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Sing Out #4
Something Like the Real Thing
He always has a plan...
Jesse Preston is exactly where he always wanted to in LA, recording an album. So why does he feel like he's about to lose everything? One thing he's sure of is that he needs to keep his bisexuality hidden... but he never planned on falling for someone. Not just anyone--a TV star who's one half of a famous, and straight, celebrity couple.
One kiss can change everything...
Grayson Adler is used to pretending. He's an actor after all. So when he's asked to keep his break-up with his troubled co-star a secret he has no problem playing along. He also has no problem showing Jesse around LA. Grayson likes spending time with him, likes making him laugh, likes him more than he'd ever expected. But they're just friends, right?
In a town where everybody's got secrets, how can they be sure of what's real?
This novel can be read as a standalone. It's complete at 60,000 words, with no cliffhanger and no cheating. It does feature ping-pong, hats, dance breaks, and explicit scenes between adult men.
Jesse Preston is exactly where he always wanted to in LA, recording an album. So why does he feel like he's about to lose everything? One thing he's sure of is that he needs to keep his bisexuality hidden... but he never planned on falling for someone. Not just anyone--a TV star who's one half of a famous, and straight, celebrity couple.
One kiss can change everything...
Grayson Adler is used to pretending. He's an actor after all. So when he's asked to keep his break-up with his troubled co-star a secret he has no problem playing along. He also has no problem showing Jesse around LA. Grayson likes spending time with him, likes making him laugh, likes him more than he'd ever expected. But they're just friends, right?
In a town where everybody's got secrets, how can they be sure of what's real?
This novel can be read as a standalone. It's complete at 60,000 words, with no cliffhanger and no cheating. It does feature ping-pong, hats, dance breaks, and explicit scenes between adult men.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2017
10 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Hanna Dare
22 books114 followersHanna Dare writes what she loves to read: well-written, character-driven stories of men exploring their identities and discovering their own unique kind of happily ever afters… usually through sexytimes. Find Hanna on the internet enjoying pretty pictures, procrastination and caffeinated beverages.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 21, 2017
Grain of salt, people. Grain. Of. Salt.
I'm not sure what the hell I was thinking when I requested this book. I do not like musicians or celebrities. So... was I drunk? Possessed? Did I even read the blurb? Even after I started it, I was confused as to what I'd inexplicably let happen. I kept thinking, HOW???
But it really did turn out to be a pleasant surprise. We got off to a strong start. I like the author's writing style and was quickly engaged. Sucked in was I by the cuteness and fluffiness. Both of these characters are easy to like as was the development of their relationship. They are opposites with Jesse being introspective to Grayson's extroversion. Jesse is moody and diligent whereas Grayson is gregarious and easygoing. Both are fleshed out well and they are well suited.
Jesse, fresh off a Singing Sensation win (singing competition show), has moved to LA to record his first album. A fellow competitor, friend and probable star of a prior book, Conor, is now guest starring on The Drama (sounds like Glee to me) and introduces him to the male lead, Grayson Adler.
This reads fine as a standalone, in case you're wondering.
They hit it off quickly, start spending more time together then Grayson realizes he's attracted to Jesse. Jesse is bi and in the closet. Grayson has never recognized his bisexuality until Jesse. There's much to like about this book: how sweet they are together, their cute, quiet moments, how they tease each other, the acceptance of their relationship by friends and family, but Grayson's willingness to embrace his newfound sexuality was probably my favorite part. He doesn't angst or second-guess; it just is what it is. He likes Jesse so why shouldn't he explore it?
There are several trips to The Bone Zone and a de-virgining. Nothing blew my doors off but I enjoyed their connection and that they didn't mad dash into anal.
So, it started off strong I was thinking 4 Hearts all the way then... it lost momentum. It went all Hollywood on me with the promoters, producers, publicists, paparazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Sorry, I nodded off there. Could've been the alliteration.
Anyway their paths diverge. It's not even that they break up or anything they just aren't spending time together, because Jesse's brother's in town or he's in the studio or Grayson's costar and ex-girlfriend struggling with addiction and him trying to help her. I appreciated that the author took the time to show addiction's ripple effect-how it doesn't just affect Anabel but Grayson, Jesse, Wendy as well as the cast and crew of the show. As much as I appreciate the fact that they have to make their own way in their respective careers and that Jesse in particular has to find his voice and even that they have to find their way back to each other, I lost interest. And I never really got it back either.
It ended strongly with a nice grand gesture that transitioned into an HEA. I would've liked the lyrics to that song though. That would've taken it next level! Were I more interested in Hollywood this would've been more enjoyable, because it's clear the author put effort into that aspect of the story.
I did enjoy her writing style and would read something else by her. Just not musician/celebrity related. And I'm now welding the door on the no musicians, celebrities, rockstars bunker. You'll have to blast me out of that thing.
A review copy was provided.
I'm not sure what the hell I was thinking when I requested this book. I do not like musicians or celebrities. So... was I drunk? Possessed? Did I even read the blurb? Even after I started it, I was confused as to what I'd inexplicably let happen. I kept thinking, HOW???
But it really did turn out to be a pleasant surprise. We got off to a strong start. I like the author's writing style and was quickly engaged. Sucked in was I by the cuteness and fluffiness. Both of these characters are easy to like as was the development of their relationship. They are opposites with Jesse being introspective to Grayson's extroversion. Jesse is moody and diligent whereas Grayson is gregarious and easygoing. Both are fleshed out well and they are well suited.
Jesse, fresh off a Singing Sensation win (singing competition show), has moved to LA to record his first album. A fellow competitor, friend and probable star of a prior book, Conor, is now guest starring on The Drama (sounds like Glee to me) and introduces him to the male lead, Grayson Adler.
