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Bluewater Bay #1
Starstruck
Listening Length: 7 hrs and 1 min
Hollywood is full of dirty secrets, but Carter refuses to be Levi's.
Retired action star Levi Pritchard has made a quiet life for himself in the sleepy logging town of Bluewater Bay, Washington. But then Hollywood comes to film the wildly popular television series Wolf's Landing, and Bluewater Bay isn't so sleepy anymore. His retirement doesn't stick, either, because he's offered a part on the show-exactly the kind of complex role he'd always wanted, one that would prove him more than a glorified stuntman. The only catch? He has to stay in the closet-no matter how attractive he finds his costar.
Carter Samuels is the critically acclaimed male lead on Wolf's Landing. And now, the man who inspired him to take up acting-and made him realize he's gay-is joining the cast, and sparks fly between them instantly. But Carter is out and proud and determined to stay true to himself.
Remaining just friends is the only thing to do, as both the studio and Levi's disapproving, dysfunctional family keep reminding them. Except their friendship deepens by the day, tempting them with what they can't have but both desperately need.
Hollywood is full of dirty secrets, but Carter refuses to be Levi's.
Retired action star Levi Pritchard has made a quiet life for himself in the sleepy logging town of Bluewater Bay, Washington. But then Hollywood comes to film the wildly popular television series Wolf's Landing, and Bluewater Bay isn't so sleepy anymore. His retirement doesn't stick, either, because he's offered a part on the show-exactly the kind of complex role he'd always wanted, one that would prove him more than a glorified stuntman. The only catch? He has to stay in the closet-no matter how attractive he finds his costar.
Carter Samuels is the critically acclaimed male lead on Wolf's Landing. And now, the man who inspired him to take up acting-and made him realize he's gay-is joining the cast, and sparks fly between them instantly. But Carter is out and proud and determined to stay true to himself.
Remaining just friends is the only thing to do, as both the studio and Levi's disapproving, dysfunctional family keep reminding them. Except their friendship deepens by the day, tempting them with what they can't have but both desperately need.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 3, 2014
107 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
217 books2,723 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
November 6, 2014
3.5 stars
~~~BR with Nick and Jen~~~
I spent too many years in Los Angeles to find the Hollywood trope charming. The movie business is a gilded cage, and I don’t particularly like to read about it in fiction. Even though this book is set in a fictional Washington town, Hollywood is ever present. But despite my aversion to moviestar books, I enjoyed Starstruck.
Levi claimed his freedom from relentless publicity, typecasting, and paparazzi years ago, but when he’s offered a complex role on a popular TV show set in the small town of Baywater Bay, he doesn’t think he can turn it down. Working with the gorgeous, much younger Carter would only be a bonus.
Carter has had a crush on Levi since he first saw Levi act in an underappreciated indie flick. The two men bond over their mutual love of obscure films and cats. The attraction between them is strong, but Levi is deep in the closet, and coming out could hurt his about-to-be-revived career. Carter, however, is out and doesn’t want to be anyone’s secret.
The "I won't be your closeted lover" is not a new trope, but Witt does a good job showing both Carter and Levi’s inner struggles. Watching Levi pander to his hypocritical, judgmental parents was frustrating. He was pushing 40 and still trying to please people who barely cared about him.
I liked Levi’s friendship with Anna, the director of the show, and I liked Anna as a character. The slimy producer Finn felt true to life: pushy, pretentious, aggressive; they’re a dime a dozen in Hollywood.
And Levi’s two cats were all kinds of awesome in their obnoxious glory. I love animals in books!
I enjoyed the slow burn between the MCs, although it was perhaps a little too slow. Even though I embrace smut in my books, I actually prefer for the tension to build until around the 50 to 60 percent mark. Here, we don't see any action until 80 percent, and what's included is brief. More sexy foreplay would have been nice.
There were perhaps a few too many internal monologues, but I did love the way Levi came out and the sweet ending.
Don’t expect a ton of plot; this is a relationship-focused book. If done well, relationship books generally appeal to me, and Witt’s writing is engaging enough that the story kept my attention.
~~~BR with Nick and Jen~~~
I spent too many years in Los Angeles to find the Hollywood trope charming. The movie business is a gilded cage, and I don’t particularly like to read about it in fiction. Even though this book is set in a fictional Washington town, Hollywood is ever present. But despite my aversion to moviestar books, I enjoyed Starstruck.
Levi claimed his freedom from relentless publicity, typecasting, and paparazzi years ago, but when he’s offered a complex role on a popular TV show set in the small town of Baywater Bay, he doesn’t think he can turn it down. Working with the gorgeous, much younger Carter would only be a bonus.
Carter has had a crush on Levi since he first saw Levi act in an underappreciated indie flick. The two men bond over their mutual love of obscure films and cats. The attraction between them is strong, but Levi is deep in the closet, and coming out could hurt his about-to-be-revived career. Carter, however, is out and doesn’t want to be anyone’s secret.
The "I won't be your closeted lover" is not a new trope, but Witt does a good job showing both Carter and Levi’s inner struggles. Watching Levi pander to his hypocritical, judgmental parents was frustrating. He was pushing 40 and still trying to please people who barely cared about him.
I liked Levi’s friendship with Anna, the director of the show, and I liked Anna as a character. The slimy producer Finn felt true to life: pushy, pretentious, aggressive; they’re a dime a dozen in Hollywood.
And Levi’s two cats were all kinds of awesome in their obnoxious glory. I love animals in books!
I enjoyed the slow burn between the MCs, although it was perhaps a little too slow. Even though I embrace smut in my books, I actually prefer for the tension to build until around the 50 to 60 percent mark. Here, we don't see any action until 80 percent, and what's included is brief. More sexy foreplay would have been nice.
There were perhaps a few too many internal monologues, but I did love the way Levi came out and the sweet ending.
