Off Camera

by Wendy Qualls

Devon Yoshiro may be a famous actor, but he's also a big brother. When his niece turns six and his sister is laid up after surgery, he sticks around town after promoting his new movie at a major scifi convention to help out. He may know nothing about kids, parties, or planning, but how hard can it be?

Max Harrington develops a major crush on the actor he met while volunteering at Con--which is why he's in shock that Devon has chosen HIS little science museum to host a birthday party. And has chosen him for a little stress relief. No point in wanting more...

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2019

About the author

Wendy Qualls was a small ­town librarian until she finished reading everything her library had to offer. At that point she put her expensive and totally unrelated college degree to use by writing smutty romance novels and wasting time on the internet. She lives in Northern Alabama with her husband, two girls, two dogs, and a seasonally fluctuating swarm of unwanted ladybugs. Wendy can be found on Twitter as @wendyqualls. She is represented by Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made my nerdy heart sing!

A contemporary feel good romance where a bonafide nerd falls for a Hollywood hunk and both discover that some things - like love are worth fighting for. I especially got a kick out of the nod the author has given to geek culture in general and Sci Fi conventions in particular - both are near and dear to my cosplaying geek heart! DragonCon rocks, Wendy!!!

The plot was fun to follow, the writing was solid and the heat between the two men was intense, while their falling for each other was a slow burn that made my heart melt. The secondary characters were charming and fun to read and I really really loved this whole concept from start to finish.

Well done, Ms. Qualls, well done.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Max meets gorgeous actor Devon, he's a bit star struck, but determined not to act it. And when Devon decides to stick around to help his sister, and Max and he end up in a casual thing with an expiration date, will Max be able to keep his heart intact?

I have to admit there was really only one reason I can give this 3 stars, and that's Max. Max ended up being a sweetheart. I like how he was really just himself throughout. About the only thing I didn't like that he did was let Devon back into his life with only a minimal of groveling. But the rest of the story? Eh. It was all a bit bland and not a whole heck of a lot was going on. Still, it was cute with some cute little girls and a sweet geek, so 3 stars seems fair.

ARC via LesCourt ARC Team for an honest review.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Max and Devon were great together. Devon jumped in with both feet even as he was telling himself it was temporary and Max kept trying to remind himself of that fact.

Now the whole leaving and then coming back months later and a short apology is all that is needed to correct everything is not the type of ending I greatly enjoy and I wish we would have been able to actually see them navigate a relationship in the spotlight instead of seeing them settled into their new lives together in the epilogue.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon is the latest A list superstar to take the world by storm. Max is a glorified gopher at a SciFiCon. Their meeting was nothing special, just a worker bee escorting a star away from the crowd waiting to descend.

What follows is them getting to know each other. The beginning of a friendship and possibly so much more. Until the celebrity aspect of Devon’s life derails everything.

I liked how Devon’s thoughts about his future if his secret came out, pushed the story forward without making it seem to angsty. Max was just a likable guy. Not really concerned about Devon’s stardom. Their intimate moments were hot and sweet. Family on both sides played a substantial role in this story and were enjoyable. Nice book.

I received an arc of this book.

[Limecello]

this started out pretty nicely - but :X

I'm kinda uncomfortable with the like [so far] seemingly basic [fat] white dude who gets the hot Asian ... and that happens pretty quickly so ...

as this is all set early I'm hoping dude is developed more but ... :X ergh. :X

---

ok so now it's 4/7 and the thing is ...
I'm always not sure if I missed something /"don't get it" etc because I'm not a gay man ...

but anyway.

The biggest issue I had with it really was the above.

Max is also a bit of the "magical unicorn" in that he's good at "all the things" - part planner, kid wrangling, drawing, costume design, runs/has the science center ...
[tech stuff too]

not going to dwell too much on that because ... maybe?

what I really did like is how the book explores the relationship between Devon and Max; why Devon is so ... unwilling to have outsiders "know his business."