This reads fine as a standalone, in case you're wondering.
They hit it off quickly, start spending more time together then Grayson realizes he's attracted to Jesse. Jesse is bi and in the closet. Grayson has never recognized his bisexuality until Jesse. There's much to like about this book: how sweet they are together, their cute, quiet moments, how they tease each other, the acceptance of their relationship by friends and family, but Grayson's willingness to embrace his newfound sexuality was probably my favorite part. He doesn't angst or second-guess; it just is what it is. He likes Jesse so why shouldn't he explore it?
There are several trips to The Bone Zone and a de-virgining. Nothing blew my doors off but I enjoyed their connection and that they didn't mad dash into anal.
So, it started off strong I was thinking 4 Hearts all the way then... it lost momentum. It went all Hollywood on me with the promoters, producers, publicists, paparazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Sorry, I nodded off there. Could've been the alliteration.
Anyway their paths diverge. It's not even that they break up or anything they just aren't spending time together, because Jesse's brother's in town or he's in the studio or Grayson's costar and ex-girlfriend struggling with addiction and him trying to help her. I appreciated that the author took the time to show addiction's ripple effect-how it doesn't just affect Anabel but Grayson, Jesse, Wendy as well as the cast and crew of the show. As much as I appreciate the fact that they have to make their own way in their respective careers and that Jesse in particular has to find his voice and even that they have to find their way back to each other, I lost interest. And I never really got it back either.
It ended strongly with a nice grand gesture that transitioned into an HEA. I would've liked the lyrics to that song though. That would've taken it next level! Were I more interested in Hollywood this would've been more enjoyable, because it's clear the author put effort into that aspect of the story.
I did enjoy her writing style and would read something else by her. Just not musician/celebrity related. And I'm now welding the door on the no musicians, celebrities, rockstars bunker. You'll have to blast me out of that thing.
A review copy was provided.
Read
September 14, 2017I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quite well accomplished m/m novel that manages to avoid most of the pitfalls of the genre while straddling a thin line between sugary and realism in a manner that is balanced enough to satisfy fans of either type of literary approach to romance.
It is involving in that the characters are explored apart from their relationship. Jesse, the winner of a singing competition who is feeling the stress of writing his own album, is in that no-man's land between fame and anonymity while Grayson is a successful actor who is trapped in playing the role of a teenager in a soap opera despite being in his twenties while having to pretend that his failed relationship with his addict co-star. This main cast is thrust into the real world and all the complications that entails. That they both have enough going on in their lives that is not connected to their budding relationship gives them a sense of personal history and firmly establishes them as actual characters.
With that said, the novel does not entirely commit to addressing some topics that seemed very relevant. The fact that Jesse is black, for example, does not get explored in relation to his also being bisexual. It is unfortunate but none the less all too real that the black American community is still one of the demographics less accepting of sexual minorities.
Then again it should be taken into consideration that Like The Real Thing is the fourth entry in a franchise and while it can be read as a standalone, the previous volumes may have covered this ground already.
Where the novel is at its best is in relation to bisexuality itself. It avoids a rather unsavory trope of m/m, namely 'gay for you' by having Grayson, who had not realized his attraction to males up to the narrative's timeline, a bisexual as opposed to simply having him 'turn gay'. The way the plot matches two bisexual men together is very refreshing as is how it shows the plight that this particular orientation often entails.
This is all fully realized via a split-perspective structure in which the mental states and emotions of both leads are given equal weight. It is all also very rewarding how there are no villains, even Grayson's ex who by the genre's default should have been a hag, is shown to be a real person. All this creates a background of solid human interest against which even the more fanciful developments feel acceptable.
It helps that both mains have their low moments. They can be petty on occasion (even if Grayson does tend to be too idealized) and are not always at their best. In particular, in imbalance in terms of consequences to their relationship becoming public- it could even be good publicity to Grayson but might very well spell doom to Jesse's career- serves as a good way of displaying the different ways in which they handle stress.
Apart from the romance proper, there is an interesting fumbling for artistic integrity in an industry very much set on commercialism. In a milieu that blurs the line between 'reality' and 'make-belief', having a genuine interaction becomes all the more difficult and lends an extra weight to the title, Something Like the Real Thing. Being 'real' cannot be taken for granted. When one's love life needs be literally managed and promoted by professionals, the blurring of personal and public spheres can be truly challenging on all levels.
It is perhaps unfortunate
Overall, this is worth reading and it shows that the author has potential to reach higher flights: the writing ability is fine as it is (minus some typos that can easily be corrected) and there is already enough insight into human emotion to warrant such a prediction. As it is, Something remains fine if not stellar.
This is a quite well accomplished m/m novel that manages to avoid most of the pitfalls of the genre while straddling a thin line between sugary and realism in a manner that is balanced enough to satisfy fans of either type of literary approach to romance.
It is involving in that the characters are explored apart from their relationship. Jesse, the winner of a singing competition who is feeling the stress of writing his own album, is in that no-man's land between fame and anonymity while Grayson is a successful actor who is trapped in playing the role of a teenager in a soap opera despite being in his twenties while having to pretend that his failed relationship with his addict co-star. This main cast is thrust into the real world and all the complications that entails. That they both have enough going on in their lives that is not connected to their budding relationship gives them a sense of personal history and firmly establishes them as actual characters.
With that said, the novel does not entirely commit to addressing some topics that seemed very relevant. The fact that Jesse is black, for example, does not get explored in relation to his also being bisexual. It is unfortunate but none the less all too real that the black American community is still one of the demographics less accepting of sexual minorities.
