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See the Light
A Gay Romance on Broadway
Kate McMurray brings friends-to-lovers to the Great White Way
Up-and-coming Broadway actor Jeremy was given two days to get up and get out. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend and suddenly homeless, he needs a sofa and a sympathetic ear, stat.
Enter Max, aspiring makeup artist and Jeremy’s BFF and former roommate.
Max has been in love with his best friend forever. Now that Jeremy is back in his home, his old feelings are back, too. He’s happy to help his friend, but this time…it’s complicated.
When Jeremy gets his big break in a new show, the message of the play hits home. “Live life to the fullest” means recognizing how he really feels about Max, and that’s not complicated at all. Jeremy’s in love, and wants to move full steam ahead.
But Max has waited too long for Jeremy to look at him this way, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart. If this is just a rebound fling, or if Jeremy is only interested in Max because he’s convenient, it will not only shatter him—it will ruin the best friendship he’s ever known.
This book is approximately 72,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Kate McMurray brings friends-to-lovers to the Great White Way
Up-and-coming Broadway actor Jeremy was given two days to get up and get out. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend and suddenly homeless, he needs a sofa and a sympathetic ear, stat.
Enter Max, aspiring makeup artist and Jeremy’s BFF and former roommate.
Max has been in love with his best friend forever. Now that Jeremy is back in his home, his old feelings are back, too. He’s happy to help his friend, but this time…it’s complicated.
When Jeremy gets his big break in a new show, the message of the play hits home. “Live life to the fullest” means recognizing how he really feels about Max, and that’s not complicated at all. Jeremy’s in love, and wants to move full steam ahead.
But Max has waited too long for Jeremy to look at him this way, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart. If this is just a rebound fling, or if Jeremy is only interested in Max because he’s convenient, it will not only shatter him—it will ruin the best friendship he’s ever known.
This book is approximately 72,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2019
5 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Kate McMurray
52 books348 followersKate McMurray writes smart romantic fiction. She likes creating stories that are brainy, funny, and of course sexy, with regular guy characters and urban sensibilities. She advocates for romance stories by and for everyone. When she’s not writing, she edits textbooks, watches baseball, plays violin, crafts things out of yarn, and wears a lot of cute dresses. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a bossy cat and too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 9, 2020
"See the Light" started out strong for me - best friends-to-lovers? Check. Theatre setting? An enthusiastic check! A behind-the-scenes feel of life as a Broadway actor? Yup, sign me up!
But, then around the middle of the book, I just could not get past the rampant lack of communication from Max and his total unwillingness to pull his head out of his arse. I can see how Max is having a hard time switching from unrequited love to having a relationship with Jeremy, and how Max is stuck in the mire of his worries that his feelings aren't completely reciprocated, that he needs to hold a part of his heart back in case this all falls apart .... but dude, maybe use your WORDS.
I think if we had a better sense of the MCs personalities and backgrounds, it would be easier to stick with them through the bad times in their relationship. Yes, we get a lot of information about their shared interest in theatre, but their childhood friendship is very much unexplored and even their young adulthood. I didn't ever feel I knew these characters.
3.5 stars for "See the Light" because I loved the premise of the musical that Jeremy is starring in, and the epilogue was all sorts of satisfying, but all the miscommunication drove me batty.
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
But, then around the middle of the book, I just could not get past the rampant lack of communication from Max and his total unwillingness to pull his head out of his arse. I can see how Max is having a hard time switching from unrequited love to having a relationship with Jeremy, and how Max is stuck in the mire of his worries that his feelings aren't completely reciprocated, that he needs to hold a part of his heart back in case this all falls apart .... but dude, maybe use your WORDS.
I think if we had a better sense of the MCs personalities and backgrounds, it would be easier to stick with them through the bad times in their relationship. Yes, we get a lot of information about their shared interest in theatre, but their childhood friendship is very much unexplored and even their young adulthood. I didn't ever feel I knew these characters.
3.5 stars for "See the Light" because I loved the premise of the musical that Jeremy is starring in, and the epilogue was all sorts of satisfying, but all the miscommunication drove me batty.
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
February 19, 2019
3.5 stars Jeremy and Max
Both creative artists, only in different disciplines. A make up artist and a musical star.
“You ever think about us as more than friends?”
Since they were young they were best friends. Max always had feelings for Jer... After Jeremy had a break up with his boyfriend he ask Max if he can crash on his couch...
When they start something more... Max almost can’t believe it... after all these years...
And that fact is also what withhold him... he is so afraid to lose Jer.
So afraid to lose him... that it narrows his vision and his only option is to end their relationship.
A lot of story... for me sometimes too much. It was captivating and with a lot of feelings only all parts about work, it was too much... didn’t work for me... I would have loved it when there was more about Max and Jeremy together.
Overall a well developed story with a wonderful scenery.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
Both creative artists, only in different disciplines. A make up artist and a musical star.
“You ever think about us as more than friends?”
Since they were young they were best friends. Max always had feelings for Jer... After Jeremy had a break up with his boyfriend he ask Max if he can crash on his couch...
When they start something more... Max almost can’t believe it... after all these years...
And that fact is also what withhold him... he is so afraid to lose Jer.
So afraid to lose him... that it narrows his vision and his only option is to end their relationship.
A lot of story... for me sometimes too much. It was captivating and with a lot of feelings only all parts about work, it was too much... didn’t work for me... I would have loved it when there was more about Max and Jeremy together.
Overall a well developed story with a wonderful scenery.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
January 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Kate McMurray has a way of creating characters that are memorable—not because they are perfect, but because they are flawed.
In this instance, Jeremy and his best friend, Max, grew up in New Jersey and took advantage of their proximity to Broadway to indulge in their favorite activity—going to musicals. Actually, Max’s favorite activity was watching Jeremy enjoy the shows. His beautiful face would light up and he’d become entranced with the action, while Max enjoyed the side benefit of his best friend’s pleasure. And Jeremy could sing and dance so added to his good looks, they both knew he’d be Broadway bound as soon as they were done with school. And Max? Max honed his art talent, and when it appeared he could apply his talent with a brush to makeup as well as paint, he began to uses his face, and then others in school play productions (including Jeremy’s) as his canvas.
They’re now in their late twenties, Jeremy’s boyfriend has dumped him and kicked him out of his apartment, and so he comes knocking on Max’s door looking for a place to stay. And even though Max took his own apartment years ago because he loved Jeremy with all his heart, and he knows it’s a bad idea to be so close to him without revealing his secret, he gives in and Jeremy moves to his couch. For a while…until he ends up in Max’s bed. And Max wants him there. He finally tells Jeremy just how much he loves him, but then doubts himself and worries that if Jeremy can’t return his love, they’ll lose what they have as best friends. And that would kill Max. So just as Jeremy lands the lead role on a new Broadway show—his chance of a lifetime—and Max gets the contract to do the makeup for that same show and another huge production, Max asks for a cooling off period and sends them both into chaos.