Don’t expect a ton of plot; this is a relationship-focused book. If done well, relationship books generally appeal to me, and Witt’s writing is engaging enough that the story kept my attention.
November 9, 2014
Another solid LA Witt read....definitely more relationship driven, then plot driven.
The relationship was a slow build for Levi and Carter...no insta love here! Insta attraction maybe but it takes them a good long while to act on it!
But I enjoyed the story. And loved that it was low angst and virtually drama free!
The relationship was a slow build for Levi and Carter...no insta love here! Insta attraction maybe but it takes them a good long while to act on it!
But I enjoyed the story. And loved that it was low angst and virtually drama free!
November 1, 2014
*3.5 stars*
I pretty much read anything L.A. Witt writes. She is one of my most read authors, and I have 15 of her stories under my belt. This book was another good one, though it won't be making any of favorites lists.
This book is all about the relationship building. The plot aspect is kind of minimal. There is very little action here, and not a ton of drama. It is a story about two guys getting to know one another and how their relationship changes over time.
Levi and Carter had an instant spark the second their eyes met, but Levi is deep in the closet and Carter has been fan-boying over Levi's movies since he was young. Though there isn't insta-love, I wouldn't call it slow burn either. The entire time that these guys are together as "friends," it is obvious that they both want something more. The whole book is like one loooong bit of foreplay, leading up to the action (which, by the way, happens closer to the end of the book). There are a ton of scenes where their eyes meet briefly while watching movies, slow fishing scenes with sexual tension, and drinking soda with hard ons. It is almost torturous for the reader, watching these two men try to be just "friends."
While I like a slower paced book, I found my attention wavering at times. It just didn't grab me as much as I would have liked. However, I also thought that L.A. Witt did a nice job with her characters and setting the stage for a realistic romance.
All in all, this is a good read for those that like closeted guy stories with a lot of focus on the characters and little in the way of plot. I'm super pumped to read more Bluewater Bay stories and see more hot gay men come out of the woodwork in this sleepy town!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I pretty much read anything L.A. Witt writes. She is one of my most read authors, and I have 15 of her stories under my belt. This book was another good one, though it won't be making any of favorites lists.
This book is all about the relationship building. The plot aspect is kind of minimal. There is very little action here, and not a ton of drama. It is a story about two guys getting to know one another and how their relationship changes over time.
Levi and Carter had an instant spark the second their eyes met, but Levi is deep in the closet and Carter has been fan-boying over Levi's movies since he was young. Though there isn't insta-love, I wouldn't call it slow burn either. The entire time that these guys are together as "friends," it is obvious that they both want something more. The whole book is like one loooong bit of foreplay, leading up to the action (which, by the way, happens closer to the end of the book). There are a ton of scenes where their eyes meet briefly while watching movies, slow fishing scenes with sexual tension, and drinking soda with hard ons. It is almost torturous for the reader, watching these two men try to be just "friends."
While I like a slower paced book, I found my attention wavering at times. It just didn't grab me as much as I would have liked. However, I also thought that L.A. Witt did a nice job with her characters and setting the stage for a realistic romance.
All in all, this is a good read for those that like closeted guy stories with a lot of focus on the characters and little in the way of plot. I'm super pumped to read more Bluewater Bay stories and see more hot gay men come out of the woodwork in this sleepy town!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 5, 2014
It doesn’t matter what theme it is, it doesn’t matter if it is shiny-n-new or worn-n-loved, my ears perk up when I hear LA Witt.
Why?
I always seem to click with her stories. I can trust that she will provide delightful entertainment. Starstruck was no exception.
A strategic kick off to the Bluewater Bay series, Starstruck begins a considerable size collaboration of individual stories that tie a community together.
I’m not sure if crossover scenes will occur, but I will continue on for the slim chance that I may run into Levi and Carter again.
Yep, that’s how much I love Witt’s guys.
Levi did his time in Hollywood and he soared to the top. His success was great, but the microscope on his personal life and the pressures to ‘be’ who he was supposed to be was even greater. So this big time action hero packed up his awards and disappeared into the secluded forest up north. He had pulled off his escape until Hollywood came a-knocking once again. This time they pulled the big guns and dangled an offer they knew he couldn’t refuse. The perfect role, an old friend directing, and a delectable piece of eye candy on set. No was not an option. Damn them.
Carter was well aware the idol he worshiped for nearly a decade was tucked away in the shadows of Bluewater Bay and it had nothing to do with his acceptance of the role on Wolf’s Landing. Nope. Not a bit of weight factored into him catching a glimpse of the man he adored from afar. Okay, so maybe, just maybe the fact that the man who inspired him to act and shed light on his sexual attraction to men was in the backyard of the set was an extra selling point when he decided to pack up and leave LA. Can he untangle his tongue when he comes face to face with star of his fantasies?
Cue the trouble.
Slow and steady- friendship, trust and love bring Levi and Carter together. Younger, out and proud Carter would do nearly anything to be with Levi. Levi would do nearly anything to stay in the closet. What happens when nearly is not enough?
Per usual, the writing is spiffy, the characters are swoon-worthy and the story was engaging.
A first kiss that made my knees weak...
A first time that had me turning on the fan...
And a first book in a series that has my attention.
Next please.
*4 marvelous-moviebuff-n-sexystuff stars*
Why?
I always seem to click with her stories. I can trust that she will provide delightful entertainment. Starstruck was no exception.
A strategic kick off to the Bluewater Bay series, Starstruck begins a considerable size collaboration of individual stories that tie a community together.
I’m not sure if crossover scenes will occur, but I will continue on for the slim chance that I may run into Levi and Carter again.
Yep, that’s how much I love Witt’s guys.
Levi did his time in Hollywood and he soared to the top. His success was great, but the microscope on his personal life and the pressures to ‘be’ who he was supposed to be was even greater. So this big time action hero packed up his awards and disappeared into the secluded forest up north. He had pulled off his escape until Hollywood came a-knocking once again. This time they pulled the big guns and dangled an offer they knew he couldn’t refuse. The perfect role, an old friend directing, and a delectable piece of eye candy on set. No was not an option. Damn them.