Then again it should be taken into consideration that Like The Real Thing is the fourth entry in a franchise and while it can be read as a standalone, the previous volumes may have covered this ground already.
Where the novel is at its best is in relation to bisexuality itself. It avoids a rather unsavory trope of m/m, namely 'gay for you' by having Grayson, who had not realized his attraction to males up to the narrative's timeline, a bisexual as opposed to simply having him 'turn gay'. The way the plot matches two bisexual men together is very refreshing as is how it shows the plight that this particular orientation often entails.
This is all fully realized via a split-perspective structure in which the mental states and emotions of both leads are given equal weight. It is all also very rewarding how there are no villains, even Grayson's ex who by the genre's default should have been a hag, is shown to be a real person. All this creates a background of solid human interest against which even the more fanciful developments feel acceptable.
It helps that both mains have their low moments. They can be petty on occasion (even if Grayson does tend to be too idealized) and are not always at their best. In particular, in imbalance in terms of consequences to their relationship becoming public- it could even be good publicity to Grayson but might very well spell doom to Jesse's career- serves as a good way of displaying the different ways in which they handle stress.
Apart from the romance proper, there is an interesting fumbling for artistic integrity in an industry very much set on commercialism. In a milieu that blurs the line between 'reality' and 'make-belief', having a genuine interaction becomes all the more difficult and lends an extra weight to the title, Something Like the Real Thing. Being 'real' cannot be taken for granted. When one's love life needs be literally managed and promoted by professionals, the blurring of personal and public spheres can be truly challenging on all levels.
It is perhaps unfortunate
Overall, this is worth reading and it shows that the author has potential to reach higher flights: the writing ability is fine as it is (minus some typos that can easily be corrected) and there is already enough insight into human emotion to warrant such a prediction. As it is, Something remains fine if not stellar.
May 26, 2017
I'll start by saying I haven't read the first three books, and while Connor is prominently featured in Something Like The Real Thing, I never felt lost. This can be read as a standalone, although I haven't read them, I'll definitely be checking out the first three books.
Jesse is coming off the high of winning the reality show, Singing Sensation, a singing competition. He's now in the studio working on his first album, but the execs aren't happy with it, and frankly, neither is Jesse. He doesn't feel it's going in the direction he wants. The music doesn't feel like "him".
Grayson, a successful actor, is tired of playing a high school student at the age of twenty-four. He feels stuck, not only with his career, but his love life as well. Although they've been broken-up for quite some time, their fans still think he's dating his co-star Annabelle. Grayson has always considered himself straight. Well, maybe he's looked at a few guys in the past, but he's never wanted to be with one, until he meets Jesse.
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters were very likable and you had no choice but to root for them to get their happy ending. My heart broke for both of them. The entertainment industry is tough, but when you're bi and still in the closet, as both Jesse and Grayson are, it makes it just that much harder. I adored watching Jesse and Grayson fall in love. The pace of their relationship felt natural and realistic, although I thought Grayson was a bit too accepting of his new-found sexuality. I wish he had struggled more, I think it would have made the situation more believable.
The characters are well-developed and the story is well-written. It's a quick and easy read that moved at a good pace. I really like Connor and I'll definitely be picking up his book. I'm looking forward to getting to know him and Derek better and see how they came to be. All in all, this was an enjoyable story filled with friendship, love, acceptance and some steamy sexy times. Very recommendable!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
Jesse is coming off the high of winning the reality show, Singing Sensation, a singing competition. He's now in the studio working on his first album, but the execs aren't happy with it, and frankly, neither is Jesse. He doesn't feel it's going in the direction he wants. The music doesn't feel like "him".
Grayson, a successful actor, is tired of playing a high school student at the age of twenty-four. He feels stuck, not only with his career, but his love life as well. Although they've been broken-up for quite some time, their fans still think he's dating his co-star Annabelle. Grayson has always considered himself straight. Well, maybe he's looked at a few guys in the past, but he's never wanted to be with one, until he meets Jesse.
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters were very likable and you had no choice but to root for them to get their happy ending. My heart broke for both of them. The entertainment industry is tough, but when you're bi and still in the closet, as both Jesse and Grayson are, it makes it just that much harder. I adored watching Jesse and Grayson fall in love. The pace of their relationship felt natural and realistic, although I thought Grayson was a bit too accepting of his new-found sexuality. I wish he had struggled more, I think it would have made the situation more believable.
The characters are well-developed and the story is well-written. It's a quick and easy read that moved at a good pace. I really like Connor and I'll definitely be picking up his book. I'm looking forward to getting to know him and Derek better and see how they came to be. All in all, this was an enjoyable story filled with friendship, love, acceptance and some steamy sexy times. Very recommendable!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
Want to read
June 6, 20186/6/18 Currently FREE via Amazon: amzn.to/2sB64nE
August 29, 2023
I was never going to love this one. I low key hated Jessie in the previous books and he's not much better here. I did really like Grayson and I kinda think he deserves better. I also still really like the cleanness of Dare's writing. It is very readable.
October 1, 2017
A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sure someday just seeing the word "bisexual" in the blurb for a book won't be a big deal, but for now - well, I have over 1500 books on my GR shelves and my shelf for fiction that actually uses bi/bisexual has only 29 books. So I was thrilled to see Something Like the Real Thing available for review, especially with that gorgeous cover. Happily, it lived up to most of my hopes. There's a very sweet romance, two adorable bisexual men, not too much drama, and some excellent deconstruction of homophobia and biphobia in the media/entertainment industry. I have not read the previous books in the series, but this works fine as a stand-alone.