And that’s when the angst kicked in. For me, it was too much angst for too long. Yes, we learn that Max suffers from depression and has lower self-esteem than seems warranted by what we learn of him, but the period of separation and anxiety and self-induced angst that then carried over to Jeremy at a time when he should have been on top of the world made me start to really dislike Max. And that’s too bad because he was a well-developed character. Perhaps that was the point the author wanted to make. Those who suffer from depression sometimes scuttle their own boat. I’ve seen it in my family. He should have been (blank) and he should have done (blank). Shoulda, coulda, woulda. But he nearly tanked them.
What saved the day is this young man, who knows now that he’s in love with his best friend, has been for a while though didn’t realize it until recently, who’s now at the pinnacle of his career because he kept trying, and dreaming, and hoping, and working toward his goal. And when he stops to think about it, he realizes he can’t give up on Max. He takes all his positive energy and focuses on the show and on being there when Max finally comes down from his anxiety ladder and sees the light. Pun intended.
So I loved the beginning, didn’t care for the level of tummy-turning angst in the middle, but from Chapter Twenty to the end, I couldn’t put the book down. I was there at the premiere, sitting in the front row as Jeremy stood alone in the spotlight and belted out the first notes to the song. This is most definitely a love story and if you’ve ever gone to a Broadway play or sang out loud with Streisand or Minelli, this book is for you.
A copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this instance, Jeremy and his best friend, Max, grew up in New Jersey and took advantage of their proximity to Broadway to indulge in their favorite activity—going to musicals. Actually, Max’s favorite activity was watching Jeremy enjoy the shows. His beautiful face would light up and he’d become entranced with the action, while Max enjoyed the side benefit of his best friend’s pleasure. And Jeremy could sing and dance so added to his good looks, they both knew he’d be Broadway bound as soon as they were done with school. And Max? Max honed his art talent, and when it appeared he could apply his talent with a brush to makeup as well as paint, he began to uses his face, and then others in school play productions (including Jeremy’s) as his canvas.
They’re now in their late twenties, Jeremy’s boyfriend has dumped him and kicked him out of his apartment, and so he comes knocking on Max’s door looking for a place to stay. And even though Max took his own apartment years ago because he loved Jeremy with all his heart, and he knows it’s a bad idea to be so close to him without revealing his secret, he gives in and Jeremy moves to his couch. For a while…until he ends up in Max’s bed. And Max wants him there. He finally tells Jeremy just how much he loves him, but then doubts himself and worries that if Jeremy can’t return his love, they’ll lose what they have as best friends. And that would kill Max. So just as Jeremy lands the lead role on a new Broadway show—his chance of a lifetime—and Max gets the contract to do the makeup for that same show and another huge production, Max asks for a cooling off period and sends them both into chaos.
And that’s when the angst kicked in. For me, it was too much angst for too long. Yes, we learn that Max suffers from depression and has lower self-esteem than seems warranted by what we learn of him, but the period of separation and anxiety and self-induced angst that then carried over to Jeremy at a time when he should have been on top of the world made me start to really dislike Max. And that’s too bad because he was a well-developed character. Perhaps that was the point the author wanted to make. Those who suffer from depression sometimes scuttle their own boat. I’ve seen it in my family. He should have been (blank) and he should have done (blank). Shoulda, coulda, woulda. But he nearly tanked them.
What saved the day is this young man, who knows now that he’s in love with his best friend, has been for a while though didn’t realize it until recently, who’s now at the pinnacle of his career because he kept trying, and dreaming, and hoping, and working toward his goal. And when he stops to think about it, he realizes he can’t give up on Max. He takes all his positive energy and focuses on the show and on being there when Max finally comes down from his anxiety ladder and sees the light. Pun intended.
So I loved the beginning, didn’t care for the level of tummy-turning angst in the middle, but from Chapter Twenty to the end, I couldn’t put the book down. I was there at the premiere, sitting in the front row as Jeremy stood alone in the spotlight and belted out the first notes to the song. This is most definitely a love story and if you’ve ever gone to a Broadway play or sang out loud with Streisand or Minelli, this book is for you.
A copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
dnf-not-for-me
January 17, 201930% Too much theatre detail for me, felt like info dump sometimes. The couple has already worn my non-communication nerve down. Doesn’t hold my interest.
January 28, 2019
Received ARC via Netgalley
This is a nice read. It's fun. It's happy for the most part. It's relatively fluffy (despite the beginning). The characters are mostly likable. They're both pretty well adjusted successful adults living their lives. There's nothing objectionable. Nothing major anyway. I just feel like "the book" expected me to feel one way about things and I felt the opposite. I think I'm supposed to feel like Jeremy is a dense unobservant jerk who takes Max for granted but I don't. I feel like Max was an insecure mess who played needlessly with Jeremy's life. Jeremy was never anything but upfront and honest with Max, and Max couldn't return the favor. Until the end at least, when they actually talk to each other for real. Also I was really happy that Jeremy didn't truly waffle over his feelings for Max, Max didn't with his own for Jeremy either but in a different way, it was like a switch was flipped but in a believable way. It felt realistic. I did enjoy seeing their professional sides. You don't often see books that feature a make-up artist so that was fun.
This is a nice read. It's fun. It's happy for the most part. It's relatively fluffy (despite the beginning). The characters are mostly likable. They're both pretty well adjusted successful adults living their lives. There's nothing objectionable. Nothing major anyway. I just feel like "the book" expected me to feel one way about things and I felt the opposite. I think I'm supposed to feel like Jeremy is a dense unobservant jerk who takes Max for granted but I don't. I feel like Max was an insecure mess who played needlessly with Jeremy's life. Jeremy was never anything but upfront and honest with Max, and Max couldn't return the favor. Until the end at least, when they actually talk to each other for real. Also I was really happy that Jeremy didn't truly waffle over his feelings for Max, Max didn't with his own for Jeremy either but in a different way, it was like a switch was flipped but in a believable way. It felt realistic. I did enjoy seeing their professional sides. You don't often see books that feature a make-up artist so that was fun.
February 17, 2019
Kate McMurray brings friends-to-lovers to the Great White Way
Up-and-coming Broadway actor Jeremy was given two days to get up and get out. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend and suddenly homeless, he needs a sofa and a sympathetic ear, stat.
Enter Max, aspiring makeup artist and Jeremy’s BFF and former roommate.
Max has been in love with his best friend forever. Now that Jeremy is back in his home, his old feelings are back, too. He’s happy to help his friend, but this time…it’s complicated.
When Jeremy gets his big break in a new show, the message of the play hits home. “Live life to the fullest” means recognizing how he really feels about Max, and that’s not complicated at all. Jeremy’s in love, and wants to move full steam ahead.
But Max has waited too long for Jeremy to look at him this way, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart. If this is just a rebound fling, or if Jeremy is only interested in Max because he’s convenient, it will not only shatter him—it will ruin the best friendship he’s ever known.
