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Black Stallion Studios #2
Key Grip
For Grant Hardy, the closet is a lonely place.
And Black Stallions Studios’ straight-acting stud wants out of gay p*rn.
But when Grant’s father’s gambling addiction jeopardizes his grandmother’s home, Grant’s forced to keep working to bail her out.
Can he f*ck his way into solvency?
Sebastian Stavros wants to prove himself to his uncle, the owner of Black Stallion Studios. To be taken seriously, he must keep his pants on and his hands off the talent.
Easier said than done.
Grant and Sebastian’s secret attraction can no longer be denied, and when their affair renders Grant unable to perform, everything he’s worked so hard for is at stake.
Will the truth set him free to love the man he wants?
Or will his family suffer the consequences?
And Black Stallions Studios’ straight-acting stud wants out of gay p*rn.
But when Grant’s father’s gambling addiction jeopardizes his grandmother’s home, Grant’s forced to keep working to bail her out.
Can he f*ck his way into solvency?
Sebastian Stavros wants to prove himself to his uncle, the owner of Black Stallion Studios. To be taken seriously, he must keep his pants on and his hands off the talent.
Easier said than done.
Grant and Sebastian’s secret attraction can no longer be denied, and when their affair renders Grant unable to perform, everything he’s worked so hard for is at stake.
Will the truth set him free to love the man he wants?
Or will his family suffer the consequences?
252 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2019
24 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Tharp
34 books132 followersVicki Tharp makes her home on small acreage in south Texas with her husband and an embarrassing number of pets. When she isn’t writing or you can usually find her on the back of her horse—avoiding anything that remotely resembles housework—smelling of fly spray, and horse sweat.
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January 20, 2020
RATING 4.5 STARS
Key Grip is book two in the Black Stallion Studios series by Vicki Tharp. I loved the first book, One Shot, so much and have been so excited to read this next book.
Grant Hardy was one of the most popular actors employed by Black Stallion Studios which is a gay porn studio. Black Stallion only employed straight actors for their videos. As a result, Grant kept his truth hidden in the closet. Because if they found out the truth, then he would lose all the residuals that he lived on. Grant has left his acting career behind. His passion is his Center for at risk kids. He has poured everything he has into keeping the center going. But then Grant found out that his good for nothing father gambled away his grandmother’s money, putting her home at risk for foreclosure. The only answer is for Grant to go back to work for the studio.
Sebastian Stavros is the nephew of the owner of Black Stallion Studios, Niko. Seb works day and night trying to prove himself worthy of the opportunity his uncle has given him. But with Grant back in the studio, it’s making it more and more difficult. Because Seb has kept hidden a long time crush on Grant. What Sebastian doesn’t know is that Grant feels the very same way.
These two finally give in to the attraction they have for one another. But the risk is too high. If Niko or anyone finds out, Grant could lose the only way he has to save his Grandma’s home and also to keep the center open. When a teenager with a chip on his shoulder comes into Grant’s life needing guidance, it further complicates things.
This was such a good book. These two both struggled with their feelings. I loved Grant and my heart was breaking for the burden he carried on his shoulders. I just wanted him to be happy. His grandmother was adorable by the way.
I enjoyed this so much and I can’t wait to finish the series with Niko and Vin’s book, Best Boy.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Key Grip is book two in the Black Stallion Studios series by Vicki Tharp. I loved the first book, One Shot, so much and have been so excited to read this next book.
Grant Hardy was one of the most popular actors employed by Black Stallion Studios which is a gay porn studio. Black Stallion only employed straight actors for their videos. As a result, Grant kept his truth hidden in the closet. Because if they found out the truth, then he would lose all the residuals that he lived on. Grant has left his acting career behind. His passion is his Center for at risk kids. He has poured everything he has into keeping the center going. But then Grant found out that his good for nothing father gambled away his grandmother’s money, putting her home at risk for foreclosure. The only answer is for Grant to go back to work for the studio.
Sebastian Stavros is the nephew of the owner of Black Stallion Studios, Niko. Seb works day and night trying to prove himself worthy of the opportunity his uncle has given him. But with Grant back in the studio, it’s making it more and more difficult. Because Seb has kept hidden a long time crush on Grant. What Sebastian doesn’t know is that Grant feels the very same way.
These two finally give in to the attraction they have for one another. But the risk is too high. If Niko or anyone finds out, Grant could lose the only way he has to save his Grandma’s home and also to keep the center open. When a teenager with a chip on his shoulder comes into Grant’s life needing guidance, it further complicates things.
This was such a good book. These two both struggled with their feelings. I loved Grant and my heart was breaking for the burden he carried on his shoulders. I just wanted him to be happy. His grandmother was adorable by the way.