Carter was well aware the idol he worshiped for nearly a decade was tucked away in the shadows of Bluewater Bay and it had nothing to do with his acceptance of the role on Wolf’s Landing. Nope. Not a bit of weight factored into him catching a glimpse of the man he adored from afar. Okay, so maybe, just maybe the fact that the man who inspired him to act and shed light on his sexual attraction to men was in the backyard of the set was an extra selling point when he decided to pack up and leave LA. Can he untangle his tongue when he comes face to face with star of his fantasies?
Cue the trouble.
Slow and steady- friendship, trust and love bring Levi and Carter together. Younger, out and proud Carter would do nearly anything to be with Levi. Levi would do nearly anything to stay in the closet. What happens when nearly is not enough?
Per usual, the writing is spiffy, the characters are swoon-worthy and the story was engaging.
A first kiss that made my knees weak...
A first time that had me turning on the fan...
And a first book in a series that has my attention.
Next please.
*4 marvelous-moviebuff-n-sexystuff stars*
March 2, 2020
So here is the reality of the situation. There are those books you buy because you are looking for something to twist your mind around and through some plot which challenges ideas, proposes different ways to approaching situations or expands one's mind. Then there are those books which are just an easy afternoon's pass time. You relax, enjoy the story, like the characters and enjoy the time you spend reading. But there is nothing there which is going to expand your horizons. I have read a couple of these stories now and I enjoy them for an enjoyable beach read or plane ride. The characters are believable and the dialogue does not make you wince. When you finish, you feel as though you have had spent a good time reading the story. It feels good. It is a romance story not "Gone with the Wind". Approach it as such and you will have a great time.
January 24, 2015
One star for the blurb which sounded promising, one star for the cats that were adorable.
Unfortunately the book itself proved boring, I struggled through pages of name-dropped indie film appreciation and repetitive teenage emotions. Alternating points of view mean we get the joy of hearing first one character angst, then the other, over and over.
OMG, it was so repetitive. Boring, boring, boring.
Neither of the characters were developed beyond the surface, their voices similar enough to become interchangeable. Also both were nursing a fan-boy crush before even meeting the other which made a connection less credible.
Do you really like me? I’ve liked you since before page one!
Normally a fan of slow-build I found it frustrating that one conversation equalled chapters of angst and them talking their way out of a relationship before it even began. It really didn’t take much opposition to cause a problem. Family was thrown in as a page-builder and then even a phone conversation to a newly married bitter ex
Frustration thy name is Meep!
They finally have sex at 80% by which time I’m lying back to think of Wales ;) orgasms apparently bring about big personality changes, Carter is suddenly a different person.
I got me some whiplash
Which left the dramatic conclusion a big anti-climax of two people I don’t care about finally growing a backbone. Even their big 'we're together' moment is more show than chemistry what with twitter posting! I was more 'yay it's over', than 'yay their together'.
They’re welcome to each other and all their future therapy bills.
The cats deserved better companions
Unfortunately the book itself proved boring, I struggled through pages of name-dropped indie film appreciation and repetitive teenage emotions. Alternating points of view mean we get the joy of hearing first one character angst, then the other, over and over.
OMG, it was so repetitive. Boring, boring, boring.
Neither of the characters were developed beyond the surface, their voices similar enough to become interchangeable. Also both were nursing a fan-boy crush before even meeting the other which made a connection less credible.
Do you really like me? I’ve liked you since before page one!
Normally a fan of slow-build I found it frustrating that one conversation equalled chapters of angst and them talking their way out of a relationship before it even began. It really didn’t take much opposition to cause a problem. Family was thrown in as a page-builder and then even a phone conversation to a newly married bitter ex
Frustration thy name is Meep!
They finally have sex at 80% by which time I’m lying back to think of Wales ;) orgasms apparently bring about big personality changes, Carter is suddenly a different person.
I got me some whiplash
Which left the dramatic conclusion a big anti-climax of two people I don’t care about finally growing a backbone. Even their big 'we're together' moment is more show than chemistry what with twitter posting! I was more 'yay it's over', than 'yay their together'.
They’re welcome to each other and all their future therapy bills.
The cats deserved better companions
November 30, 2014
Great start to the new Bluewater Bay series from Riptide. The series is centred around the little logging town of Bluewater Bay in Washington State, and features characters who are all connected in some way to the wildly popular 'Wolf's Landing' fictional TV series. 4 stars from me, and a big smooch for Aleks who came up with the idea.
Carter is out and proud after being forced into 'that' closet by a previous boyfriend, and has sworn he will never go back in. He’s had a huge crush on retired actor Levi Pritchard for as long as he can remember...which is extremely handy cos Levi is being lured out of retirement to play opposite Carter in some upcoming episodes, and Levi well, let’s just say that Levi is so far back in ‘that’ Narnian closet, Mr Tumnus and he would be on daily speaking terms!! Levi has always denied the rumours that he’s gay, and has deliberately gone out with women (beards, yes I know) to throw those nasty reporters and gossip mongers off the scent. When he discovers that he’s being lined up to act opposite Carter in the show (which just so happens to be his favourite on the TV, and yes, mainly cos of Carter), he’s thrilled to bits BUT then realises that there’s the potential for all kinds of things to go wrong i.e. falling in love with his co-star.
I really liked Carter, he was warm, down to earth, unselfish and well, hot!! Levi, on the other hand, is 38 and a complete wuss!! He knows who and what he is but refuses to rock any boats, and finds it difficult to accept the truth about himself. His parents are recovering alcoholic bigots, and a more vile couple you couldn't wish to meet. They have been absolutely dreadful to both him and his siblings, but he still desperately seeks their approval. As much as he is afraid to tell them the truth, he is also under pressure from the powers that be on the show to keep his personal life under wraps...especially if his personal life includes other guys!! The more he and Carter connect, the more they both want what they can’t have and so they are doomed to a ‘friends’ only relationship...or are they?? Is it finally time for Levi to pull his ‘Big Boy’ pants on and tell both his parents and the studio executives to take a running jump?? Enjoy!!
Many thanks to Riptide via Netgalley for the ARC.
December 30, 2015
There isn't much going on in this book aside from the romance, so it's not a super thrilling read, but the romance is sweet. I wish there had been a bit... More. Levi's relationship with his parents felt sloppy, and there was an allusion to Carter's relationship with his parents that was never explored further.
November 20, 2014
L.A. Witt could be a hit or miss for me -- but this time, I will say that I APPROVE of this story. I'm not usually a huge fan of Hollywood stories -- or stories involving closeted actors. I don't know, I feel like it is such a cliché kind of setting ... which is weird, because stories about athletes usually have similar set-up, but I tend to like them better. Or maybe in books, I just like athletes more than movies stars.
ANYWAY ...
It worked for me because I thought Carter and Levi genuinely had CHEMISTRY. It was adorable the way that Carter went starstruck over Levi, that he actually watched ALL of Levi's films, including the indie ones and knew things by heart. I loved that these men started with easeness and comfortness of being friends -- even if it was clear to use readers that both had feelings for one another.
While there were a LOT of internal struggles and monologues because Levi feared of coming out, but it also brought times of them doing things together that were NOT sex!! In fact, no sex until around 80%. And as someone who always, ALWAYS, prefer romance to sex scenes, I was very happy about that. At that time, I felt that sex as the reward for my being patient reading about them watching movies, talking, cooking, playing with cats, fishing ... you know, things men do (haha!).
I also loved that Levi was not agonizing over their age-gap. Often in books where the men are having at least > 5 years old difference, they are worrying about it. But here, Levi was almost 40, and except for that one time where he thought he must have "at least fifteen years over Carter's", the issue never came up. I really liked that.
Now, I am usually not a big fan over someone giving his love interest an ultimatum about "come out or we're through" scene; because coming out was a personal process. But in this case, I thought that Levi needed the push. Levi wasn't happy ... he was depressed and it was clear that he was trying to please the people (or Hollywood) that never really going to love him back anyway. So I liked what Carter did ... and besides, the ILY scene was so sweet!!
I guess this is a good start of another small-town romance from Riptide, much like Tucker Springs, Colorado series. I wish there is more to the community involvement though, because what I like from small-town romances in M/F is the closeness of the community; you know, like the nosy neighbors or the wise-cracking elders. I want to read that in MM too
ANYWAY ...
It worked for me because I thought Carter and Levi genuinely had CHEMISTRY. It was adorable the way that Carter went starstruck over Levi, that he actually watched ALL of Levi's films, including the indie ones and knew things by heart. I loved that these men started with easeness and comfortness of being friends -- even if it was clear to use readers that both had feelings for one another.
While there were a LOT of internal struggles and monologues because Levi feared of coming out, but it also brought times of them doing things together that were NOT sex!! In fact, no sex until around 80%. And as someone who always, ALWAYS, prefer romance to sex scenes, I was very happy about that. At that time, I felt that sex as the reward for my being patient reading about them watching movies, talking, cooking, playing with cats, fishing ... you know, things men do (haha!).
I also loved that Levi was not agonizing over their age-gap. Often in books where the men are having at least > 5 years old difference, they are worrying about it. But here, Levi was almost 40, and except for that one time where he thought he must have "at least fifteen years over Carter's", the issue never came up. I really liked that.
Now, I am usually not a big fan over someone giving his love interest an ultimatum about "come out or we're through" scene; because coming out was a personal process. But in this case, I thought that Levi needed the push. Levi wasn't happy ... he was depressed and it was clear that he was trying to please the people (or Hollywood) that never really going to love him back anyway. So I liked what Carter did ... and besides, the ILY scene was so sweet!!
I guess this is a good start of another small-town romance from Riptide, much like Tucker Springs, Colorado series. I wish there is more to the community involvement though, because what I like from small-town romances in M/F is the closeness of the community; you know, like the nosy neighbors or the wise-cracking elders. I want to read that in MM too
February 23, 2015
Usually, LA Witt's books are chock full of super hot sex. This one, surprisingly enough, wasn't. And surprisingly enough, I loved it anyway.
I really enjoyed watching Levi and Carter get to know each other, and even though the sex didn't happen til nearly 80% into the book, the UST was great. Then once they finally did the deed, it had all the heat that I've come to expect from Witt.
One thing that frustrated me is why Levi cared SO much about what his parents thought. They seemed to be fairly shit parents, so why was he so worried about disappointing them? I'd also liked to have known, were his parents society lushes, or poor drunks, or what. Not much detail was put into the family story other than that they were both alcoholics, on the wagon now, and very judgmental. And I don't even know if Carter HAD parents, they were never mentioned.
Still, all in all, this was a very enjoyable read, about a guy finally coming to the realization that some things (or in this case, someONE) was worth risking his family and his career for.
I really enjoyed watching Levi and Carter get to know each other, and even though the sex didn't happen til nearly 80% into the book, the UST was great. Then once they finally did the deed, it had all the heat that I've come to expect from Witt.
One thing that frustrated me is why Levi cared SO much about what his parents thought. They seemed to be fairly shit parents, so why was he so worried about disappointing them? I'd also liked to have known, were his parents society lushes, or poor drunks, or what. Not much detail was put into the family story other than that they were both alcoholics, on the wagon now, and very judgmental. And I don't even know if Carter HAD parents, they were never mentioned.
Still, all in all, this was a very enjoyable read, about a guy finally coming to the realization that some things (or in this case, someONE) was worth risking his family and his career for.