This book is approximately 72,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise! (less)
Review:
Dear Kate McMurray,
I should probably stop hoping that one of your books will be a perfect ten for me, because it had always been "close but no cigar" for one reason or another. This book had been no exception, but because your stories are always well written I keep trying and hoping.
As blurb tells you Jeremy is an actor who tries to make it on Broadway. He gets some off Broadway roles, but have not made it big time yet. He feels that he is always ends up being a runner - up in his both personal and professional lives.
"Jeremy had gone through this process every season for the last six years. He’d done plenty of Off-Broadway theater, he’d gotten some big parts in touring casts, and he’d managed to crack the Broadway world by scoring some bit parts in the ensemble. But he’d never been a principal in a Broadway cast, and it was what he’d dreamed of since the moment he’d applied to drama school when he’d been seventeen himself."
"For once in his life, he wanted to be the best. Just once, he wanted to be the best actor at an audition, the best singer, hell, even the best looking. He wanted to be someone’s first choice. Had he even been Ryan’s? When they’d first started dating, Ryan had been seeing someone else, too. For three years, Jeremy had thought Ryan had dumped that guy and chosen Jeremy, but during one of their last fights, Ryan turned the table—he’d chosen Jeremy because the other guy had dumped him. So there Jeremy was, second fiddle, same as always."
At the beginning of the story we have Jeremy coming to his best friend Max's apartment because Jeremy's ex Ryan cheated on him and to add insult to an injury kicked him out. Jeremy and Max were extremely close friends and Max had always been there for him .
Only Max had been crashing on Jeremy his entire life ( he realized that while they were teenagers) and never told him. Why? I am not sure why. Don't get me started on my rant about what irritated me the most in this book. Because yes, it was Max. Not Max, because really Max is a lovely person overall. Supportive friend, great make up artist and not only that, he managed to make his make up studio a business that makes money for him and his employees. I think the problem for me was that Max was stuck in a romance trope and couldn't completely get out of it, no matter how hard author tried to rescue him and keep the trope "from friends to lovers"
Because in this book we have two smart, kind, ambitious guys who want to pursue their dreams and who do pursue it. Both are eventually successful. Max already is successful enough when the book starts and Jeremy makes it by the end of the book. Surely I am not revealing any spoilers by revealing that he does make it on Broadway? :)
So we have these two adults at the top of their game, guys who genuinely care for each other. Granted Max had been in love with Jeremy for years and Jeremy occasionally thought about Max as love interest, but always something happened that made him think that Max wouldn't want him, or Jeremy was with somebody else, or * he did not want to lose Max's friendship*. Jeremy however was not as fixated on hoping to get Max as his love interest, as Max was. And at the same time Max's persistence that *he does not want to lose Jeremy's friendship* went way beyond irritating for me. I think that as much as I am a bit tired of hearing this in romance that is wrapped around "from friends to lovers" the main problem that I didn't buy it was because that I did NOT see that Jeremy's friendship was more important for Max than his love was.
Oh he successfully avoided talking to Jeremy about it for years, but that was outside of the pages of the book so to speak. We of course see Max supporting Jeremy in the book, but we also see (since the book is written in the third person dual POV) just how much Max loves him and wants him.
"This was why Max had gotten his own place. He’d forgotten the acute pain of living with someone he loved more than anyone else in the world and not having that love returned. He’d almost said no when Jeremy had called him, but he couldn’t leave Jeremy homeless."
"Would he move that way in bed? Jeremy’s hair was the color of raw honey, his eyes were light, like sapphires, and Max knew a long litany of facts about him: he had a scar on his knee from a time he’d taken a big fall during a play rehearsal in tenth grade; he had a birthmark on his lower back, just above his swimsuit waistband, and he might not even know it was there, but Max did; and though he wore socks, but Max knew his toenails were currently painted iridescent blue, because Max himself had painted them one night when they’d both been a little bored."
I wanted to shake Max more than once. Jeremy had his fair share of not seeing what was under his nose, but once he did, I admired his honesty and willingness to fight for them. I only wish Max would come around faster, *much* faster, because no, I did not find his reactions believable in the slightest. What did I mean when I said that the author tried to rescue Max from the restraints of the trope? She tried to give psychological explanations to Max's behavior, but I just was not persuaded, or maybe closer to the end of the book he just irritated me too much.
I loved all the theater stuff in the book though, loved it. Jeremy gets his potentially dream role as a lead on Broadway and we get to see the auditions, the rehearsals. We get to see his genuine love and enthusiasm for the theater. I really loved all those details. Max as make up artist also gets involved with the theater production, this all was such fun for me to read about.
I also always love to read a story set in Brooklyn and Manhattan - places I love and recognize and the book delivered in that area too.
All of this though just brings the grade to C+ for me.
Up-and-coming Broadway actor Jeremy was given two days to get up and get out. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend and suddenly homeless, he needs a sofa and a sympathetic ear, stat.
Enter Max, aspiring makeup artist and Jeremy’s BFF and former roommate.
Max has been in love with his best friend forever. Now that Jeremy is back in his home, his old feelings are back, too. He’s happy to help his friend, but this time…it’s complicated.
When Jeremy gets his big break in a new show, the message of the play hits home. “Live life to the fullest” means recognizing how he really feels about Max, and that’s not complicated at all. Jeremy’s in love, and wants to move full steam ahead.
But Max has waited too long for Jeremy to look at him this way, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart. If this is just a rebound fling, or if Jeremy is only interested in Max because he’s convenient, it will not only shatter him—it will ruin the best friendship he’s ever known.
This book is approximately 72,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise! (less)
Review:
Dear Kate McMurray,
I should probably stop hoping that one of your books will be a perfect ten for me, because it had always been "close but no cigar" for one reason or another. This book had been no exception, but because your stories are always well written I keep trying and hoping.
As blurb tells you Jeremy is an actor who tries to make it on Broadway. He gets some off Broadway roles, but have not made it big time yet. He feels that he is always ends up being a runner - up in his both personal and professional lives.
"Jeremy had gone through this process every season for the last six years. He’d done plenty of Off-Broadway theater, he’d gotten some big parts in touring casts, and he’d managed to crack the Broadway world by scoring some bit parts in the ensemble. But he’d never been a principal in a Broadway cast, and it was what he’d dreamed of since the moment he’d applied to drama school when he’d been seventeen himself."
"For once in his life, he wanted to be the best. Just once, he wanted to be the best actor at an audition, the best singer, hell, even the best looking. He wanted to be someone’s first choice. Had he even been Ryan’s? When they’d first started dating, Ryan had been seeing someone else, too. For three years, Jeremy had thought Ryan had dumped that guy and chosen Jeremy, but during one of their last fights, Ryan turned the table—he’d chosen Jeremy because the other guy had dumped him. So there Jeremy was, second fiddle, same as always."