I enjoyed this so much and I can’t wait to finish the series with Niko and Vin’s book, Best Boy.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 18, 2019
I love Key Grip from the start. The second book of Vicki Tharp's Black Stallion Studios, this is a fantastic read.
I have a soft spot in my heart for porn stars finding romance and this one didn't disappoint. It's a tender story of finding love.
Key Grip is a lot of fun, as Grant is gay, but has always said he was gay-for-pay. He's firmly stuck in the closet, and he's in a spot where he can't be connected to porn, least he'll lose his lgbt center. But he needs money and he needs it now. In other words, Grant's in a no win situation. Not only does he show up at the porn studio again, he also has to avoid the relationship he wants with Sebastion.
Grant's long liked Sebastian, but he can't take a chance and risk his center.
Damn, I love Grant and Sebastion. They have some steamy chemistry and are full of passion. Not only are they hot and sexy together, they are also heavy on the emotions.
A closeted gay porn star? I love this unique idea. The author excels in carrying this out in a way that makes complete sense. I love the writing style, and a thoroughly impressed.
In addition to the main storyline, there's an emotional secondary storyline involving Tavi, a homeless teen. This part of the story is beautifully done.
Overall, this story has a lot going on. Grant has his share of struggles, fighting between his heart and his head. Sebastian struggles with his career versus his heart, as well as his self esteem issues. And then there's Tavi, who's problems are many.
Holy shit, I seriously love Key Grip. It's a marvelous forbidden romance mixed with a whole lot of confusion and tough decisions. It's a beautiful story of family and making one's own family. It's one of those rare compelling books that make me want to re-read it immediately.
I have a soft spot in my heart for porn stars finding romance and this one didn't disappoint. It's a tender story of finding love.
Key Grip is a lot of fun, as Grant is gay, but has always said he was gay-for-pay. He's firmly stuck in the closet, and he's in a spot where he can't be connected to porn, least he'll lose his lgbt center. But he needs money and he needs it now. In other words, Grant's in a no win situation. Not only does he show up at the porn studio again, he also has to avoid the relationship he wants with Sebastion.
Grant's long liked Sebastian, but he can't take a chance and risk his center.
Damn, I love Grant and Sebastion. They have some steamy chemistry and are full of passion. Not only are they hot and sexy together, they are also heavy on the emotions.
A closeted gay porn star? I love this unique idea. The author excels in carrying this out in a way that makes complete sense. I love the writing style, and a thoroughly impressed.
In addition to the main storyline, there's an emotional secondary storyline involving Tavi, a homeless teen. This part of the story is beautifully done.
Overall, this story has a lot going on. Grant has his share of struggles, fighting between his heart and his head. Sebastian struggles with his career versus his heart, as well as his self esteem issues. And then there's Tavi, who's problems are many.
Holy shit, I seriously love Key Grip. It's a marvelous forbidden romance mixed with a whole lot of confusion and tough decisions. It's a beautiful story of family and making one's own family. It's one of those rare compelling books that make me want to re-read it immediately.
July 23, 2020
The relationship at the center of this book makes it totally worth the read. Grant and Sebastian have excellent chemistry, and their dynamic is both hot and sweet. Grant is a lot-- emotionally he’s a tangled mess, but there are really compelling reasons, skillfully enough described, that made my reactions to all of his baggage and bad decisions sympathetic rather than simply annoyed. Sebastian is great, overall. He’s not perfect-- he can’t keep a secret to save his life, which isn’t ideal, given the circumstances, but he’s honest and smart and just so inherently decent that I want him as my new best friend.
While the plot doesn’t make any unexpected moves, it definitely brings some great nuance to familiar devices: I love that Sebastian is entirely unconflicted about Grant’s work in porn-- he thinks it’s hot, he gets that it’s a job, no angst required. Grant is the one who ultimately finds it problematic, for purely physical reasons, which nicely avoids the “jealous partner ends career” cliche. I also love Tavi, he could have been a total cliche, the street kid with the heart of gold, but he’s human enough, and snarky enough, that he feels real too.
*I received an ARC and voluntarily composed an unbiased review
While the plot doesn’t make any unexpected moves, it definitely brings some great nuance to familiar devices: I love that Sebastian is entirely unconflicted about Grant’s work in porn-- he thinks it’s hot, he gets that it’s a job, no angst required. Grant is the one who ultimately finds it problematic, for purely physical reasons, which nicely avoids the “jealous partner ends career” cliche. I also love Tavi, he could have been a total cliche, the street kid with the heart of gold, but he’s human enough, and snarky enough, that he feels real too.
*I received an ARC and voluntarily composed an unbiased review
August 30, 2020
2.5 Bored Stars...
This just bored me. Sebastian & Grant have the kind of relationship that makes me groan (not in a good way.)
Tavi the street hustler was more interesting!