September 19, 2020
Lovely romance!
Carter Samuels, a young guy, out and proud, a leading actor of the popular TV series 'Wolf’s Landing', had a crush on action star Levi Pritchard since his teenage years.....
Levi, close to forty, already retired to escape everything that is Hollywood. When he gets offered a dream role in 'Wolf’s Landing', he's considering his comeback.....
The first time they lock eyes at the set, the sparks start to fly!
But Levi is still deep in the closet, has his life dictated by the bosses he hates and a family who drives him insane. And Carter refuses to be his dirty secret!
So remaining just friends is the only way to go, right?!
I couldn't comprehend why Levi even still was in the closet when he got offered this dream job. After all he already had retired from the showbiz and his crap family definitely wasn't worth to lead a miserable life. But this aside I enjoyed this love story and the sweet ending absolutely outweighed the frustrating moments.
Carter Samuels, a young guy, out and proud, a leading actor of the popular TV series 'Wolf’s Landing', had a crush on action star Levi Pritchard since his teenage years.....
Levi, close to forty, already retired to escape everything that is Hollywood. When he gets offered a dream role in 'Wolf’s Landing', he's considering his comeback.....
The first time they lock eyes at the set, the sparks start to fly!
But Levi is still deep in the closet, has his life dictated by the bosses he hates and a family who drives him insane. And Carter refuses to be his dirty secret!
So remaining just friends is the only way to go, right?!
I couldn't comprehend why Levi even still was in the closet when he got offered this dream job. After all he already had retired from the showbiz and his crap family definitely wasn't worth to lead a miserable life. But this aside I enjoyed this love story and the sweet ending absolutely outweighed the frustrating moments.
January 4, 2015
Well.... you see..... I really, really liked this novel. To me it is the epitome of romance but in the m/m genre.
I see other GRs friends did not mark it as highly as I have. Perhaps the M/M Romance genre should be broken down further....M/M Romance; M/M Romantic Raunch; M/M Romantic Porn?
There is sex in this novel, and I really have no problem with sex as long as it furthers the plot or defines/develops a character. I do however have a problem with gratuitous sex for the sake of sex, with no relevance to plot or character. There! That's my piece said, from atop my soap box.
This was a great romantic read. I was in veritable floods throughout that last quarter. Yeah, this is not the strongest of plots but its an incredibly emotional read regardless, with great characters and great writing.
5 definite stars.
I see other GRs friends did not mark it as highly as I have. Perhaps the M/M Romance genre should be broken down further....M/M Romance; M/M Romantic Raunch; M/M Romantic Porn?
There is sex in this novel, and I really have no problem with sex as long as it furthers the plot or defines/develops a character. I do however have a problem with gratuitous sex for the sake of sex, with no relevance to plot or character. There! That's my piece said, from atop my soap box.
This was a great romantic read. I was in veritable floods throughout that last quarter. Yeah, this is not the strongest of plots but its an incredibly emotional read regardless, with great characters and great writing.
5 definite stars.
August 22, 2014
...Love is too beautiful to be hidden in the closet.
Starstruck was a very enjoyable read, it ticked all the right boxes for me, the sexual tension being especially good. I really liked the attention focusing more on their relationship progression than on the wham-bam. Don't get me wrong, this was hot, but that wasn't central to the story. I just wish the book was longer and certain parts more detailed, but that's just because I didn't want the book to end.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much*
January 26, 2015
This book is not an onion.
There are no layers. One dimensional characters, one dimensional plot, one dimensional writing. The only other books by this author I've read are the first two Market Garden ones and they too were not onions.
Basically, this book is about two cardboard cut outs who want to be together as more than friends, and then decide they can't. So they spend the ENTIRE book getting coffee, watching movies, eating and talking together, then lamenting at great length about how much they want the other person. That is it. No other conflict, no other events to show these characters are more than just repressed hormones. The same bloody angsty commentary repeated over and over and over, just in occasionally different settings.
The only reason this is getting more than one star is the technical aspects of the writing weren't bad.
There are no layers. One dimensional characters, one dimensional plot, one dimensional writing. The only other books by this author I've read are the first two Market Garden ones and they too were not onions.
Basically, this book is about two cardboard cut outs who want to be together as more than friends, and then decide they can't. So they spend the ENTIRE book getting coffee, watching movies, eating and talking together, then lamenting at great length about how much they want the other person. That is it. No other conflict, no other events to show these characters are more than just repressed hormones. The same bloody angsty commentary repeated over and over and over, just in occasionally different settings.
The only reason this is getting more than one star is the technical aspects of the writing weren't bad.
March 23, 2022
I was so excited to start the 'Bluewater Bay' series. I was curious about a series of books, written by different authors, that centered around a small town in the middle of nowhere Washington state, where Hollywood had invaded to film a weekly, one-hour TV show based on a hit series of books.
"And damn it, three pages into the script, he couldn’t have turned it down if he tried. For the first time in years, the thought of signing a contract actually gave him that rush it had when he’d started out. This was the role he’d been begging for before he’d left LA. The kind of role that reminded him how much he loved—and missed—acting."
I couldn't blame Levi for getting away from Tinseltown. Especially since the action movies that made him a star gave him zero leeway to act, and he was disgusted with the whole thing. He moves out to Bluewater Bay, does some acting and directing for the local community theater, and thinks he is happy until Wolf's Landing started filming in town.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
"And damn it, three pages into the script, he couldn’t have turned it down if he tried. For the first time in years, the thought of signing a contract actually gave him that rush it had when he’d started out. This was the role he’d been begging for before he’d left LA. The kind of role that reminded him how much he loved—and missed—acting."