At the beginning of the story we have Jeremy coming to his best friend Max's apartment because Jeremy's ex Ryan cheated on him and to add insult to an injury kicked him out. Jeremy and Max were extremely close friends and Max had always been there for him .
Only Max had been crashing on Jeremy his entire life ( he realized that while they were teenagers) and never told him. Why? I am not sure why. Don't get me started on my rant about what irritated me the most in this book. Because yes, it was Max. Not Max, because really Max is a lovely person overall. Supportive friend, great make up artist and not only that, he managed to make his make up studio a business that makes money for him and his employees. I think the problem for me was that Max was stuck in a romance trope and couldn't completely get out of it, no matter how hard author tried to rescue him and keep the trope "from friends to lovers"
Because in this book we have two smart, kind, ambitious guys who want to pursue their dreams and who do pursue it. Both are eventually successful. Max already is successful enough when the book starts and Jeremy makes it by the end of the book. Surely I am not revealing any spoilers by revealing that he does make it on Broadway? :)
So we have these two adults at the top of their game, guys who genuinely care for each other. Granted Max had been in love with Jeremy for years and Jeremy occasionally thought about Max as love interest, but always something happened that made him think that Max wouldn't want him, or Jeremy was with somebody else, or * he did not want to lose Max's friendship*. Jeremy however was not as fixated on hoping to get Max as his love interest, as Max was. And at the same time Max's persistence that *he does not want to lose Jeremy's friendship* went way beyond irritating for me. I think that as much as I am a bit tired of hearing this in romance that is wrapped around "from friends to lovers" the main problem that I didn't buy it was because that I did NOT see that Jeremy's friendship was more important for Max than his love was.
Oh he successfully avoided talking to Jeremy about it for years, but that was outside of the pages of the book so to speak. We of course see Max supporting Jeremy in the book, but we also see (since the book is written in the third person dual POV) just how much Max loves him and wants him.
"This was why Max had gotten his own place. He’d forgotten the acute pain of living with someone he loved more than anyone else in the world and not having that love returned. He’d almost said no when Jeremy had called him, but he couldn’t leave Jeremy homeless."
"Would he move that way in bed? Jeremy’s hair was the color of raw honey, his eyes were light, like sapphires, and Max knew a long litany of facts about him: he had a scar on his knee from a time he’d taken a big fall during a play rehearsal in tenth grade; he had a birthmark on his lower back, just above his swimsuit waistband, and he might not even know it was there, but Max did; and though he wore socks, but Max knew his toenails were currently painted iridescent blue, because Max himself had painted them one night when they’d both been a little bored."
I wanted to shake Max more than once. Jeremy had his fair share of not seeing what was under his nose, but once he did, I admired his honesty and willingness to fight for them. I only wish Max would come around faster, *much* faster, because no, I did not find his reactions believable in the slightest. What did I mean when I said that the author tried to rescue Max from the restraints of the trope? She tried to give psychological explanations to Max's behavior, but I just was not persuaded, or maybe closer to the end of the book he just irritated me too much.
I loved all the theater stuff in the book though, loved it. Jeremy gets his potentially dream role as a lead on Broadway and we get to see the auditions, the rehearsals. We get to see his genuine love and enthusiasm for the theater. I really loved all those details. Max as make up artist also gets involved with the theater production, this all was such fun for me to read about.
I also always love to read a story set in Brooklyn and Manhattan - places I love and recognize and the book delivered in that area too.
All of this though just brings the grade to C+ for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2019
3.5 stars- Rocky middle, but good read overall
See the Light is a standalone best friends-to-lovers romance. I always have a soft spot for this trope, so I went in really excited and hopeful for an upbeat book chock full of chemistry. To some extent I got that, but this one didn’t quite grab me as much as I’d expected.
See the Light starts off really strong, with childhood best friends unexpectedly sharing a studio apartment following a sudden break-up. I liked both characters immediately and loved the premise of a theater make-up artist paired with a theater actor as they try to land that career-defining gig on Broadway. Their close knit bond was evident from the start, as were Max’s unrequited feelings for Jeremy. Unfortunately, when things shifted between the men and moved into more-than-friends territory, the chemistry felt lacking and forced. The emotional angst took hold at that point and seemed more drawn out than necessary, inevitably pulling down the tone of the book. Happily, as the plot progressed and conflicts resolved, things came together and felt more natural to me. Overall, See the Light was a good story with great characters. I’ll definitely continue to be on the lookout for more from this author, but this title wasn’t quite all I hoped for when I read the blurb.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
See the Light is a standalone best friends-to-lovers romance. I always have a soft spot for this trope, so I went in really excited and hopeful for an upbeat book chock full of chemistry. To some extent I got that, but this one didn’t quite grab me as much as I’d expected.
See the Light starts off really strong, with childhood best friends unexpectedly sharing a studio apartment following a sudden break-up. I liked both characters immediately and loved the premise of a theater make-up artist paired with a theater actor as they try to land that career-defining gig on Broadway. Their close knit bond was evident from the start, as were Max’s unrequited feelings for Jeremy. Unfortunately, when things shifted between the men and moved into more-than-friends territory, the chemistry felt lacking and forced. The emotional angst took hold at that point and seemed more drawn out than necessary, inevitably pulling down the tone of the book. Happily, as the plot progressed and conflicts resolved, things came together and felt more natural to me. Overall, See the Light was a good story with great characters. I’ll definitely continue to be on the lookout for more from this author, but this title wasn’t quite all I hoped for when I read the blurb.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
January 31, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Any fan of musicals will appreciate this book. McMurray does an amazing job of bringing the show to life as a secondary character and using it to highlight the relationship between Max and Jeremy. I enjoyed seeing the parallels and watching as the show came together.
I’m a sucker for friends to lovers, and that’s the reason I picked up this book. Especially when one character has been in love with the other for so long. These two guys really are perfect together, and their chemistry leaps off the page. As friends and as lovers, they work exceptionally well. Characterization is this author’s strong suit, and she does it well in this story. Jeremy and Max’s love story was believable and heartfelt, and it’s the thing I enjoyed most about this book.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Any fan of musicals will appreciate this book. McMurray does an amazing job of bringing the show to life as a secondary character and using it to highlight the relationship between Max and Jeremy. I enjoyed seeing the parallels and watching as the show came together.
I’m a sucker for friends to lovers, and that’s the reason I picked up this book. Especially when one character has been in love with the other for so long. These two guys really are perfect together, and their chemistry leaps off the page. As friends and as lovers, they work exceptionally well. Characterization is this author’s strong suit, and she does it well in this story. Jeremy and Max’s love story was believable and heartfelt, and it’s the thing I enjoyed most about this book.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
July 16, 2020
Jeremy has returned to New York from a stint acting up in Boston to find his boyfriend of the past few years has decided to shack up with someone else, and he has two days to remove his belongings from their shared apartment. He's mad, really mad, with this whole situation. He puts most of his stuff into storage and calls up his oldest and dearest friend, Max, to see if he can spend the next few weeks on Max's couch while he hunts for a new permanent residence and auditions for new roles.
