dramatics) i absolutely adored this story. All the characters were brilliant and I love how Andy and Phil found love in each other. The use of playscripts and scenes from the play made me enjoy this even more.
January 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this.
November 26, 2019
Quick, light and fun. These two characters really had to work at getting together but when they did...!
February 25, 2022
The ex is mentioned far too much.
October 15, 2016
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review.***
This was such an enjoyable, engaging, fast-read read, filled with interesting and fun characters and just a dash of angst for good measure.
Andy recently moved back to London after a bad breakup, and one of his new coworkers invites him out for drinks, where he finds himself roped into an audition for an Amateur Drama Club. Thinking he doesn’t have anything to lose, and considering he barely knows anyone else, he joins into the production of the most outlandish play he’s ever read in his life. Too late to back off when he realizes what he’s gotten into, he makes the most of it. There he meets Phil, who also is out of a bad relationship and while attracted to him, and willing to give it a try, Phil doesn’t quite feel the same, or does he?
I just adored Andy. He was sweet and fun, and very loyal with his friends, but he isn’t willing to be a doormat for anyone, especially after his boyfriend of 4 years cheated on him. He thought he wasn’t ready for something else, but once he meets Phil he quickly changes his mind. Phil isn’t quite at that point, though, and he needs more than a nudge to realize he might end up losing something that has great potential for being unable to move on from the past.
I have to admit that I wanted to slap Phil more than a couple of times. Yes, I completely understood where he was coming from, but it was obvious he wasn’t willing to move on, until he finally saw (or rather, his friend Maddie made him see) what he might lose if he didn’t.
Andy and Phil were great together and had good chemistry. Ussie, Andy’s octogenarian neighbor and the play’s writer, was a riot, and I loved Naomi and Andy’s mother and sister. Also, I have to give the author props for the hilarious play, and her descriptions of the rehearsals and the actual put in scene of it. The story is very British, but perfectly understandable and it was a pretty good read! I’m looking forward to Ryan’s book, it sounds amazing!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
This was such an enjoyable, engaging, fast-read read, filled with interesting and fun characters and just a dash of angst for good measure.
Andy recently moved back to London after a bad breakup, and one of his new coworkers invites him out for drinks, where he finds himself roped into an audition for an Amateur Drama Club. Thinking he doesn’t have anything to lose, and considering he barely knows anyone else, he joins into the production of the most outlandish play he’s ever read in his life. Too late to back off when he realizes what he’s gotten into, he makes the most of it. There he meets Phil, who also is out of a bad relationship and while attracted to him, and willing to give it a try, Phil doesn’t quite feel the same, or does he?
I just adored Andy. He was sweet and fun, and very loyal with his friends, but he isn’t willing to be a doormat for anyone, especially after his boyfriend of 4 years cheated on him. He thought he wasn’t ready for something else, but once he meets Phil he quickly changes his mind. Phil isn’t quite at that point, though, and he needs more than a nudge to realize he might end up losing something that has great potential for being unable to move on from the past.
I have to admit that I wanted to slap Phil more than a couple of times. Yes, I completely understood where he was coming from, but it was obvious he wasn’t willing to move on, until he finally saw (or rather, his friend Maddie made him see) what he might lose if he didn’t.
Andy and Phil were great together and had good chemistry. Ussie, Andy’s octogenarian neighbor and the play’s writer, was a riot, and I loved Naomi and Andy’s mother and sister. Also, I have to give the author props for the hilarious play, and her descriptions of the rehearsals and the actual put in scene of it. The story is very British, but perfectly understandable and it was a pretty good read! I’m looking forward to Ryan’s book, it sounds amazing!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
January 11, 2016
Andy Marshall has recently relocated to London after breaking up with his long-time, cheating boyfriend. His job as an accountant isn't overly exciting, and he's new to the city. This is partly why he accepts an invitation from his colleague to go out and is soon convinced by her husband to audition for their amateur theatre group, the Sarky Players. It's all a bit of a lark to Andy, until he finds himself cast as one of the leads in Whoops, Vicar, There Go My Trousers. It's a truly awful play, but everyone seems to have fun with it. And it leads to Andy meeting the troupe's prop designer, Phil Cormack. The attraction seems almost instantaneous and is certainly mutual, but both Andy and Phil have put up walls they need to be willing to move or take down if they stand a chance at all of being together.
Fun and entertaining is certainly a descriptor I would use for this book. And as someone who has participated in theatre myself several times over the years, I really enjoyed how true-to-life some of the off-stage dramatics were portrayed here. The characters (especially the supporting ones) are dynamic and memorable, and there's a level of realism to this story that really struck me as I was reading. I'm glad to see this is part of a series because I definitely am interested in hearing more from this author.
Fun and entertaining is certainly a descriptor I would use for this book. And as someone who has participated in theatre myself several times over the years, I really enjoyed how true-to-life some of the off-stage dramatics were portrayed here. The characters (especially the supporting ones) are dynamic and memorable, and there's a level of realism to this story that really struck me as I was reading. I'm glad to see this is part of a series because I definitely am interested in hearing more from this author.
January 8, 2016
A lovely funny read of that most typical of British things - the AmDram Society.
I liked the characters of Andy and Phil, thought they were well rounded with their faults and as well as their good points.
The group dynamics both at Andy's work but especially the drama group were very good.
Phil and Andy's romance was lovely, though the ending did feel a bit quick.
Anyway, thought it was great fun read!
I liked the characters of Andy and Phil, thought they were well rounded with their faults and as well as their good points.
The group dynamics both at Andy's work but especially the drama group were very good.
Phil and Andy's romance was lovely, though the ending did feel a bit quick.
Anyway, thought it was great fun read!
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December 4, 2016The MCs didn't get enough time on page together for me.
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