Grant had opened an LGBTQ+ center for kids who need a safe place. Admirable and selfless. His grandmother made the mistake of giving money to her son, Grant's father, now she is in danger of losing her home. So, Grant goes back to Black Stallion studios to earn money to help her out. Only now, his crush on Sebastian means his erections are unreliable.
Sebastian makes a scheduling error with the porn stars & his butt is on the line. He begs Grant to help who says no at first but changes his mind.
200 pages later its hot & cold running emotions because Sebastian hates closeters & Grant had to come off straight for a paycheck.
I bought the next one on a deal. I will read it, hoping its better than this one.
This just bored me. Sebastian & Grant have the kind of relationship that makes me groan (not in a good way.)
Tavi the street hustler was more interesting!
Grant had opened an LGBTQ+ center for kids who need a safe place. Admirable and selfless. His grandmother made the mistake of giving money to her son, Grant's father, now she is in danger of losing her home. So, Grant goes back to Black Stallion studios to earn money to help her out. Only now, his crush on Sebastian means his erections are unreliable.
Sebastian makes a scheduling error with the porn stars & his butt is on the line. He begs Grant to help who says no at first but changes his mind.
200 pages later its hot & cold running emotions because Sebastian hates closeters & Grant had to come off straight for a paycheck.
I bought the next one on a deal. I will read it, hoping its better than this one.
January 1, 2025
as another reviewer said, makes no sense in any direction. I don't find the actions or reactions of any of these people remotely like anything real humans would do. So much potential for real conflict overlooked in favour of manufactured non-sensical conflicts.
if you wanna read about two men having sex, this book has you covered.
if you wanna read about two men having sex, this book has you covered.
November 8, 2019
I have to say this is one of the easiest reviews I have written since I love this series. It’s also the hardest because I don’t feel I can give this story the justice it deserves.
Grant being stuck in the closet is heartbreaking. He has the biggest heart trying to do his best for the LGBTQ kids at his Cory’s Center. He has done his best to leave Black Stallion and then situations cause him to have to return. Sebastian Is the nephew and pa to the Black Stallion’s owner. He and Grant have both been hiding the attraction they have to each other. Since part of the requirements at the Black Stallion is to be straight this proves to put a wall up to the attraction. Grant can’t afford to loose the money. Sebastian don’t think he is good enough for Grant.
Tavi is a street guy who ends up in more trouble than he can deal with. He also throws a wrench into Grant’s life. Grant’s grandmother who is wonderful also is a major concern to Grant. Put all these situations and people together and it is heartbreaking to see Grant and Sebastian both suffering. Then they end up unable to not get together and that starts a whole new direction for their futures. This author has a way of writing the hottest sex. Even though the characters have much more between them than just the sex it’s hard to think these two can’t be together. There is so much more to this story and I can never set the book down once I start any in this series. I just hope the author keeps the stories coming.
Read
November 18, 2019Sebastian wrangles stars for his uncles porn studio. The major requirement to be a star at the studio is to be straight. Something Sebastian definitely isn’t.
Grant used to be one of the stars but left to devote his time to his after school LGBT program. He also spent a lot of time thinking about Sebastian but he was, after all, straight. When circumstances force him back into the movie business, he also gives in to his need for Sebastian.
This is the second book in the series and I thought it was a better book than the first one. The main characters are nice and supporting characters are strong personalities.
The main issue I have is that all the actors in the studio are supposed to be straight. I realize that this particular restriction is what propels the storyline forward. While I firmly believe an author can set any criteria for their stories I guess I’m just not behind this one.
This book was a 3.5 star for me, but because I liked the characters and style of writing, I upped it to a 4 star.
I received an arc of this book.
Grant used to be one of the stars but left to devote his time to his after school LGBT program. He also spent a lot of time thinking about Sebastian but he was, after all, straight. When circumstances force him back into the movie business, he also gives in to his need for Sebastian.
This is the second book in the series and I thought it was a better book than the first one. The main characters are nice and supporting characters are strong personalities.
The main issue I have is that all the actors in the studio are supposed to be straight. I realize that this particular restriction is what propels the storyline forward. While I firmly believe an author can set any criteria for their stories I guess I’m just not behind this one.
This book was a 3.5 star for me, but because I liked the characters and style of writing, I upped it to a 4 star.
I received an arc of this book.
November 6, 2019
Key Grip is the second book in the Black Stallion Studios series by Vicki Tharp. This book is hot, fun and entertaining. I am so excited for this series.
Grant Hardy quit Black Stallions Srtudio because the closet when he decided pretending to be a straight man doing gay porn was too exhausting a character to play. He is trying to get his after school rec center to be a success, when circumstances force him to dip back into the porn studio Waters. He needs the money the shoot will provide for his family... but will his attraction to studio employee Sebastian ruin his chance to make the needed funds? And will his work with Black Stallion risk his dream of the rec center?