Max, who has been in love with Jeremy since....ever agrees, knowing he's risking falling hard and getting hurt. Max is a makeup artist and runs a modest studio for stage performers in the NYC theater scene. He also does drag makeup for his ex-boyfriend and other baby queens being shepharded by his ex. Right now, it's not ideal for Jer to be staying with him, because he has a lot of design work in the pipeline, but he'd never refuse Jeremy's needs--except when Jeremy begins making motions like he's coming on to Max--because that is surely the road to heartbreak.
For Jeremy, being in Max's apartment is like coming home. They'd been roommates for years until Jeremy was spending more nights with his now-ex and Max suggested he wanted a single place of his own. Truth was, Max was dying, seeing Jeremy fall for another man. With that distance, and his new role in a liberating LGBTQ-positive production, Jeremy is waking up to not only the deep feelings of love and attraction he has for Max, he's also realizing that he inadvertently broke Max's heart--and he's ready to make amends.
This was a really engaging friends-to-lovers romance that imparted a lot of cool info about the Broadway scene, as well as how young struggling actors and artists go to battle each day to make their dreams reality. Max is a sweet soul, hiding in plain sight and offering the safe harbor fabulous Jeremy needs. When it comes to their dilemma of not being friends--because becoming lovers could mess this up--they have a break, by Max's choice. He needs to trust the Jer will be by his side forever, and Jeremy definitely gives him the confidence to act on faith. The drag queen moments were fun, and I loved having both points of view giving me insight into this developing relationship. Sweet and uplifting, with a moderate amount of angst.
Max, who has been in love with Jeremy since....ever agrees, knowing he's risking falling hard and getting hurt. Max is a makeup artist and runs a modest studio for stage performers in the NYC theater scene. He also does drag makeup for his ex-boyfriend and other baby queens being shepharded by his ex. Right now, it's not ideal for Jer to be staying with him, because he has a lot of design work in the pipeline, but he'd never refuse Jeremy's needs--except when Jeremy begins making motions like he's coming on to Max--because that is surely the road to heartbreak.
For Jeremy, being in Max's apartment is like coming home. They'd been roommates for years until Jeremy was spending more nights with his now-ex and Max suggested he wanted a single place of his own. Truth was, Max was dying, seeing Jeremy fall for another man. With that distance, and his new role in a liberating LGBTQ-positive production, Jeremy is waking up to not only the deep feelings of love and attraction he has for Max, he's also realizing that he inadvertently broke Max's heart--and he's ready to make amends.
This was a really engaging friends-to-lovers romance that imparted a lot of cool info about the Broadway scene, as well as how young struggling actors and artists go to battle each day to make their dreams reality. Max is a sweet soul, hiding in plain sight and offering the safe harbor fabulous Jeremy needs. When it comes to their dilemma of not being friends--because becoming lovers could mess this up--they have a break, by Max's choice. He needs to trust the Jer will be by his side forever, and Jeremy definitely gives him the confidence to act on faith. The drag queen moments were fun, and I loved having both points of view giving me insight into this developing relationship. Sweet and uplifting, with a moderate amount of angst.
February 22, 2019
When I glanced at a couple of reviews of See the Light, I noticed that some people were overwhelmed by all the “shop talk” about theater. For the record, I kinda enjoyed that aspect. I love learning new things about people, professions, cultures, places, lifestyles… it’s one of the reasons why my reading is so eclectic.
Now, on to Max and Jeremy. As brilliant, talented and confidant as he was when it came to his as he was when it came to his art, Max had absolutely no self confidence when it came to his personal life. Especially when it came to Jeremy. The thing was, even though Jeremy knew his feelings for Max were real, he didn’t want to risk their friendship if Max didn’t feel the same. It was a vicious cycle.
Regardless of the ups and downs, misunderstandings and total lack of communication, it was obvious that these two were meant for each other. It may have been frustrating ride at times and I may have wanted to shake some sense into both Max and Jeremy at times, but in the end it was worth these two finally finding out exactly what they really meant to each other.
I received See the Light in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Now, on to Max and Jeremy. As brilliant, talented and confidant as he was when it came to his as he was when it came to his art, Max had absolutely no self confidence when it came to his personal life. Especially when it came to Jeremy. The thing was, even though Jeremy knew his feelings for Max were real, he didn’t want to risk their friendship if Max didn’t feel the same. It was a vicious cycle.
Regardless of the ups and downs, misunderstandings and total lack of communication, it was obvious that these two were meant for each other. It may have been frustrating ride at times and I may have wanted to shake some sense into both Max and Jeremy at times, but in the end it was worth these two finally finding out exactly what they really meant to each other.
I received See the Light in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 26, 2019
This is an adorable best-friends-to-lovers story set against a theatre backdrop. Jeremy is about to give up his dreams to become a Broadway sensation, and it hasn't helped that his boyfriend has dumped him and kicked him out.
We also get Max's point of view - best friend who generously lets Jeremy sleep on his couch. Jeremy is somewhat oblivious to how besotted Max is with him, but we get to get to see all of Max's longings and resignation about any future with Jeremy.
It's all very sweet. Both boys are sympathetic and are trying to achieve their dreams. The theatre component is very well integrated through the romance, and as Jeremy's dreams start to become a reality, he looks to Max for more.
I really enjoyed this book, and have done for many of this author's work. Not too much angst, not much melodrama or crazy, but lots of singing and dancing and make-up!
Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Due out on Jan 28.
We also get Max's point of view - best friend who generously lets Jeremy sleep on his couch. Jeremy is somewhat oblivious to how besotted Max is with him, but we get to get to see all of Max's longings and resignation about any future with Jeremy.
It's all very sweet. Both boys are sympathetic and are trying to achieve their dreams. The theatre component is very well integrated through the romance, and as Jeremy's dreams start to become a reality, he looks to Max for more.
I really enjoyed this book, and have done for many of this author's work. Not too much angst, not much melodrama or crazy, but lots of singing and dancing and make-up!
Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Due out on Jan 28.
January 30, 2019
this was sassy and sweet. it was fun and interesting. it was all around a good story. i enjoyed it.. the story had a decent plot.. it was an easy going read.. and it was all together a sweet story to read. i enjoyed characters.
April 5, 2019
I really enjoyed Kate McMurray's See The Light. This friends to lovers romance is riveting and compelling from the start.
I immediately feel for Max and Jeremy, with my heart hurting for Max, as he's secretly in love with his best friend. As their romance evolves, this tale wonderfully navigates the struggles involved with such a change in a relationship. We get to read about the fears, confusion, and doubts. I appreciate the way the transition isn't seamless for them. It definitely gives their story an authentic feel.
It takes place in NYC, in the world of Broadway theater. The Broadway aspect is entertaining, from both the actor side, as well as the makeup artist side.