I couldn't blame Levi for getting away from Tinseltown. Especially since the action movies that made him a star gave him zero leeway to act, and he was disgusted with the whole thing. He moves out to Bluewater Bay, does some acting and directing for the local community theater, and thinks he is happy until Wolf's Landing started filming in town.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
October 15, 2020
Been on my tbr shelf for way too long. I did the audio, pretty standard performance from Witt and Russo - definitely enjoyable, and I'm glad I finally got around to listening to this one.
March 14, 2016
Levi Pritchard and Carter Samuels are the main couple in this story and while the story was very much focused on their relationship it also offers the reader a peak at the town itself. Carter is a young actor starring in 'Wolf's Landing' a popular television show being taped in Bluewater Bay the town that Levi has chosen to make his home, after walking away from the craziness that is Hollywood.
These two men finally meet after Levi has been offered a role in the show. On impulse Carter stops at the local theatre and introduces himself to Levi hoping that the man he has idolized for years will agree to chat with him. What begins as two actors talking shop slowly morphs into two men finding out how much they have in common and enjoy each others company and ultimately each must face the strength of their desire for the other. it's not easy and things don't happen without misunderstanding and tensions. I loved the way this relationship developed and the personal growth each man goes through, especially Levi. In the end we learn not just a lot about him and how he came to be in Bluewater Bay, we also get a bit of an introduction to the town and glimpses of some of the characters who will be central to future books and I get the feeling will appear randomly throughout the series.
L.A. Witt has done a wonderful job of welcoming us to Bluewater Bay and I'm looking forward to spending more time there.
These two men finally meet after Levi has been offered a role in the show. On impulse Carter stops at the local theatre and introduces himself to Levi hoping that the man he has idolized for years will agree to chat with him. What begins as two actors talking shop slowly morphs into two men finding out how much they have in common and enjoy each others company and ultimately each must face the strength of their desire for the other. it's not easy and things don't happen without misunderstanding and tensions. I loved the way this relationship developed and the personal growth each man goes through, especially Levi. In the end we learn not just a lot about him and how he came to be in Bluewater Bay, we also get a bit of an introduction to the town and glimpses of some of the characters who will be central to future books and I get the feeling will appear randomly throughout the series.
L.A. Witt has done a wonderful job of welcoming us to Bluewater Bay and I'm looking forward to spending more time there.
May 12, 2016
***Audiobook*** I enjoyed this one! It was surprisingly light on the sex scenes, but I found I didn't really mind. It was a very slow-building relationship between Levi and Carter with a very sweet HEA. I also liked Nick J. Russo's narration. Fantastic job with the character voices. Definitely plan to continue on with this series as they are released in audio.
December 26, 2014
Having a hard time choosing between 3 and 4 stars. It's definitely a 3.5 star read, but rounding up or down is very hard.
This story was good. I really like the MC's. I love some of L.A. Witt's books but this wasn't my favorite of hers. Still, there were parts of this I enjoyed.
This story was good. I really like the MC's. I love some of L.A. Witt's books but this wasn't my favorite of hers. Still, there were parts of this I enjoyed.
September 4, 2021
4,5 aufgerundet
Darum geht's:
Levi Pritchard hat mit der Verkörperung eines Actionhelden in Hollywood Karriere gemacht. Inzwischen hat er sich aus der Öffentlichkeit zurückgezogen, denn sein Privatleben ist ihm wichtig und die ständigen Gerüchte darum, er sei schwul, und die Kompromisse, die er deswegen machen musste, waren ihm zu viel. Die Filmproduktion der Wolf's Landing Serie und mit ihm der Star Carter Samuels sind seit einer Weile im kleinen Ort, in dem Levi lebt. Als ihm nun die perfekte Rolle angeboten wird, gerät er schwer in Versuchung.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Darum geht's:
Levi Pritchard hat mit der Verkörperung eines Actionhelden in Hollywood Karriere gemacht. Inzwischen hat er sich aus der Öffentlichkeit zurückgezogen, denn sein Privatleben ist ihm wichtig und die ständigen Gerüchte darum, er sei schwul, und die Kompromisse, die er deswegen machen musste, waren ihm zu viel. Die Filmproduktion der Wolf's Landing Serie und mit ihm der Star Carter Samuels sind seit einer Weile im kleinen Ort, in dem Levi lebt. Als ihm nun die perfekte Rolle angeboten wird, gerät er schwer in Versuchung.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
January 7, 2019
2.5 stars rounding up. The plot of this book meandered a bit too much for my liking. The plot seemed to move in circles at times in ways that weren’t super exciting to me. The conclusion to the book felt a bit too rushed for me. I liked the characters well enough but not enough to ignore the plot problems. Easy read. Not my favorite.
August 16, 2014
I just blazed through this it was so good!
Levi hates Hollywood, he ran away to Washington to escape Hollywood and now here they are, invading his little town and hassling him to come back to acting and even though he swore he'd never go back they're dangling his dream role in front of him, the role he's been dreaming of since he first started acting. He doesn't know how to refuse and when he sees the lead actor he doesn't know if he should.
Carter has admired Levi forever, in fact, he's the reason Carter started acting in the first place and the one that made him realize that he was gay, yea, he may have a slight crush. When he finally meets Levi in person the whole don't meet your heroes thing doesn't stand up. Bonding over their mutual love of indie films the two become close friends but It's hard to stay just friends with them both lusting after each other and they can't be anything more because Levi is so deep in the closet he doesn't want anyone to know they even talk away from the camera and Carter will be no one's dirty secret.
I really loved this book Carter is great I love how brave he is to be out and openly gay in such a cutthroat industry. I'm upset with Levi, upset that it takes him so damn long to figure out how to live for himself instead hiding his self in order to keep others happy worst is that he's trying to keep happy the parents that disapprove of him and the industry who couldn't care less about him. Throughout the book I just wanted to throttle him and make him see the light, the glorious light outside of those closet doors. Seriously though, I'm definitely looking forward to more of this series. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
Levi hates Hollywood, he ran away to Washington to escape Hollywood and now here they are, invading his little town and hassling him to come back to acting and even though he swore he'd never go back they're dangling his dream role in front of him, the role he's been dreaming of since he first started acting. He doesn't know how to refuse and when he sees the lead actor he doesn't know if he should.