Jesse already knows he's bi at the beginning of the book, while Grayson discovers his bisexuality when Jesse not-so-mistakenly assumes they're flirting. I really liked how Grayson's realization was handled with minimal fuss. It resonated with my experience- I was 23 when I came out, Grayson is 24 in the book, and as a young adult already comfortable with other people being queer, self-recognition doesn't actually have to be a dilemma.
Hanna Dare does a great job with bisexual representation throughout this book, both in portraying the different experiences that Jesse and Grayson each have of their own sexuality and in addressing many of the biphobic attitudes that we commonly encounter. This is a very timely book, given the number of celebrities who are beginning to come out as bi, and the reactions to Grayson coming out felt very spot-on. ()
I thought the romance plot was excellent. The challenges the characters faced seemed very realistic, creating believable obstacles to their relationship without ever being overly dramatic or angsty. I ended up really loving Annabel, and even though the author says she writes books about men, I hope she'll consider giving Annabel her own story as well!
My one concern about this book had to do with Jesse's race. I assumed based on the cover that he is intended to be black, and I was looking forward to seeing a bisexual black man as the star - but his race is never explicitly stated in the text. His skin tone is described once as "tawny brown" and once as "tawny", which reads as very ambiguous to me, and there is very little other textual evidence of his race. Look, I'm white and so my views on this should be taken with more than a grain of salt, but if a character of color isn't identified as a specific race and could easily be replaced by a white character without significantly altering the book (there are perhaps three or four lines in the entire story that would need to be changed), I don't know that it's great representation. This was especially jarring in a book that went out of its way to develop the characters' bisexual identities.
Overall, this is a cozy, sweet romance with great bi rep. I enjoyed it a lot and would definitely read more from this author.
I'm sure someday just seeing the word "bisexual" in the blurb for a book won't be a big deal, but for now - well, I have over 1500 books on my GR shelves and my shelf for fiction that actually uses bi/bisexual has only 29 books. So I was thrilled to see Something Like the Real Thing available for review, especially with that gorgeous cover. Happily, it lived up to most of my hopes. There's a very sweet romance, two adorable bisexual men, not too much drama, and some excellent deconstruction of homophobia and biphobia in the media/entertainment industry. I have not read the previous books in the series, but this works fine as a stand-alone.
Jesse already knows he's bi at the beginning of the book, while Grayson discovers his bisexuality when Jesse not-so-mistakenly assumes they're flirting. I really liked how Grayson's realization was handled with minimal fuss. It resonated with my experience- I was 23 when I came out, Grayson is 24 in the book, and as a young adult already comfortable with other people being queer, self-recognition doesn't actually have to be a dilemma.
Hanna Dare does a great job with bisexual representation throughout this book, both in portraying the different experiences that Jesse and Grayson each have of their own sexuality and in addressing many of the biphobic attitudes that we commonly encounter. This is a very timely book, given the number of celebrities who are beginning to come out as bi, and the reactions to Grayson coming out felt very spot-on. ()
I thought the romance plot was excellent. The challenges the characters faced seemed very realistic, creating believable obstacles to their relationship without ever being overly dramatic or angsty. I ended up really loving Annabel, and even though the author says she writes books about men, I hope she'll consider giving Annabel her own story as well!
My one concern about this book had to do with Jesse's race. I assumed based on the cover that he is intended to be black, and I was looking forward to seeing a bisexual black man as the star - but his race is never explicitly stated in the text. His skin tone is described once as "tawny brown" and once as "tawny", which reads as very ambiguous to me, and there is very little other textual evidence of his race. Look, I'm white and so my views on this should be taken with more than a grain of salt, but if a character of color isn't identified as a specific race and could easily be replaced by a white character without significantly altering the book (there are perhaps three or four lines in the entire story that would need to be changed), I don't know that it's great representation. This was especially jarring in a book that went out of its way to develop the characters' bisexual identities.
Overall, this is a cozy, sweet romance with great bi rep. I enjoyed it a lot and would definitely read more from this author.
September 10, 2017
3.5
“Something Like the Real Thing” follows Jesse Preston, the winner of a tv singing competition as he tries to reconcile the disparity between the reality of the music industry and the dream he has planned and sacrificed for. Jesse, frustrated and discouraged by the lack of creative input he has on his album, is feeling lonely and somewhat adrift in L.A. when he meets Grayson Adler, a 24 yo veteran actor playing a high school student on a popular tv show who is also struggling with what he really wants versus what the public and the industry want. Grayson and Jesse form a friendship that quickly becomes something more as bisexual, but closeted Jesse helps Grayson recognize his own bisexuality.
The characters and story are well-developed and low angst. Even the complications that arise from Jesse’s fear of being open about his attraction to men, especially in regards to his family, or Grayson’s need to pretend he and his ex-girlfriend are still together to shield her from negative press as he tries to help her with her addictions and demons are handled with a light tough. Additionally, Grayson accepts his newly discovered bisexuality as a formerly hidden, but enlightening piece of himself rather than as something foreign that he has to struggle to incorporate into his identity. Thus, the book tells an interesting story with fully formed MCs that learn, grow and overcome obstacles without relying on dramatics.
This book was provided by the author for review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
“Something Like the Real Thing” follows Jesse Preston, the winner of a tv singing competition as he tries to reconcile the disparity between the reality of the music industry and the dream he has planned and sacrificed for. Jesse, frustrated and discouraged by the lack of creative input he has on his album, is feeling lonely and somewhat adrift in L.A. when he meets Grayson Adler, a 24 yo veteran actor playing a high school student on a popular tv show who is also struggling with what he really wants versus what the public and the industry want. Grayson and Jesse form a friendship that quickly becomes something more as bisexual, but closeted Jesse helps Grayson recognize his own bisexuality.
The characters and story are well-developed and low angst. Even the complications that arise from Jesse’s fear of being open about his attraction to men, especially in regards to his family, or Grayson’s need to pretend he and his ex-girlfriend are still together to shield her from negative press as he tries to help her with her addictions and demons are handled with a light tough. Additionally, Grayson accepts his newly discovered bisexuality as a formerly hidden, but enlightening piece of himself rather than as something foreign that he has to struggle to incorporate into his identity. Thus, the book tells an interesting story with fully formed MCs that learn, grow and overcome obstacles without relying on dramatics.
This book was provided by the author for review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
June 18, 2018
Grayson and Jesse
Bisexual romance of acceptance and finding yourself.
Both Grayson and Jesse are living in the public eye. Grayson from child star to adult with a hit tv show. Jesse winner of a singing competition.
Jesse always knew he was Bi but this was a different case for Grayson.
I thought the connection was a bit hurried and I did not feel the connection right away.
That being said they tried having a relationship in the glass bowl of Hollywood.
Bisexual romance of acceptance and finding yourself.
Both Grayson and Jesse are living in the public eye. Grayson from child star to adult with a hit tv show. Jesse winner of a singing competition.
Jesse always knew he was Bi but this was a different case for Grayson.
I thought the connection was a bit hurried and I did not feel the connection right away.
That being said they tried having a relationship in the glass bowl of Hollywood.
July 28, 2021
Picked this up as a freebie a while back without realizing it was the fourth in a series. Looking at it now, knowing that this is the first book to follow a new lead character after the the first three books followed the same couple, the not-quite-standalone vibe makes a lot more sense. It is possible to read and enjoy this on its own, but at the beginning I definitely felt like I was missing things, or that the author was trying to reference major events without going on for pages, only I didn't already know what those major events were.
Setting that aside, though, this was fine. Not amazing, and occasionally hard to take seriously as it tried to balance sweetness and light with the harsh realism of working in the entertainment industry. It didn't help that Grayson was the star of an obvious Glee analogue, and I was briefly a fan before hating it passionately and kicking myself for ever liking it at all, then gradually getting some distance and nearly forgetting it existed. (Now I have "Defying Gravity" stuck in my head, unfortunately, except I've forgotten most of the words so it's really just the chorus over and over again. Please, make it stop!)
But that's a really personal quibble based on my specific history, and shouldn't detract too much from the larger story for most other readers (I hope, for your sakes.) The best thing I can say about this book is that it features two bisexual men as leads, one who knows himself going into the story but isn't out publicly, and one who discovers that aspect of his identity as the story goes on. Grayson's journey maybe feels a little rushed--this is a pretty short book to handle both a romance and a coming-out arc--but it definitely feels genuine, and rep-wise it's nice to see someone have an epiphany about themselves and not immediately be crippled by worry and self-doubt. Grayson takes his bisexuality in stride, and that's honestly nice to see. Bi men don't get a lot of rep in general, and the few times I've seen it, it's often playing into common negative stereotypes. (I'm looking at you, Westworld. Someone please give me Ben Barnes playing a bisexual character who isn't also a dissolute, hedonistic drug abuser who comes to a bad end.)
Grayson and Jesse are cute together, but there is a sort of over-reliance on a few very specific bonding moments and gestures--like, can we stop talking about Jesse's hats? I don't care about his hats. The vegetarian thing was a little better integrated, and most of the other stuff didn't irritate me, but I felt like we could go a single chapter without finding out Jesse owned yet another style of hat.
It looks like book #5 is also about the same couple as #1-3, so if I want to go on with the series, I actually have to go back to the beginning--I really did manage to find the only semi-standalone somehow. But I'm not sure I will, I liked this, but I don't love it.
Setting that aside, though, this was fine. Not amazing, and occasionally hard to take seriously as it tried to balance sweetness and light with the harsh realism of working in the entertainment industry. It didn't help that Grayson was the star of an obvious Glee analogue, and I was briefly a fan before hating it passionately and kicking myself for ever liking it at all, then gradually getting some distance and nearly forgetting it existed. (Now I have "Defying Gravity" stuck in my head, unfortunately, except I've forgotten most of the words so it's really just the chorus over and over again. Please, make it stop!)
But that's a really personal quibble based on my specific history, and shouldn't detract too much from the larger story for most other readers (I hope, for your sakes.) The best thing I can say about this book is that it features two bisexual men as leads, one who knows himself going into the story but isn't out publicly, and one who discovers that aspect of his identity as the story goes on. Grayson's journey maybe feels a little rushed--this is a pretty short book to handle both a romance and a coming-out arc--but it definitely feels genuine, and rep-wise it's nice to see someone have an epiphany about themselves and not immediately be crippled by worry and self-doubt. Grayson takes his bisexuality in stride, and that's honestly nice to see. Bi men don't get a lot of rep in general, and the few times I've seen it, it's often playing into common negative stereotypes. (I'm looking at you, Westworld. Someone please give me Ben Barnes playing a bisexual character who isn't also a dissolute, hedonistic drug abuser who comes to a bad end.)
Grayson and Jesse are cute together, but there is a sort of over-reliance on a few very specific bonding moments and gestures--like, can we stop talking about Jesse's hats? I don't care about his hats. The vegetarian thing was a little better integrated, and most of the other stuff didn't irritate me, but I felt like we could go a single chapter without finding out Jesse owned yet another style of hat.
It looks like book #5 is also about the same couple as #1-3, so if I want to go on with the series, I actually have to go back to the beginning--I really did manage to find the only semi-standalone somehow. But I'm not sure I will, I liked this, but I don't love it.
September 11, 2017
3 1/2 stars rounded up
This book provided free by the author through Goodreads Don't buy my Love program in exchange for an honest review.
Something like the real thing is #4 in Hanna Dare's Sing Out series and can be read as a stand alone.
This is the story of Jesse Preston, a young African American, bisexual man who is the winner of Singing Sensation, a televised singing competition. He is a R&B singer, making a highly produced pop album struggling because the album being made is not what he wants to make. He is a Detroit native from a conservative family. He feels alone. He is closeted. Then, he meets Grayson Adler.
Grayson is a famous child actor, grown up yet still playing a high school student at age 24 on the TV show "The Drama." In the eyes of Hollywood, Grayson is part of an it couple with Annabel, "MyLaw" based on their TV characters. He is a straight man who might have looked at boys a little in the past living within Hollywood lines while covering for his "girlfriends" issues.
Jesse and Grayson meet at a promotional event for Jesse's album. The friendship begins innocently, with Jesse assuming that Grayson is gay. The two become close friends, then more.
This was a good read. There are MANY books out at this time about singers and actors. What sets this one apart is the struggle of these two characters. Jesse must decide whether to let the label run over him or stand up to them and make an album that is his music. He must decide to come out and risk losing his family.
Grayson is stuck in a teen TV world in his twenties and has realized that he's not straight. He has been enabling his ex girlfriend's addictions by covering for her.
These characters grow.
This could have been a better read. I feel that the author missed some opportunities that could have made this story shine. Jesse's race is not highlighted (he's African American). If the author had enriched that story element, Jesse would have had more dimension. Grayson didn't have any issues at all with coming out immediately after realizing he was gay. This was very difficult to believe. Some struggle with this would have made it a more believable story. Despite this, Something like the real thing is an enjoyable mm read with well developed characters who grow throughout the story and moderate steam.
September 14, 2017
Something like the real thing
By Hanna Dare
Review by Marion Waba at Kuschelbooks.com
This book was given to me as a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Famous film star meets talent show contestant and that’s where love begins…
This book was just amazing! I love these two boys so much. I really instantly fell in love with both of them. And then there are the supporting characters like Annabell, Dereck and Connor who aren’t perfekt at all but they know and that makes them even more adorable.
The author really did a great job in telling the story. It is well written and totally convincing. I started thinking that somewhere out there in L.A. there is this couple… Maybe they‘re in their mid 30ies or 40ies now, live there HEA and could tell u exactly the same story about getting to know each other. I’m no big INTOUCH or other trash-paper reader so I don’t know much of the talks about the Hollywood Stars but after closing the book I had the pic of Neil P. Harris with his hubby and their two kids in mind. (They are still a couple, aren’t they?) And I imagined the same for G. and Jess.
And about Annabell, G’s ex, well I’d really love to read more about her, her struggles and dealing with life in the future.
And of course Dereck and Connor mustn‘t be forgotten too. Dereck, who is shown as a big jerk at the beginning who threatens people who don’t treat his boyfriend the way he thinks he should be, is actually cute too. Because he is just caring about Connor. Okay, I admit, that this isn’t the best way of showing love and care but I got to love him too and definitely want to read more about those two guys.
So all in all the story was just super, super, super cute and there is nothing I could critizise!
By Hanna Dare
Review by Marion Waba at Kuschelbooks.com
This book was given to me as a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Famous film star meets talent show contestant and that’s where love begins…
This book was just amazing! I love these two boys so much. I really instantly fell in love with both of them. And then there are the supporting characters like Annabell, Dereck and Connor who aren’t perfekt at all but they know and that makes them even more adorable.
The author really did a great job in telling the story. It is well written and totally convincing. I started thinking that somewhere out there in L.A. there is this couple… Maybe they‘re in their mid 30ies or 40ies now, live there HEA and could tell u exactly the same story about getting to know each other. I’m no big INTOUCH or other trash-paper reader so I don’t know much of the talks about the Hollywood Stars but after closing the book I had the pic of Neil P. Harris with his hubby and their two kids in mind. (They are still a couple, aren’t they?) And I imagined the same for G. and Jess.
And about Annabell, G’s ex, well I’d really love to read more about her, her struggles and dealing with life in the future.
And of course Dereck and Connor mustn‘t be forgotten too. Dereck, who is shown as a big jerk at the beginning who threatens people who don’t treat his boyfriend the way he thinks he should be, is actually cute too. Because he is just caring about Connor. Okay, I admit, that this isn’t the best way of showing love and care but I got to love him too and definitely want to read more about those two guys.
So all in all the story was just super, super, super cute and there is nothing I could critizise!
September 14, 2017
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
4 solid Stars.
I liked the blurb, so I requested a copy of the book. I knew it was the fouth installment in a series and was wondering if it could really be read as a stand alone. It absolutely can. It didn't feel 'dumbed down' so that new readers could follow the story line. The characters just were.
The book is about Jesse Preston, after winning a singing contest he's in LA to produce his album. Recording doesn't quite go as he or his producers want, but they keep working anyway. He's pretty much alone in a new city, but for his friend Connor. At a party Connor introduces him to the star in a teen show he's playing on 'The Drama' Grayson Adler. As it turns out Grayson is more than the gorgeous hollywood airhead he appears to be. There's an instant attraction between the two.
I liked how the relationship developed. They're both bisexual, but in the closet. Jesse because he's afraid of how his strict family would react, and how it could destroy his career before it's started. Grayson because he hasn't figured it out yet. They start out as just buddies and tentatively get closer.