See The Light ultimately involves a whole lot of risk and trust. I love the title and it's significance. Kate McMurray excels in this emotional journey.
I immediately feel for Max and Jeremy, with my heart hurting for Max, as he's secretly in love with his best friend. As their romance evolves, this tale wonderfully navigates the struggles involved with such a change in a relationship. We get to read about the fears, confusion, and doubts. I appreciate the way the transition isn't seamless for them. It definitely gives their story an authentic feel.
It takes place in NYC, in the world of Broadway theater. The Broadway aspect is entertaining, from both the actor side, as well as the makeup artist side.
See The Light ultimately involves a whole lot of risk and trust. I love the title and it's significance. Kate McMurray excels in this emotional journey.
January 28, 2019
I enjoyed this Broadway-focused, friends-to-lovers romance. I learned a lot about the behind the scenes ins and outs of Broadway while getting lost in the slow burn romance between Jeremy and Max. I appreciated that this story wasn't an information dump, but seamlessly incorporated the characters' jobs and interests. Max was my favorite of the two, by far, and he makes some pretty tough decisions. He's so sweet and unaware of his effect on Jeremy. Though Jeremy is late to the party, no thanks to his ungrateful ex, he finally gets there and it's magical.
February 1, 2019
3.5 stars--SEE THE LIGHT by Kate McMurray is a contemporary, adult, M/M erotic, romance story line focusing on twenty-eight year olds, Broadway actor, singer and dancer Jeremy Reynolds, and makeup artist Max Meyer.
NOTE: SEE THE LIGHT contains scenes of M/M sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Jeremy and Max) SEE THE LIGHT follows the friends to lovers relationship between Broadway actor, singer and dancer Jeremy Reynolds, and makeup artist Max Myer. Max Meyer has been in love with his best friend since childhood, a best friend who recently broke up with his long-term boyfriend. Needing a place to crash, Max offered Jeremy a place to stay, in an effort to get closer to the man that he loved. Jeremy auditions for several show buy is eventually offered the lead in a new Broadway play; Max finds himself the makeup artist and designer for a couple of big productions. With both of their careers climbing the ladder of success, emotions and issues of trust begin to tear them apart.
What ensues is the building romance and sexual relationship between Jeremy and Max, and the fall-out as Max struggles with feelings of inadequacy as it pertains to Jeremy, and the potential of losing his best friend forever it things fall apart.
Max Meyer loves Jeremy Reynolds but Jeremy’s star is on the rise, and time apart means too many hours, for Max, to contemplate what might go wrong. Max’s angst and emotional drama begins to eat away of his own self-esteem, and thusly his relationship with the man that he loves. Jeremy has fallen for his best friend, a friend he saw more as a brother. With Max’s revelations of a life-long love, Jeremy finds himself looking towards the future, a future that is in jeopardy as Max struggles between head and heart.
The relationship between Max and Jeremy is a best friends to lovers romance wherein Max battles the ‘what ifs and whys’. Struggling to accept that Jeremy loves him in return, Max begins to sabotage their relationship in the hopes of saving a lifelong friendship. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include the cast of the Broadway production of See the Light, as well as a number of ‘drag queens’ and friends of Jeremy and Max. Max is the makeup artist to the wanna-be stars, a group of drag queens hoping to make it big and launch their careers.
The world building spotlights the Great White Way-the Broadway hits of the past and present; the musicals, the actors, the hits and the misses. We are backstage as Max Meyer develops his artistic designs, and Jeremy Reynolds prepares for the role of his life.
SEE THE LIGHT is a story of friendship, love, uncertainty, and miscommunication. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the characters are wounded, sassy and spirited; the romance is arousing and provocative. I had an issue with the inordinate amount of Broadway musical information and history, reflection and contemplation which reads like filler more than anything else.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: SEE THE LIGHT contains scenes of M/M sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Jeremy and Max) SEE THE LIGHT follows the friends to lovers relationship between Broadway actor, singer and dancer Jeremy Reynolds, and makeup artist Max Myer. Max Meyer has been in love with his best friend since childhood, a best friend who recently broke up with his long-term boyfriend. Needing a place to crash, Max offered Jeremy a place to stay, in an effort to get closer to the man that he loved. Jeremy auditions for several show buy is eventually offered the lead in a new Broadway play; Max finds himself the makeup artist and designer for a couple of big productions. With both of their careers climbing the ladder of success, emotions and issues of trust begin to tear them apart.
What ensues is the building romance and sexual relationship between Jeremy and Max, and the fall-out as Max struggles with feelings of inadequacy as it pertains to Jeremy, and the potential of losing his best friend forever it things fall apart.
Max Meyer loves Jeremy Reynolds but Jeremy’s star is on the rise, and time apart means too many hours, for Max, to contemplate what might go wrong. Max’s angst and emotional drama begins to eat away of his own self-esteem, and thusly his relationship with the man that he loves. Jeremy has fallen for his best friend, a friend he saw more as a brother. With Max’s revelations of a life-long love, Jeremy finds himself looking towards the future, a future that is in jeopardy as Max struggles between head and heart.
The relationship between Max and Jeremy is a best friends to lovers romance wherein Max battles the ‘what ifs and whys’. Struggling to accept that Jeremy loves him in return, Max begins to sabotage their relationship in the hopes of saving a lifelong friendship. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include the cast of the Broadway production of See the Light, as well as a number of ‘drag queens’ and friends of Jeremy and Max. Max is the makeup artist to the wanna-be stars, a group of drag queens hoping to make it big and launch their careers.
The world building spotlights the Great White Way-the Broadway hits of the past and present; the musicals, the actors, the hits and the misses. We are backstage as Max Meyer develops his artistic designs, and Jeremy Reynolds prepares for the role of his life.
SEE THE LIGHT is a story of friendship, love, uncertainty, and miscommunication. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the characters are wounded, sassy and spirited; the romance is arousing and provocative. I had an issue with the inordinate amount of Broadway musical information and history, reflection and contemplation which reads like filler more than anything else.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 6, 2019
I received an advance copy of See the Light from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, words, and opinions are my own
Probably closer to 3.5*
Content Notes:
💗 cheating, breakup
💗 “you’re a man, right?”
💗 mention of romantic partner asking to cut friends out of life
💗 sexual fantasies
💗 “more than friends”
💗 school shooting in play
💗 alcohol consumption
💗 g*psy
💗 explicit on page sexual content
💗 casual ableism
💗 misogyny, transmisogyny
💗 bullying experienced in high school
See the Light follows Jeremy and Max, best friends since childhood. Jeremy has just been broken up with and goes to Max for a place to stay. What he doesn’t know is that Max initially wanted to move out on his own because of his feelings for Jeremy. While staying on Max’s couch, Jeremy auditions for a new musical called See the Light that he feels was made for him, and Max gets a makeup job both for See the Light and a fantasy musical called Sword of Dawn, which he believes could be his big chance. Max’s feelings for Jeremy eventually come to light and they begin a relationship.