Carter has admired Levi forever, in fact, he's the reason Carter started acting in the first place and the one that made him realize that he was gay, yea, he may have a slight crush. When he finally meets Levi in person the whole don't meet your heroes thing doesn't stand up. Bonding over their mutual love of indie films the two become close friends but It's hard to stay just friends with them both lusting after each other and they can't be anything more because Levi is so deep in the closet he doesn't want anyone to know they even talk away from the camera and Carter will be no one's dirty secret.
I really loved this book Carter is great I love how brave he is to be out and openly gay in such a cutthroat industry. I'm upset with Levi, upset that it takes him so damn long to figure out how to live for himself instead hiding his self in order to keep others happy worst is that he's trying to keep happy the parents that disapprove of him and the industry who couldn't care less about him. Throughout the book I just wanted to throttle him and make him see the light, the glorious light outside of those closet doors. Seriously though, I'm definitely looking forward to more of this series. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
August 16, 2015
4.5 stars
Carter is a male lead in the show, he's out and he doesn't want to be anyone dirty little secret. He meets his idol, Levi, for who he has a thing. They become friends, but deeply inside they want someting more than that.
Carter and Levi spend a lot of time together. Mostly they watch indie films. Though, the more they hung around, the more they can't stop wanting each other and it leads to problems. Levi can't come out, because he's scared of his parents and the thought that he could lost his job. But the question is; is staying in the closet really worth of losing love of his life? It's certainly not, and he realises that when everything could be too late.
It's a fun, sweet and low-angst story. Of course I can't forget to mention about Levi's cats, whom I really liked. Link and Zelda, two maine coons. Cute and big hell of a cats.
**ARC kindly provided by Riptide via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
"The wolf has landed."Levi is a retired actor, he's not out and all of a sudden he's offered a role in the famous television series.
Carter is a male lead in the show, he's out and he doesn't want to be anyone dirty little secret. He meets his idol, Levi, for who he has a thing. They become friends, but deeply inside they want someting more than that.
Carter and Levi spend a lot of time together. Mostly they watch indie films. Though, the more they hung around, the more they can't stop wanting each other and it leads to problems. Levi can't come out, because he's scared of his parents and the thought that he could lost his job. But the question is; is staying in the closet really worth of losing love of his life? It's certainly not, and he realises that when everything could be too late.
It's a fun, sweet and low-angst story. Of course I can't forget to mention about Levi's cats, whom I really liked. Link and Zelda, two maine coons. Cute and big hell of a cats.
**ARC kindly provided by Riptide via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
November 17, 2014
3,5 stars.
Starstruck does not compare to previous books written by Lori Witt. I can’t put my finger on it... but overall it feels not like her at all. Maybe the reason is the prologue character of the book which is the first of the new Riptide series Bluewater Bay written by different authors.
I liked Levi and Carter and most of the other characters but sometimes the pace of the book was too slow, the story didn’t grab me the way I’m used to with Lori’s books, I got distracted and was tempted to start skipping pages. More than 80% of the book is about the guys getting to know each other… the story development is slow… slow… slow…
All in all the book wasn’t a top read but I’m interested enough to give the 2nd book a try. This one is written by L.B. Gregg. I’m looking forward to it.
September 23, 2015
I found it frustrating but, ultimately, liked the Carter character enough to finish it.
Luckily Carter comes into his life, opens his eyes.
Luckily Carter comes into his life, opens his eyes.
November 17, 2014
3.5 stars
Buddy read with Jennifer and Nick
An enjoyable out for you story between two actors, the closeted Levi and the out and proud Carter. This is a very slow build up, with lots of tension, to a near perfect first kiss. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two.
Levi bends over backwards to be what everyone else expects him to be, jumping right back into the life he tried to leave behind. I did have some issues with Levi being so determined to please his abusive, alcoholic parents. I just didn't understand where that was coming from.
Aside from some minor issues, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to more in the series.
Buddy read with Jennifer and Nick
An enjoyable out for you story between two actors, the closeted Levi and the out and proud Carter. This is a very slow build up, with lots of tension, to a near perfect first kiss. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two.
Levi bends over backwards to be what everyone else expects him to be, jumping right back into the life he tried to leave behind. I did have some issues with Levi being so determined to please his abusive, alcoholic parents. I just didn't understand where that was coming from.
Aside from some minor issues, I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to more in the series.
April 30, 2021
I liked it ok. I guess this is really a 3.5 star read. The MC's caught my attention, but a grown-ass man letting his parents have that much control over him was a bit OTT. But I did really love the ending.
April 11, 2022
A book about relationship building and about how badly parents can screw up their kids, even decades later. Levi is 38, gay, and still in the closet. He's retired to a pretty west coast town, after getting tired of being typecast as an action star in Hollywood. But when a TV show begins filming locally, and he's tapped for a juicy part, he has a hard time resisting. Except he's explicitly told he's being chosen to up the straight macho content of the case, at the same time as he's crushing hard on the out-and-proud main lead actor.
Lost of factors are keeping Levi in the closet, with the most powerful being the way he still, despite a childhood of alcoholic neglect, wants his parents' approval. (And the most annoying being his producer friend who know he's gay and gives him deeply conflicting advice. I disliked her.)
Carter's a sweetheart, Levi needs a hug and better friends, and the slow burn with more sexual tension than sex worked for me.
Lost of factors are keeping Levi in the closet, with the most powerful being the way he still, despite a childhood of alcoholic neglect, wants his parents' approval. (And the most annoying being his producer friend who know he's gay and gives him deeply conflicting advice. I disliked her.)
Carter's a sweetheart, Levi needs a hug and better friends, and the slow burn with more sexual tension than sex worked for me.
August 8, 2021
4-su 5
Come ho già detto altre volte in precedenti recensioni, ho un debole per le storie a cottura leeenta, dove – anche se c'è attrazione – si passa prima il tempo a conoscersi, a essere amici, e solo poi amanti; mi piace l'age gap (qui la differenza d'età fra i protagonisti è di circa quindici anni) e infine anche quella specie di legame mentore/allievo mi attira molto, quindi avevo grandi aspettative per questa storia e sinceramente l'ho trovata una lettura carina e piacevole, ma mi ha lasciato anche alcune perplessità su alcuni punti. Senza fare spoiler, ci sono parti che ho amato di più e altre meno. Nel complesso è un libro gradevole e si legge con piacere.
Levi è un uomo di trentotto anni che ha raggiunto il successo qualche anno prima con una serie di film d'azione ed è rimasto invischiato in ruoli standard da macho – tutta adrenalina, muscoli e poco cervello, a suo dire –, ragion per cui ha poi tagliato i ponti con Hollywood e la sua stella in declino e si è rintanato in un paesino disperso fra isolette e boschi a Bluewater Bay.
Una bella casa isolata, i suoi due amati gatti e gli spettacoli teatrali di una piccola compagnia locale che dirige sono la sua quotidianità, mixata a tanta solitudine e a una famiglia di origine a dir poco complicata ma che, con l'aiuto dei fratelli, sta cercando di ricucire. Peccato che la sua bisessualità sia un problema gigantesco che condiziona tutte le sue azioni e i suoi segreti, che è ben intenzionato a mantenere. Fino a quando una vecchia amica non gli propone il ruolo perfetto, quello che ha sempre sognato di recitare e lo fa nella serie sovrannaturale che stanno registrando fra le foreste poco lontano da dove vive. Punto bonus dell'allettante proposta è che il protagonista è il giovane Carter Samuels su cui lui sbava in segreto da anni. Carter è però apertamente gay e orgoglioso di esserlo, perciò il fatto che vadano d'accordo, che condividano un sacco di interessi di nicchia e che ci sia evidente attrazione fra loro non può portare a nulla di buono. Come si risolverà questo vicolo cieco?
Rispetto alla versione inglese, sono contenta che l'autrice abbia aggiunto per noi italiani una nota esplicativa iniziale sul comportamento di Levi riguardo alle proprie inclinazioni, perché difatti mi aveva lasciato perplessa, assieme ad un altro paio di questioni che però non anticiperò per non rovinarvi la lettura.
Trovo invece realistico tutto il grosso problema della mancanza di privacy delle celebrità, dei rumors e fake news che li circonda, così come il rischio di fare coming out nel mondo ancora piuttosto omofobo dello star sistem hollywoodiano.
Punto bonus sui gatti di Levi che mi fanno pensare a quelli dell'autrice e al personaggio di Anna, grande fangirl dei nostri protagonisti.
Se cercate una storia carina per qualche ora piacevole, datele una possibilità.
Come ho già detto altre volte in precedenti recensioni, ho un debole per le storie a cottura leeenta, dove – anche se c'è attrazione – si passa prima il tempo a conoscersi, a essere amici, e solo poi amanti; mi piace l'age gap (qui la differenza d'età fra i protagonisti è di circa quindici anni) e infine anche quella specie di legame mentore/allievo mi attira molto, quindi avevo grandi aspettative per questa storia e sinceramente l'ho trovata una lettura carina e piacevole, ma mi ha lasciato anche alcune perplessità su alcuni punti. Senza fare spoiler, ci sono parti che ho amato di più e altre meno. Nel complesso è un libro gradevole e si legge con piacere.
Levi è un uomo di trentotto anni che ha raggiunto il successo qualche anno prima con una serie di film d'azione ed è rimasto invischiato in ruoli standard da macho – tutta adrenalina, muscoli e poco cervello, a suo dire –, ragion per cui ha poi tagliato i ponti con Hollywood e la sua stella in declino e si è rintanato in un paesino disperso fra isolette e boschi a Bluewater Bay.
Una bella casa isolata, i suoi due amati gatti e gli spettacoli teatrali di una piccola compagnia locale che dirige sono la sua quotidianità, mixata a tanta solitudine e a una famiglia di origine a dir poco complicata ma che, con l'aiuto dei fratelli, sta cercando di ricucire. Peccato che la sua bisessualità sia un problema gigantesco che condiziona tutte le sue azioni e i suoi segreti, che è ben intenzionato a mantenere. Fino a quando una vecchia amica non gli propone il ruolo perfetto, quello che ha sempre sognato di recitare e lo fa nella serie sovrannaturale che stanno registrando fra le foreste poco lontano da dove vive. Punto bonus dell'allettante proposta è che il protagonista è il giovane Carter Samuels su cui lui sbava in segreto da anni. Carter è però apertamente gay e orgoglioso di esserlo, perciò il fatto che vadano d'accordo, che condividano un sacco di interessi di nicchia e che ci sia evidente attrazione fra loro non può portare a nulla di buono. Come si risolverà questo vicolo cieco?
Rispetto alla versione inglese, sono contenta che l'autrice abbia aggiunto per noi italiani una nota esplicativa iniziale sul comportamento di Levi riguardo alle proprie inclinazioni, perché difatti mi aveva lasciato perplessa, assieme ad un altro paio di questioni che però non anticiperò per non rovinarvi la lettura.
Trovo invece realistico tutto il grosso problema della mancanza di privacy delle celebrità, dei rumors e fake news che li circonda, così come il rischio di fare coming out nel mondo ancora piuttosto omofobo dello star sistem hollywoodiano.
Punto bonus sui gatti di Levi che mi fanno pensare a quelli dell'autrice e al personaggio di Anna, grande fangirl dei nostri protagonisti.
Se cercate una storia carina per qualche ora piacevole, datele una possibilità.
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