It did feel a bit outdated with "if they know I'm bi I'll be ostracized from Hollywood" like O_o ...
maybe 50 years ago? Or hell, even 20? :X 15? But like ... not ... not for the past 5-10 years...

Maybe I'm wrong but that just felt really ... eyeroll.

If it had been more about "I just don't think strangers need to be in my private business" it'd make more sense.

The mouse thing though T_T

And the costume/movie party - oof. I really liked the secondary characters, including the little girls. I liked that both Devon and Max had great support systems individually.

I will say things happen FAST. Like - a hookup turns "THIS IS FOREVER" in about ~2 weeks?
[So ... maybe this was my biggest issue?]
But I also know it can happen

"this is just different" - and they click and that's that.

The whole "Max is 50 lbs overweight and super basic" to "but now he's super red carpet ready suave [for absolutely no reason and has made no changes!" is ... something.

I get wanting to write/read/be the "I'm totally normal but I can find and have the extraordinary love - not just in the love but have it be like a fairy tale" but like ...
is it really that easy as stepping into a nice tux?

I really liked Devon's friend too.

I think my issue was it gets like TOO in Max's head/neuroses.

But obviously it made me think about a lot.

v

I'd put it in the C range but not good with rating or grading it officially

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max caught my attention right off the bat with his competence and stellar effort at not becoming too starstruck to do his job or deliver what he promised. His shy awkwardness really worked for me. And his intelligence and ingenuity in his job was a surprising facet that really went a long way to making him my favorite of the MC's. Every so often his vulnerability got in his way a bit, but overall he maintained the most stable presence even in his little bit of growth as he stepped out of his comfort zone.

There wasn't much character growth on either side, but slightly more so on Devon's because he had his past to overcome if he wanted a future with Max. I was satisfied by his groveling at the end, but the separation bothered me only because it took so long for any kind of amends to be made at all. If it weren't for surprise kicks in the head I don't know that he would have made the choice to fix things on his own, which was slightly disappointing. The tattoo doodle part before then really broke my heart and I almost gave up on Devon when we got that little scene.

Together they definitely worked, though I can't say their chemistry was anything truly exciting or spectacular. The whole story felt soft, subtle, and slow-moving despite only having the relationship build over the course of a couple weeks with a fairly quick jump into one another's pants. It was a very nice story that was a much better representation of what this author can write than when I initially found their books. The feels were present even if they were much more mellow, but that's not always a bad thing.

[❤Sharonica-Logic❤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎥
The NOT So Evil Emperor Ador and the Science Guy🔬👑🔭

At a Sci-fi convention in Atlanta a tech volunteer helps one of the star panellists and after a short conversation and the exchange of a business card a party planning idea for a six year old turns into a whirlwind tryst only meant to last a few days. However, when someone sees you beyond the lights and fame to the person behind the mask, it can be so easy to fall. Even for an evil emperor.

This was sweet and adorkable, as well as sMMexy HAWT! For anyone who ever ventured to one of the cosplay cons like, Dragon or Comic, you will appreciate the quirkiness of the MCs. I thought Devon (The actor) went a little overboard and seriously lacked communication skills, but I have never had to worry about my face in the tabloids, or running from flashing cameras.

I loved the relationship between Devon and his sister and niece, and how Devon's niece took right to Max (science guy).

The Story was a fast, okay read. If you are looking for something with loads of steaMM, quirky actors with coming out anxiety, adorkable science guys who enjoy a lil role play, and little girls who want a "sparkly fairy astronaut ballerina puppy {birthday} cake," you will enjoy this!

3 sparkly-fairy-astronaut-stars 🌟🌟🌟

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🔭

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Off Camera from the start. I am always a sucker for romances with famous people, and this Wendy Qualls book definitely had me reading late into the night.

I'm a big fan of conventions, so I was elated that they meet at a convention. I mean really, an actor falling for a convention volunteer? Oh hell yes!

Max and Devon are so freaking hot together. I love their cute flirting and the natural way they gravitate to one another. The reason for Devon staying in town and seeing Max again are enjoyable and relatable.

Their story is one of being closeted in Hollywood. There's some light angst, of course, and there's a whole lot of fun as an actor and a nerd fall in love.

The writing is wonderful, with some delightful characters and a sweet romance between the unlikely couple. They are certainly hot together and the author excels at putting the reader into the character's minds. Devon's angst is easy to understand and superbly illustrated.

I absolutely love this story. Off Camera is a great read which I highly recommend when you're in the mood for an opposites attract romance.

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Devon helped out his sister after her surgery to look after Isabella his niece, who’s having a sixth birthday party which will be at Max’s science museum. Max and Devon are a sweet couple, their chemistry is strong, hot and sexy. The words flowed and loveable characters this was an easy read, left me smiling.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book, lots of fun and humour.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this story of an adorable geek falling for the sexy famous actor he meets at a sci-fi convention. Max is sweet, loyal, and kind. I love everything about him. Devon is determined to keep their status from becoming a relationship, since he is convinced that he has to keep his bisexuality a secret from the media. There are times I feel angry with Devon, but I also understand his actions, based on his fears. I love both little girls in the story, as well as Devon's sister and Max's closest friends. This is a fun, sexy read, and I love the cute epilogue.

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very nice read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Max and Devon.

I really loved Max, he was sweet, giving, talented, down to earth and great.
I liked Devon, he was growly, take charge and wonderful with his family. I just wanted to shake him a little at times for his stubbornness, even though I understood where he was coming from.

The ending was very sweet and rounded the story perfectly

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It’s a familiar trope, the famous character (Devon) with trust issues and the average guy (Matt) being made to pay for them. The personalities these two have keep the story moving, the secondary characters add a bit of sparkle, the kids add the fun. I wanted to shake Devon towards the end for his stubbornness but the HEA was satisfying.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that left you with a nice feeling after your read them. The love story between Max and Devon is refreshingly sweet and funny, with a lot of romance and hot scenes. It showed us how being yourself and accepting you as you are is the first step to love and be loved. Nice reading!!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, sweet, poignant, grab-you-by-the-feels, charming, delightful, engaging, sexy, and totally awesome story. Max and Devon are complete opposites from totally different worlds, but they fit together perfectly. I was hooked from beginning to end, and would recommend getting this gem ASAP.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I initially struggled to read this book, I'm glad I stuck through it.
Devon and Max were absolutely realistic as a couple and they had amazing chemistry.
Even though they have completely different backgrounds, I really enjoyed how well they meshed.
They were absolutely the epitome of sweet
together.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Off Camera. I loved the dynamics between "famous" Devon and "regular" guy Matt. I found it to be funny, sweet, sexy and romantic.
This was a fast read and a great way to spend the afternoon.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, funny, sexy, and romantic book about two Devon and Max. They come from two different worlds but they make work. They have great chemistry together and I love how Devon interacts with sister and niece. The book had my attention from start to finish and I truly enjoyed.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off Camera by Wendy Qualls is a standalone contemporary m/m romance. It is sweet, sexy, and fun.i love Devon and Max together, they made me smile. The story was entertaining and kept my attention.

[Bethany Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I preordered the book and was so excited to read it. Off Camera did not disappoint. I loved it! I enjoyed reading Max and Devon’s story. The chemistry between the characters was both sweet and sexy.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute read. Devin and Max are sweet together. This story just made me smile and I just love that about this one. I definitely enjoyed this story.

[Modwena Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devon is a down to earth movie star who bumps into Max at a convention and immediately feels drawn to the other man. Staying in town to help out with his niece gives him the perfect opportunity to get to know Max better. The pair set about organising a birthday party and attraction takes over.

[Mac Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Famous movie star meets nerdy museum owner, not your usual pair but these boys are great together. Smouldering bedroom scenes, there should be a warning as to how hot the things Devon says are, I was not prepared!
The inner turmoil Devon was going through was well written I could really feel his struggle trying to work out what to do, poor Max my heart bled for him.
Very enjoyable book.