Overall I did really enjoy this. I loved the glimpses into the theater world and all the work that goes into a broadway production. I also really appreciated how much emphasis was placed on Max and Jeremy’s friendship, and how they wanted to remain friends first and foremost. There’s also some really wonderful scenes where they communicate and talk things through.
I didn’t enjoy as much that for a period the relationship was very sex heavy, like they flipped a switch from friendship to romance and it centered on sex. I also didn’t like the self-sabotage, even though could be seen as realistic given Max has depression.
This is a nice friends-to-lovers romance with a heavy Broadway setting. It was really nice how the musical set the story and layered it on top of the main romance.
Probably closer to 3.5*
Content Notes:
💗 cheating, breakup
💗 “you’re a man, right?”
💗 mention of romantic partner asking to cut friends out of life
💗 sexual fantasies
💗 “more than friends”
💗 school shooting in play
💗 alcohol consumption
💗 g*psy
💗 explicit on page sexual content
💗 casual ableism
💗 misogyny, transmisogyny
💗 bullying experienced in high school
See the Light follows Jeremy and Max, best friends since childhood. Jeremy has just been broken up with and goes to Max for a place to stay. What he doesn’t know is that Max initially wanted to move out on his own because of his feelings for Jeremy. While staying on Max’s couch, Jeremy auditions for a new musical called See the Light that he feels was made for him, and Max gets a makeup job both for See the Light and a fantasy musical called Sword of Dawn, which he believes could be his big chance. Max’s feelings for Jeremy eventually come to light and they begin a relationship.
Overall I did really enjoy this. I loved the glimpses into the theater world and all the work that goes into a broadway production. I also really appreciated how much emphasis was placed on Max and Jeremy’s friendship, and how they wanted to remain friends first and foremost. There’s also some really wonderful scenes where they communicate and talk things through.
I didn’t enjoy as much that for a period the relationship was very sex heavy, like they flipped a switch from friendship to romance and it centered on sex. I also didn’t like the self-sabotage, even though could be seen as realistic given Max has depression.
This is a nice friends-to-lovers romance with a heavy Broadway setting. It was really nice how the musical set the story and layered it on top of the main romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2019
Friends to Lovers; one of my favorite romance tropes.
I loved this new book by Kate McMurray. See the Light is a great friends-to-lovers story with just the right amount of angst.
Max and Jeremy have been best friends for years. Both of them have careers connected to the theater. Max has a thriving business doing make-up for Broadway shows and he isn't afraid to flaunt his personal style. Jeremy loves doing musical theater and is just waiting for his big break and get the lead in a Broadway show.
Max has always been afraid to let Jeremy know that he has romantic feelings for him. Every time he thinks about telling him something happens and the timing doesn't seem right. Now Jeremy needs a place to crash and it's killing Max to have him so near every day.
Jeremy really isn't that upset that his boyfriend broke up with him. He's more upset about being tossed out of the apartment they shared. Now that he's staying with Max, he's beginning to see him in a different light and wonders why he never thought of him as a love interest before.
I love a good friends-to-lovers story and See the Light hit the spot. I also love everything about musicals – movies and stage shows – so I really enjoyed reading all of the things in the book that gave me an inside look into this world; I found it fascinating and a bonus to a great romance story.
I look forward to reading more books by Kat McMurray.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I loved this new book by Kate McMurray. See the Light is a great friends-to-lovers story with just the right amount of angst.
Max and Jeremy have been best friends for years. Both of them have careers connected to the theater. Max has a thriving business doing make-up for Broadway shows and he isn't afraid to flaunt his personal style. Jeremy loves doing musical theater and is just waiting for his big break and get the lead in a Broadway show.
Max has always been afraid to let Jeremy know that he has romantic feelings for him. Every time he thinks about telling him something happens and the timing doesn't seem right. Now Jeremy needs a place to crash and it's killing Max to have him so near every day.
Jeremy really isn't that upset that his boyfriend broke up with him. He's more upset about being tossed out of the apartment they shared. Now that he's staying with Max, he's beginning to see him in a different light and wonders why he never thought of him as a love interest before.
I love a good friends-to-lovers story and See the Light hit the spot. I also love everything about musicals – movies and stage shows – so I really enjoyed reading all of the things in the book that gave me an inside look into this world; I found it fascinating and a bonus to a great romance story.
I look forward to reading more books by Kat McMurray.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
July 13, 2020
Jeremy was dumped by his long term boyfriend and is given two days to get out of their apartment. When Max, Jeremy's best friend, finds out he offers up his place for Jeremy. Max has been love with Jeremy since forever, but he never expects Jeremy to feel the same way. Once they are living together, his feelings for Jeremy come back full force.
Jeremy finally sees what has been right in front of him forever, but Max doesn't trust that Jeremy really likes him, he wants to go slow to make sure this isn't just a rebound for Jeremy. Max is trying to keep their friendship intact incase this is just a fling, but Jeremy wants to move at lightening pace which is helping Max feel like this is something that will last.
I like both of these characters, they were quirky but also fun. I could see both of their points of view. For Jeremy he is finally acknowledging his feelings for his friend and figures that they are already friends so the rest shouldn't be an issues. Max on the other hands wants to go slow, because he doesn't want their friendship damaged if things between them don't work out, but it was frustrating at times since Max tended to have a narrow view of their relationship and how it could end.
Jeremy finally sees what has been right in front of him forever, but Max doesn't trust that Jeremy really likes him, he wants to go slow to make sure this isn't just a rebound for Jeremy. Max is trying to keep their friendship intact incase this is just a fling, but Jeremy wants to move at lightening pace which is helping Max feel like this is something that will last.
I like both of these characters, they were quirky but also fun. I could see both of their points of view. For Jeremy he is finally acknowledging his feelings for his friend and figures that they are already friends so the rest shouldn't be an issues. Max on the other hands wants to go slow, because he doesn't want their friendship damaged if things between them don't work out, but it was frustrating at times since Max tended to have a narrow view of their relationship and how it could end.
February 15, 2019
This is a best friends to lovers romance, one that I normally get into. I was hoping for a fun read with the required amount of angst these stories are known for. Sadly, I did not get what I was expecting.
After an unexpected break up, best friends are bunking together. You could see Max struggling with having Jeremy so close, but Jeremy was kind of clueless. You understand the set up rather quick. I liked both of them and the jobs they held-make up artist and Broadway show actor. They were very good friends and I could definitely see how they could mesh together well, if that line was crossed. The way the book was written, however, I never got a true grasp of chemistry between them. I felt Max and his pining more. They never really footing in my opinion, before we were racked with so much angst. It slowed the progress way down. I had no clue if they could cut through it all-or even if I could.
This also seemed to be very wordy. I know the author wanted us to understand Jeremy's struggles, but the pages and pages of explanations about the musical process, just didn't interest me. It brought down the flow and complete tone of the book.
All in all it was an ok read for me. It just didn't grab me quite liked I hoped it would.
Review copy was graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating and review are my opinion.
After an unexpected break up, best friends are bunking together. You could see Max struggling with having Jeremy so close, but Jeremy was kind of clueless. You understand the set up rather quick. I liked both of them and the jobs they held-make up artist and Broadway show actor. They were very good friends and I could definitely see how they could mesh together well, if that line was crossed. The way the book was written, however, I never got a true grasp of chemistry between them. I felt Max and his pining more. They never really footing in my opinion, before we were racked with so much angst. It slowed the progress way down. I had no clue if they could cut through it all-or even if I could.
This also seemed to be very wordy. I know the author wanted us to understand Jeremy's struggles, but the pages and pages of explanations about the musical process, just didn't interest me. It brought down the flow and complete tone of the book.
All in all it was an ok read for me. It just didn't grab me quite liked I hoped it would.
Review copy was graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley. The rating and review are my opinion.
June 2, 2020
Jeremy and Max are best friends and used to be roommates. And now that Jeremy's been dumped, they're roommates again. Well, Jeremy is crashing on Max's couch. Both work on Broadway, Jeremy as a dancer, Max as a makeup artist. Both seem on the brink of success but can they achieve it both in their personal lives and professionally.
This was a really good story but, and I rarely say this, could have benefitted from being a little bit shorter. There was a last Big Misunderstanding that really made me think less of both characters and didn't exactly feel true to the story. But McMurray's writing was fun and I liked them both up until then and will definitely read more of her stories.
This was a really good story but, and I rarely say this, could have benefitted from being a little bit shorter. There was a last Big Misunderstanding that really made me think less of both characters and didn't exactly feel true to the story. But McMurray's writing was fun and I liked them both up until then and will definitely read more of her stories.
January 28, 2019
4.5 stars for this friends to lovers romance. This was a super slooooow burn. It wasn't until a third of the way into the book before these two even share a kiss. There is tons of background and insight into their jobs. I applauded Max for being brave enough to speak up, but his inability to grab ahold of the happiness Jeremy is offering frustrated me. Jeremy's honesty was refreshing. He didn't hold back on what he was feeling until Max pulled away and threw up roadblocks. The ending was really sweet.
February 17, 2019
This is probably more like 3.5 stars. Cute romance about best friends who fall for each other and for some reason, are REALLY BAD AT TALKING TO EACH OTHER, which did get frustrating at times. There is also a lot of theater talk which I found slowed down the pace a bit. Even for this former theater-kid, things got a bit long. Despite sagging in the middle a little, very sweet beginning and ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2019
Just finished it and loved it...was surprised by low rating...and then remembered being a bit frustrated around 76%. Good parts are great...so much fun theater. The frustrating part wasn't a show stopper for me.
December 8, 2018
Review to come.
May 27, 2019
This was an entertaining read. I liked the writing style and I enjoyed both the characters and the plot.
April 1, 2023
Friends to lovers, best friends are back living together and here is a chance to make it more than BFF's.
February 18, 2025
I loved this best friends-to-lovers romance with the NYC Broadway as the backdrop! We got a behind the scenes of theater, while reading about Max and Jeremy falling in love! I am enjoying Kate’s books on the performing arts and the significance of the theme for this book and play!
December 28, 2019
It has been a long while since I've been so angry reading a book and Max made me angry. Jeremy was a bit flaky in regards to Max, and then all of a sudden he was into it, but Max takes the cake for aggravating character. Normally the reason I like the MM genre is because of having two strong characters but Max was like all the weak heroines that drive me batty.
There were also many timeline issues that I hope were caught which also didn't help my reading experience.
I truly have never wanted to punch a character so much as I did Max and his decision making and actions. I'm not sure if the author had depression in mind with Max or if she thought wow I've written a douchecanoe and how can I fix it? And then made it look like he suffered from depression in the past, but came out of nowhere. It felt totally random and out of the blue.
I'm not sure if they were timeline issues or the author wanted to piss off the readers with this behaviour or lack of details but many things made me angry while reading this book unfortunately.
Even though I wanted to throat punch Max and I'm willing to give the author another chance because maybe it was just this story that was an issue.
There were also many timeline issues that I hope were caught which also didn't help my reading experience.
I truly have never wanted to punch a character so much as I did Max and his decision making and actions. I'm not sure if the author had depression in mind with Max or if she thought wow I've written a douchecanoe and how can I fix it? And then made it look like he suffered from depression in the past, but came out of nowhere. It felt totally random and out of the blue.
I'm not sure if they were timeline issues or the author wanted to piss off the readers with this behaviour or lack of details but many things made me angry while reading this book unfortunately.
Even though I wanted to throat punch Max and I'm willing to give the author another chance because maybe it was just this story that was an issue.
February 1, 2019
dumped by his long term boyfriend, jeremy has no choice but to turn to his best friend, max in see the light. they've been friends forever, former roommates even. so of course max willingly gives jeremy a place to crash as he figures out his next steps.
it's just that max has been in love with jeremy forever. and jeremy doesn't see it. he's laughed any time max has tried to voice his feelings. and max has always let it go because at least as only friends he still gets to be a part of jeremy's life.
but it's impossible to ignore the tension building the more time they are alone together. and once they cross a line it will not be so easy to go back. and neither of them want to, but they also have to figure out their new normal. they have to figure out if this thing between them is the real thing and not just a matter of convenience.
because if it's everything, then it's the best thing. because of course falling in love with your best friend is perfection.
**see the light will publish on january 28, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/carina press in exchange for my honest review.
it's just that max has been in love with jeremy forever. and jeremy doesn't see it. he's laughed any time max has tried to voice his feelings. and max has always let it go because at least as only friends he still gets to be a part of jeremy's life.
but it's impossible to ignore the tension building the more time they are alone together. and once they cross a line it will not be so easy to go back. and neither of them want to, but they also have to figure out their new normal. they have to figure out if this thing between them is the real thing and not just a matter of convenience.
because if it's everything, then it's the best thing. because of course falling in love with your best friend is perfection.
**see the light will publish on january 28, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/carina press in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2019
This friends to lovers romance starts off strong with likable characters and a good pace as Jeremy and Max slowly move out of the friend zone. However, the pacing slows down considerably once they cross that line and there are doubts about the future. From that point, the story becomes a lot more drawn out than I cared for, and while I appreciate that Jeremy lives and breathes all things Broadway, there are several lengthy passages about plays, movies, and trivia that pulled me out of the romance. I realize that some parts were relevant to the story with what Jeremy and Max do for a living, but the rest began to feel like so much filler after awhile. The story does get back to the romance after a lot of angst, and picks up in the last quarter or so, and I did like the ending. So, for me, this one was a mixed bag of some things I liked and others, not so much, leaving me somewhere in the middle.
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