It's not just a romance but also a story of finding out who you are and who you want to be.
The book is fluffy but not too much. Why did I give it such a 'high' rating when my last ones were pretty low? It's the first book that I read in the last few months that kept true to the story and it's characters! There's no unnecessary drama. I did not feel the need to scream in anger and throw my e-reader on the wall. Yes, that's where I am.
I haven't read the other books in this series but I definitely will.
If you like (not too) fluffy singer/actor romances then this is the book for you!
4 solid Stars.
I liked the blurb, so I requested a copy of the book. I knew it was the fouth installment in a series and was wondering if it could really be read as a stand alone. It absolutely can. It didn't feel 'dumbed down' so that new readers could follow the story line. The characters just were.
The book is about Jesse Preston, after winning a singing contest he's in LA to produce his album. Recording doesn't quite go as he or his producers want, but they keep working anyway. He's pretty much alone in a new city, but for his friend Connor. At a party Connor introduces him to the star in a teen show he's playing on 'The Drama' Grayson Adler. As it turns out Grayson is more than the gorgeous hollywood airhead he appears to be. There's an instant attraction between the two.
I liked how the relationship developed. They're both bisexual, but in the closet. Jesse because he's afraid of how his strict family would react, and how it could destroy his career before it's started. Grayson because he hasn't figured it out yet. They start out as just buddies and tentatively get closer.
It's not just a romance but also a story of finding out who you are and who you want to be.
The book is fluffy but not too much. Why did I give it such a 'high' rating when my last ones were pretty low? It's the first book that I read in the last few months that kept true to the story and it's characters! There's no unnecessary drama. I did not feel the need to scream in anger and throw my e-reader on the wall. Yes, that's where I am.
I haven't read the other books in this series but I definitely will.
If you like (not too) fluffy singer/actor romances then this is the book for you!
September 14, 2017
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Musician meets actor isn't necessarily a new thing, but one artist riding the wave of new-found success meeting another artist still in the thralls of hard-won success piqued my interest. I wasn't disappointed. Neither Jesse nor Greyson had the dilemma of being a starving artist when this story began, which left more time to focus on what they were making of themselves and their crafts, as opposed to whether they had any opportunities for such in the first place.
I really liked Grayson's character. He was unfailingly genuine in a very superficial environment. He was unafraid and unabashed to tackle anything in his world, whether it be acting roles or the people he chose to let into his life. He was even willing to put himself under his own microscope when it came to whether he was being true to his own ideals.
Jesse was difficult to get to know, at first. But I think that was very fitting for him. He experienced a lot of growth, self realization, and self actualization throughout the story. He very pointedly wasn't an open book, so to speak, when the story started. That was not the case when the story ended. Music was the reason for his success, the cause of his professional strife in some ways, and his professional and personal redemption.
I loved how music was something Grayson and Jesse used to build a bridge that broke the ice for them as a couple. The rides they took thereafter, as individuals and as a couple, makes this book one that I will gladly read again and again.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Musician meets actor isn't necessarily a new thing, but one artist riding the wave of new-found success meeting another artist still in the thralls of hard-won success piqued my interest. I wasn't disappointed. Neither Jesse nor Greyson had the dilemma of being a starving artist when this story began, which left more time to focus on what they were making of themselves and their crafts, as opposed to whether they had any opportunities for such in the first place.
I really liked Grayson's character. He was unfailingly genuine in a very superficial environment. He was unafraid and unabashed to tackle anything in his world, whether it be acting roles or the people he chose to let into his life. He was even willing to put himself under his own microscope when it came to whether he was being true to his own ideals.
Jesse was difficult to get to know, at first. But I think that was very fitting for him. He experienced a lot of growth, self realization, and self actualization throughout the story. He very pointedly wasn't an open book, so to speak, when the story started. That was not the case when the story ended. Music was the reason for his success, the cause of his professional strife in some ways, and his professional and personal redemption.
I loved how music was something Grayson and Jesse used to build a bridge that broke the ice for them as a couple. The rides they took thereafter, as individuals and as a couple, makes this book one that I will gladly read again and again.
September 15, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Something Like the Real Thing was something like I imagine life in L.A. actually resembles. I was pulled in immediately. MC Jesse was a winner from a reality show singing contest. It was months after the win and he’s now working on his debut album. Unfortunately, it’s not going how he wants it to go, but the bigger problem is he doesn’t really know what he wants.
When he meets Grayson there’s an attraction and Jesse believes it’s one sided. And then Grayson comes to the realization that he isn’t as straight as he’d thought. Grayson is a famous actor on a hit television show and he brings his own set of Drama (name of the show he’s on). A relationship begins and things are good when they’re not being hijacked by exes, brothers, fans, paparazzi and their own self doubts.
I liked Something Like the Real Thing. It was a cute story that made references to music and singers that I could connect with. There was a need for some proofreading and edits, but the book wasn't overrun with errors.
While the book can be read as a standalone (I did not read the other books) I imagine reading the first ones helps with some references about secondary characters who were primary characters in former books. I think the author did a good job of giving just enough from the previous story to not feel like I needed to put this one down and go back.
Something Like the Real Thing was something like I imagine life in L.A. actually resembles. I was pulled in immediately. MC Jesse was a winner from a reality show singing contest. It was months after the win and he’s now working on his debut album. Unfortunately, it’s not going how he wants it to go, but the bigger problem is he doesn’t really know what he wants.
When he meets Grayson there’s an attraction and Jesse believes it’s one sided. And then Grayson comes to the realization that he isn’t as straight as he’d thought. Grayson is a famous actor on a hit television show and he brings his own set of Drama (name of the show he’s on). A relationship begins and things are good when they’re not being hijacked by exes, brothers, fans, paparazzi and their own self doubts.
I liked Something Like the Real Thing. It was a cute story that made references to music and singers that I could connect with. There was a need for some proofreading and edits, but the book wasn't overrun with errors.
While the book can be read as a standalone (I did not read the other books) I imagine reading the first ones helps with some references about secondary characters who were primary characters in former books. I think the author did a good job of giving just enough from the previous story to not feel like I needed to put this one down and go back.
September 15, 2017
I was provided a free copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Something Like the Real Thing. I’ll admit I love reality shows and have a soft spot for teen TV shows, so this was totally up my alley. This was a great dance and I enjoyed reading every note. There was so much growth for both men and it was in the public eye, I can’t even imagine making decisions that everyone can see.
I really loved the differences between Jesse and Grayson and how their approach to everything was so different. They even like very different types of music – I love Grayson’s music collection. I think Grayson was such a steadfast friend and so caring to everyone, even to his own detriment. Jesse was low-key and humble (I learned a bit about music reality shows and I have new respect for the performers).
I wanted to hate Annabel, but I couldn’t. I might not know what it’s like to be her, but I definitely felt a lot of empathy for her. I also liked getting a little peek into their families, especially Jesse’s, I wish we had seen a little more of them, actually.
Something Like the Real Thing was a pretty dance and I would definitely recommend this book. This book can be read as a standalone, and now I need to go read the first 3 books! I especially want to read Conor’s story.
I really enjoyed Something Like the Real Thing. I’ll admit I love reality shows and have a soft spot for teen TV shows, so this was totally up my alley. This was a great dance and I enjoyed reading every note. There was so much growth for both men and it was in the public eye, I can’t even imagine making decisions that everyone can see.
I really loved the differences between Jesse and Grayson and how their approach to everything was so different. They even like very different types of music – I love Grayson’s music collection. I think Grayson was such a steadfast friend and so caring to everyone, even to his own detriment. Jesse was low-key and humble (I learned a bit about music reality shows and I have new respect for the performers).
I wanted to hate Annabel, but I couldn’t. I might not know what it’s like to be her, but I definitely felt a lot of empathy for her. I also liked getting a little peek into their families, especially Jesse’s, I wish we had seen a little more of them, actually.
Something Like the Real Thing was a pretty dance and I would definitely recommend this book. This book can be read as a standalone, and now I need to go read the first 3 books! I especially want to read Conor’s story.
March 29, 2022
This was a lovely continuation of the box set of Conor and Derek’s story and it was great to see new characters and their stories. I have to admit I was still a bit hung up on Conor and Derek and kind of sped through this as I was eager to read Derek’s POV in book 5. This story was still good though and definitely worth reading!
July 4, 2020
Sweet
After reading books 1 - 3 box-set, I was happy to see a couple more books in the series. Something like the Real Thing is #4 in Hanna Dare's Sing Out series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Love the writing style of this author and once again we’re gifted with a great read. Jesse and Grayson are likeable characters although I did just want to grab Jesse at times and give him a good hard shake. He is so set in his ways that he doesn't follow his heart. I couldn’t help but smile when he finally got his act together and gave Grayson his heart in a grand gesture. And we get glimpses into the lives of Dereck and Connor who are finding there way in LA, too.
Something Like the Real Thing was a sweet book and I would definitely recommend this book. Even though this can be read as a standalone, reading the first 3 books gives you much more insight into Jesse's thinking process.
After reading books 1 - 3 box-set, I was happy to see a couple more books in the series. Something like the Real Thing is #4 in Hanna Dare's Sing Out series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Love the writing style of this author and once again we’re gifted with a great read. Jesse and Grayson are likeable characters although I did just want to grab Jesse at times and give him a good hard shake. He is so set in his ways that he doesn't follow his heart. I couldn’t help but smile when he finally got his act together and gave Grayson his heart in a grand gesture. And we get glimpses into the lives of Dereck and Connor who are finding there way in LA, too.
Something Like the Real Thing was a sweet book and I would definitely recommend this book. Even though this can be read as a standalone, reading the first 3 books gives you much more insight into Jesse's thinking process.
August 28, 2017
Wonderful and Charming
I randomly chose this book needing a change of pace. And I am so glad I did. The characters were so well structured and depicted. They were full and distinct and real.
As were the emotions. There wasn't anything that felt forced or rushed.
This was simply an honest and genuine romance with a compelling story and lovely leads.
My thanks to the author!
I randomly chose this book needing a change of pace. And I am so glad I did. The characters were so well structured and depicted. They were full and distinct and real.
As were the emotions. There wasn't anything that felt forced or rushed.
This was simply an honest and genuine romance with a compelling story and lovely leads.
My thanks to the author!
August 24, 2018
I’m really enjoying this series. The only thing bothering me is the editing. Ok, so I’m picky. It’s not the spelling, which is usually the case, because the spelling is perfect. The problem is dropped words. And not just a few. Nearly every page has a word missing from a sentence. Weird.
February 5, 2020
Dare's new book, working on a few new actors as characters, actors who work with Conor, is clever. Jesse, Connor's hat-loving roommate from the music contest house, is greatly expanded, coping with his problems of being bisexual, particularly the male-male part. The book is enjoyable.
June 13, 2018
Getting Real
Good story, characters were interesting. The main characters Grayson and Jesse. One a star and one trying to take it to the next level.
Good story, characters were interesting. The main characters Grayson and Jesse. One a star and one trying to take it to the next level.
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