This book has some surprises, suspense, drama, humor, steam and romance. It is a perfect addition to the series an tracks up the anticipation for more books. Loved it!
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation
Grant Hardy quit Black Stallions Srtudio because the closet when he decided pretending to be a straight man doing gay porn was too exhausting a character to play. He is trying to get his after school rec center to be a success, when circumstances force him to dip back into the porn studio Waters. He needs the money the shoot will provide for his family... but will his attraction to studio employee Sebastian ruin his chance to make the needed funds? And will his work with Black Stallion risk his dream of the rec center?
This book has some surprises, suspense, drama, humor, steam and romance. It is a perfect addition to the series an tracks up the anticipation for more books. Loved it!
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation
November 14, 2019
If you haven't read the previous book, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘁 yet,you really should. Not only because it's good,but also because it's how you can get a first glimpse of how Grant and Sebastian, the MC of 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗽,interact, of how much they're attracted to one another. Only now it's grown beyond attraction, it has become something stronger,deeper.
To me,the wonderful thing about 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗽 is that they're so much MORE in the story. So much more heartbreak, because of Grant's struggle between what he deems right, what he should do and what his soul wants,or because of Sebastian's need to push back his own wishes just to be with the man he loves. And,of course, because of Tavi's situation, his and all the other teens that have to live on the streets.
But Vicki Tharp did an amazing thing at fusing sadness with so much more laughter, friendship and family,with so much fun,hope and love. She did it in such a way that the book is an emotional, gripping and exciting reading experience. I loved it.
To me,the wonderful thing about 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗽 is that they're so much MORE in the story. So much more heartbreak, because of Grant's struggle between what he deems right, what he should do and what his soul wants,or because of Sebastian's need to push back his own wishes just to be with the man he loves. And,of course, because of Tavi's situation, his and all the other teens that have to live on the streets.
But Vicki Tharp did an amazing thing at fusing sadness with so much more laughter, friendship and family,with so much fun,hope and love. She did it in such a way that the book is an emotional, gripping and exciting reading experience. I loved it.
December 5, 2019
I had to hold off reviewing this one for a week to get my thoughts in order. The first thing that stuck with me is that I enjoyed this story much more than the first one. This one had a lot going on. Seb trying to prove himself to his uncle and after a scheduling mix up he needs a top star to fill in. As retire top star he needs money to save his grandmother's house and here comes Seb with a solution to his money problem. I did forget to mention that they are totally into each other.
Overall, Grant stubbornness nearly ruined the story for me. I honestly wish the "must be straight " clause in the contract needs to be tossed out. But I guess it adds to the drama/tension in the story. Nico's book is next and hopes he finds love but also does some business restructuring.
**This book was given to me free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, Grant stubbornness nearly ruined the story for me. I honestly wish the "must be straight " clause in the contract needs to be tossed out. But I guess it adds to the drama/tension in the story. Nico's book is next and hopes he finds love but also does some business restructuring.
**This book was given to me free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2019
DNF at 23%
I almost didn't rate this because it was just so bafflingly not for me but WHATEVER, 2 stars, this is boring, too nice about cops, and makes no sense in any direction. Way more of this book than I expected or wanted was about taking in a homeless 15 year old. Then, the romance is so weird! Grant is (partially) in the closet, and he's definitely not out to Sebastian. This could've been some great tension but there is just. zero. because they both keep acting as if it's not the case.
Twice in the first quarter of the book, Sebastian has climbed in Grant's lap and smooched him and been all ~I want you~ totally unprompted, and then they just...keep puttering along? Grant has literally no reaction. It's so weird. Extremely "show don't tell" problems.
IDK guys honestly it shouldn't have been so boring but it really, really was.
I almost didn't rate this because it was just so bafflingly not for me but WHATEVER, 2 stars, this is boring, too nice about cops, and makes no sense in any direction. Way more of this book than I expected or wanted was about taking in a homeless 15 year old. Then, the romance is so weird! Grant is (partially) in the closet, and he's definitely not out to Sebastian. This could've been some great tension but there is just. zero. because they both keep acting as if it's not the case.
Twice in the first quarter of the book, Sebastian has climbed in Grant's lap and smooched him and been all ~I want you~ totally unprompted, and then they just...keep puttering along? Grant has literally no reaction. It's so weird. Extremely "show don't tell" problems.
IDK guys honestly it shouldn't have been so boring but it really, really was.
December 16, 2019
Steamy AF story....I love everything about the Black Stallion Studios series. Grant had me intrigued in book one and I'm glad I took the time to read his story. He has so many layers and I loved the peeling of them throughout the story. And again...steamy AF.
December 8, 2019
Grant and Sebastian are adorable with their little family. Now I can’t wait for Niko and Vin’s book!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews