The Otto Digmore Decision

Otto Digmore #2

by Brent Hartinger

"If we get caught, they'll throw us in jail. On the other hand, we'll have been involved in one of the craziest Hollywood stories I've ever heard, and maybe someone will want to turn that into a movie!"

Otto Digmore is back, still trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood (despite his facial scars), but frustrated by all the schemers who'll stab you in the back to get ahead. But then Otto's good friend Russel Middlebrook sells a screenplay, a heist movie set in the Middle Ages — and Otto has been cast in an important supporting role! For twelve weeks, Otto and Russel will be on location together in England and Malta.

Problem is, once production is underway, it quickly becomes clear that the director is ruining Russel's script. If the movie ends up being the bomb that both Otto and Russel expect it to be, it could ruin both their Hollywood careers forever.

But Otto and Russel aren't willing to take that chance. Together, they hatch a crazy plan to make a good movie behind the director's back. But how far are they willing to go to save their careers? Are they willing to become exactly the kind of scheming backstabbers they always said they hated? And what if Otto and Russel disagree?

Regardless of the answer, The Otto Digmore Decision proves the old adage about creative pursuits: that the most interesting drama always happens behind the scenes!

Genres: M M Contemporary, LGBT, Fiction, New Adult, M M Romance, Young Adult

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2020

About the author

I am Brent Hartinger, a novelist and screenwriter. I’ve published fourteen novels and had two of my books turned into feature films — with several more movies still in the works. One of my movies even co-starred SUPERMAN's David Corenswet.

I try hard to write books that are page-turners and commercial (and movies that are fast-paced and accessible). If I had to describe my own writing projects, I would say, “Strong central concept, strong plot, strong character and voice. Not artsy, self-indulgent, or pretentious, but still thoughtful and smart with something to say.”

I mostly write YA books — LGBTQ and thrillers, sometimes LGBTQ thrillers. My first novel, GEOGRAPHY CLUB (2003) was one of the first in a new wave of break-out LGBTQ young adult fiction, and it was adapted as a feature film in 2013.

My latest book is INFINITE DRIFT (2025), a mind-bending YA supernatural thriller with a bonkers bisexual love triangle.

Here are all my books:

STANDALONE BOOKS
* Infinite Drift
* Project Pay Day
* Three Truths and a Lie
* Grand & Humble
* Shadow Walkers

THE OTTO DIGMORE SERIES
* The Otto Digmore Difference (book 1)
* The Otto Digmore Decision (book 2)

RUSSEL MIDDLEBROOK: THE FUTON YEARS
* The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know (book #1)
* Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams (book #2)
* The Road to Amazing (book #3)

THE RUSSEL MIDDLEBROOK SERIES
* Geography Club (book #1)
* The Order of the Poison Oak (book #2)
* Double Feature: Attack of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies/Bride of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies (book #3)
* The Elephant of Surprise (book #4)

I answer all questions, so feel free to contact me on social media, or through my website: BrentHartinger.com

Cheers!

Brent Hartinger

Reviews

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was so happy when Brent Hartinger sent me an email that a new Otto Digmore book was being published! I remember being really fond of the first book and I couldn't wait to read this one too. This book made me remember why I loved the first book so much and I enjoyed every second of this second book. I'm sure I'll read more by Brent Hartinger in the future.

A longer review can be found at BiteIntoBooks

This series only contains two books, because Brent Hartinger wrote that this is the final book. It's easy to read and I totally recommend people to pick up these two books. I can't imagine that people won't fall in love with Otto!

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second of Otto's books finds him still a struggling actor, looking hard for parts. His burn scars mean he tends to get called for only certain roles, and he's not having a lot of luck. But his best friend Russel Middlebrook has written a Middle-Ages caper movie that is actually going into production, and in it Russel has written a character specifically with Otto in mind. For once, he's the top contender for a part, and one with emotional resonance for him.

But the director on the project turns out to have gotten his job in traditional Hollywood "who you know, not how good you are" fashion. He seems intent on turning the movie into one more stale, snarky carbon copy of past mediocre efforts. For both guys, it's heartbreaking to think this big chance will be turned into dreck in the hands of someone who isn't even malicious, just incompetent, but who holds all the power.

They aren't the only ones in the cast and crew noticing, or hoping for a better outcome. And so Operation Get Around the Director is agreed upon. But there's no guarantee it will have any effect on the final film, and it just might end both their careers.

This was fun, touching at times, frustrating in a familiar way to anyone who has worked under an incompetent boss, and in the end satisfying. This is a buddy book, not a romance - neither man's significant other is really on the pages, and it's Otto's friendship with Russel that is highlighted here. I enjoyed seeing both these guys again, particularly Otto, loved some of the little twists, and look forward to seeing more of Russel in an upcoming series.

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Otto Digmore Decision
By Brent Hartinger
Published by BK Books, 2020
Five stars

“We all finally have the treasure we so desperately wanted, and it isn’t the gold in our saddlebags.”

The end of one series, which is linked to previous series, and will be followed by yet another series – that’s something to make a reader like me happy.

I fell in love with Russel Middlebrook way back at the beginning with “The Geography Club,” which I bought in 2010, the year I got my first Kindle for my 55th birthday. Then I embraced Otto Digmore when he appeared in “The Order of the Poison Oak.” My entrée into LGBT books (or, I guess, my second, digital entrée, since I’d read lots of gay lit in the 1970s and 80s) was through YA novels, and specifically through Brent Hartinger’s books. Hartinger’s unique backlist, allowing us to watch Russel and his friends grow up (as my own children have grown up) is a group of stories I treasure.

This isn’t the end of Otto Digmore, but the end of his series, and a kind of culmination of Hartinger’s look at young gay men coping with and living in Hollywood. Like all the books in this series, there is a mixture of humor, tender emotion, and philosophical consideration. The characters think, and thus they make you think (this is a good technique for YA books, but oddly enough, it works on adult readers too). Otto is a great guy – but a human guy, with flaws and selfishness and insecurity – just we all are.

This book is an adventure, a caper-within-a-caper, a Hollywood story about a movie being made. Just from that perspective it’s instructional and fascinating. However, it’s also about young people breaking into the exclusive club that pretends it’s not a club; a club that is stacked against women and LGBT folk and anyone who’s not male and white. It has been this way for a century now, and in spite of visible changes, it hasn’t changed enough. Hartinger takes us there, through the eyes of Otto Digmore, and leaves us emotionally satisfied, but also a little drained.

I hate Hollywood. As an aging gay man who’s seen the world change in unexpected ways, I am ever conscious that Hollywood is not quite as bad as it used to be, but is still much worse that it ought to be. I feel for Otto Digmore and Russel Middleboork, because they are my children, historically, and they’re still struggling with the things I struggled with and fought against thirty years ago. Sitting in my home under quarantine, with the current global and national political realities, I can’t help but feel disappointed. Wonderfully, and horribly, all of my old-man angst is reflected in the bright, beautiful hearts of Otto and Russel. They make me sad, and they give me hope at the same time.

I am ready for the journey to continue. More than ever, Brent Hartinger is an author whose presence in the world matters.

[Molly Ringle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read this in advance, and it was so much fun! I'm always fascinated with behind-the-scenes stories of acting and filmmaking, and this book delivers, though Hollywood's business practices definitely do not come off looking good.

Two friends, a screenwriter (Russel) and an actor (Otto), both of whom arrived in L.A. with starry-eyed hope the way everyone does, quickly learn how rough and mean the film industry is. Otto especially feels it, since as someone with highly noticeable scars on his face, he's considered difficult to cast by all those image-obsessed producers.

Then when they finally do get a movie into production, written by Russel and with Otto as one of the main actors, the outlook is still bleak, because the director keeps making terrible artistic decisions. So though Russel and Otto are good guys to their cores, they begin to realize that for the sake of their own artistic integrity, they might have to pull something of a heist.

Naturally I'm biased as a fellow writer and underdog, but I truly felt for these guys and was cheering for their success the whole way, even if they had to be underhanded at times to achieve it. Maybe especially then, because that's juicy to read! I loved the cast as a whole (except the obvious despicable ones)--the fellow actors, the crew, the friends at home trying to do their best to help their loved ones. They were funny, sometimes sweet, sometimes snarky, and entirely easy to relate to.

I look forward to more adventures from these characters!

[Forever Young Adult]

Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: More Mature
Drinking Buddy: Champagne
MPAA Rating: R (nudity, adult situations, strong language)
Talky Talk: Power Bottom
Bonus Factors: Movie Making, Disfigurement
Bromance Status: Digital Nomads

Read the full book report here.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars for ‘The Otto Digmore Decision’ by Brent Hartinger.

I had not read any of Mr. Hartinger’s books before, and certainly had not heard of Otto Digmore, but I’m so glad I know them both now.

This wonderful novel is filled with likable - even lovable - characters lead by unemployed actor Otto Digmore and his long-time friend, aspiring screen writer Russel Middlebrook.

Early in the novel another character, Mo Foster, a young woman whom Otto met when she was hitch-hiking in Texas, sets up the thesis for the book when she says, ‘They say that people are the sum total of our experiences, and it’s true. But what they don’t say is that it’s not the experiences that define us. It’s the choices we make after they happen.’

As Otto and Russell set out to ruthlessly rewrite the rules of Hollywood, this novel of choices, friendship, love, skullduggery, and good vs evil, becomes a terrific read. Even with a slightly contrived solution, the final result is more than satisfying.

Thanks to NetGalley I was able to read an advance copy of Brent Hartinger’s ‘The Otto Digmore Decision’. I’ll look forward to reading more of Brent Hartinger’s work.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, quick read.

The two main characters Otto and Russel are back to continue their adventures, and progress their careers, this time in the world of Hollywood films.

The main characters are well drawn and engaging, but some of the lesser characters, in particular the film director less so.

The storyline is engaging, though nothing particularly different to other stories, having said that though it is well paced, and definitely pushes you through the story.

I look forward to reading the further adventures of these two.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Robbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story line was good, but it was a little slow.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this took me on a fun, unexpected adventure with Otto, Russel and their many willing cohorts along the way. Best friends, an actor and a screenwriter find strength and growing self acceptance through their journey and through each other. The Otto Digmore Decision has a prominent LGBTQ slant, but it is just one of the many interesting aspects of the book. Probably more front and center to its main core, is an inside peek in to the film industry.

I didn't realize this book was connected to a series of books until after I had finished it. It reads really well as a standalone book all on its own. Is it adult fiction or YA fiction? Though there is some 'adult' content, author Brent Hartinger's style here felt (and came across) very much like a YA novel. Easy reading, entertaining while not adopting a complicated narrative.

I really liked the friendship aspects of the story. I also liked that the characters were not just one dimensional and were motivated to take risks. The story pushes the edges of believability at times -- but that made it all the more fun.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Matt Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading this book. As a fan of the series, I was so happy to see one of my favorite characters get his own spin-off. This is the second story featuring Otto and I really enjoyed it. This time around, Otto (the actor) and Russel (the screenwriter) are working together on a big Hollywood movie. We get to see the struggle that not only Otto faces as an actor because he’s “different” but also Russel and the butchering of his script. This is definitely one not to miss!

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otto Digmore is an actor in Hollywood, and he has a strong friendship with his long-time pal, Russel Middlebrook, who is a screenwriter. Otto and Russel with summer camp boyfriends way back in the day, but Russel is married to his high school sweetheart, and Otto has a long-term boyfriend, who is also his agent. They are both stunned and elated when one of Russel's screenplays gets picked up by a studio. Ruseel had specifically written a part of the hero with Otto in mind, because Otto has some serious facial and body scarring from a fire in his youth. It's hard for Otto to get parts because he's not the classically-handsome Hollywood actor--and he's still got to audition for the part.

And, beyond his wildest dreams, Otto gets the role. It seems as if Otto and Russel are finally making their way in the tough business of movies...until filming begins. The cast is tight, really quality people who are up for the mad-cap hijinks of Russel's Middle Ages caper script, but the directer is messing it all up. A crony given the directing job based on patronage and familial ties, Otto sees the poignant bits of his role being ditched for slap-stick and cheap laughs. It's disheartening to the cast and crew, who have become a unit allied against the directors lack of vision.

Otto, as the underdog hero, has a hard line to walk. If his director's vision is realized, no one will consider this film as worthy of anything, thereby torching Russel's screenwriting career and his acting career in the process. They are too new on the scene to withstand the professional fall out, not like some of the veterans in the cast and crew. It's risky, but they hope filming the scenes as Russel intended will give the director more to work with in the editing phase--and that's really when the movie and be salvaged. Otto channels the cast and crew to film scenes in ways that go against the director's superficial staging, but that's not the end of this caper. Nope, the director can still make it a mess with poor editing--and Otto has to decide how far he is willing to go to salvage what could be the most defining performance of his career.

This is a buddy caper, not a romance, with lots of help from sympathetic parties. Otto and Russel are the best of friends, and the difference in their compensation, location housing, and treatment reveals the distinction between writers and talent in Hollywood. Likewise, the risks to Otto are greater, if things go wrong and he's caught tanking with the director. Let's say that the director is mainly just incompetent--not particularly malicious--but he believes his incompetent work is superior not based on the cronyism that artificially elevated him, and that false entitlement brings in more narcissistic decision-making down the road. It's also a fun behind-the-camera peek at Hollywood's good and bad sides. I really enjoyed spending time with Otto and Russel again, though this story is all about Otto and his professional and personal insecurities. He is distinctly human, and his weaknesses resound beyond his singular character. I really enjoyed this story, though the end felt a bit rushed. The end is, however, mostly positive, and I eagerly turned the pages to ensure Russel and Otto get their happy (platonic) ending.

[Isaiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.

I got an ARC of this book.

I have been reading Hartinger since I was in late middle school/early high school. I even met him once when he was presenting at the True Colors Conference. I doubt he will remember me, but meeting him was the highlight of my year that year. I literally came out as trans that day to all of my friends and started my social transition, but meeting Hartinger beat that. I still have the temporary tattoos he handed out. I am that level of a fan.

This book shows that the boys really are growing up. I was skeptical of leaving Russel behind. I grew up with Russel. I love Russel. I am so emotionally invested in Russel. Seeing Otto though is something I am glad I got to do. Otto was my favorite partner for Russel. I could write a very convincing essay on why Otto/Russel is better than Kevin/Russel, just saying.

Otto’s story has a theme of body acceptance, but also one of don’t given in to others. Otto has to confront both his feelings over his body and the feelings others have for his body. I know that getting validation from a partner and it not being internalized is a no-no is the body positivity movement, but Otto had those moments where his own acceptance of his body came partially from his experiences with Russel. I can related to this so hard. Sometimes having someone be attracted to you, not despite parts of you, but those parts being included can give that spark towards feeling pride and acceptance. It helps quiet those voices. There were so many scenes where Otto’s feelings broke my heart and I understood him so intensely that I almost didn’t miss Russel.

The plot is really interesting for most of the book. The ending gets a bit ridiculous. It feels like Hartinger hasn’t fully pulled himself out of writing YA. The book does read as a bit older, but it still follows the YA formula. I am hoping that the next series is a bit more mature, which means I will be reading the next series. Of course I will. Hartinger has hooked me and he did something so many authors haven’t. His characters have grown the right amount to keep up with me. When Russel was just coming out, so was I. When they were living on their own, so was I. It made the stories and the characters feel more like home and more real for me. This book felt less like home, but it also hit me at exactly the right time in my life.

Overall, the book is fun. The characters are unique and wonderful. There are call backs to other books that happen a bit too frequently. I don’t need the constant reminders that Otto and Russel dated, both because I remember and because it is rubbing it in my face that my couple didn’t make it.

As always, Min deserves more attention. She was always my favorite character. I hope that she gets her own book or series or maybe just a bigger role. This should just be added to every review and thought I have on Hartinger’s work, even the books that aren’t related. Min should just be in them.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bittersweet novel blew me away! Scarred actor Otto Digmore finally wins a supporting part in a major film when his friend, screenwriter Russel Middlebrook, writes him the perfect role and advocates for his inclusion. Russel’s script is thoughtful and nuanced, unlike the director who seems hellbent on making the worst movie in history. So Otto, with the help of Russel and other concerned cast and crew, decide to reshoot the pivotal scenes behind the director’s back. This was such an interesting premise and further explored the journey of Otto’s self-acceptance of his scars and body image that began in The Otto Digmore Difference. This is definitely gay fiction, not a m/m romance, Otto is in a committed gay relationship which has little bearing on the story. I’ve loved Otto as a mostly noble character, struggling against the odds in Hollywood and I’ve also loved the hugely supportive friendship between Russel and Otto - it’s the antidote to the bad things happening around them. I also appreciated Otto’s failings and humanity, I could relate. Audio narrator Michael Crouch always gives a thoughtful, heartfelt performance and he matched the tone of the book perfectly here.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

So the advise to any aspiring author is to write what you know; while sometimes it can create insightful views into an otherwise unseen aspect of human experience, it can also be alienating in its insular nepotism. Brent Hartinger strongly highlights that his experience if the film making machine of Hollywood is not the centre of the world in this, and in some of his other works (especially the other in this Otto Digmore series, "The Otto Digmore Decision") however, from these books, it is hard to see much more of the real world outside this bubble.
While being a good view into that world, especially through marginalised eyes, fans of Brent Hartinger's other significant works (particularly the Russel Middlebrook series' for Young Adult and Adult readers) if being happy with the re use of familiar characters, may miss a guttural response to the existential angst that the drama displays.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review:
This book was so much fun to listen to! And the plot!

Otto has finally made it! His best friend, Russell, has written the perfect script with a role designed just for him. Which roles have been hard to come for, because Otto has scars on the side of his face that make him unappealing to hire for anything aside from monster roles and things that would terrify children.

But he finally has a chance! An audition!
...A horrible director who takes Russell's vision and is ruining it!
In a story within a story, that mirrors real life (or something like that) the cast and crew must do whatever they can to save the movie. All without the director noticing.

I would love another Otto book, though this one ended brilliantly.
Narrator was great!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is incredibly insightful and has the ability to explain those insights through the character's dialogue and behaviour in a way that any reader can understand. This is not a romance. It is a story about best friends. And while each MC is in a serious relationship with another man (not the same one) the partners play a very small role. Some may find the ending premise a little bleak but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. I love how the author explains Otto's feelings about how others view his disability. As a disabled woman, I couldn't agree more. Hopefully it will have an impact on how able-bodied readers see us and how we sometimes see ourselves.

[Jeb Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite series

First and foremost I love all the different Russel Middlebrook series. They are so easy to binge read and the Otto Digmore series is no different.

This story, similar to the first in the series, follows a whimsical movie plot path that you’re given bits at a time and they really translate well with what the characters are going through. It is impossible not to cheer on Otto and Russel throughout the story and it’s crazy twists and turns.

Otto is one of the author’s favorite characters to write and he’s been a favorite of mine as well since he’s first been introduced. I can’t wait to read their continued adventures.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved seeing the character arch come to a full completion on this book. I have read and continue to read Brent Hartinger, because of his ability to draw the reader in, engaging them in the world he has established. I loved the story and acceptance of Otto's self identity. The movie set as a background helped to illustrate the complexities of Otto's life, while also giving an inside look into some of the issues in filmmaking. I do hope Brent decides to bring the character back in a future installment of his own. I would recommend this to anyone who liked Mr. Hartinger's other books and those who enjoy seeing behind the curtain of movie making.

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in a lot of ways the previous book is more complex and serious, I found I liked this follow up a lot more.

I think the narration on the audible production is solid but I never loved the vocal performance. For a character whose profession is performance, I thought the delivery was a little monotonous in tone, just a bit too sombre.

However, niggles aside I really enjoyed listening to this and found myself rooting for Otto and Russell.

[JT · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a lot going on here behind the scenes of a movie and beyond Hollywood itself. The way the author was telling this story has opened my eyes about pretty much everything. And of course the characters were just as great as the story. I love this series. I love the growth of all the characters that we been following for years.

[Brett Nell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Characters

The Otto Digmore Decision was a fantastic read. While the book was centered around Otto it made me fall in love with Russel all over again. I am incredibly excited for the noise years! Thank you Brent for having such great characters and stories!

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still hate Russel Middlebrook.

[Will Haydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honored to have been a beta reader for a couple of the books in this series! I've loved them since high school.

[BRG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost a DNF. Otto’s incessant whining and second guessing made for a mind numbing read.

[Rafal Nycz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. I hope it will be more of Otto and Russel.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otto is an old friend and it was good to catch up with him and his quest for success in Hollywood.

[Nein · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would have been stronger if it had concluded with the first book. However, as a fan of Russel Middlebrook, I remain eager to read anything involving his character. While I understand that some events in the story may stretch plausibility, I'm not particularly fond of such fallacies. The story failed to capture my excitement and did not entice me to eagerly turn the next page. Nevertheless, Russel continues to amaze me, and I eagerly anticipate the upcoming 'Nomad Year' book.

[Victoria Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading The Otto Digmore Decision, by Brent Hartinger and was surprised by how easy it flowed. I didn't realize this book was connected to a series of books until after I had finished it. It can be read as a standalone book, but I plan on reading the 1st book now for more insight into the main characters.

This book takes us in an adventure with best friends Otto and Russell. Russell writes a script to give both him and Otto the break they’ve been waiting for... a Hollywood movie. I really liked the way these two friends always had each others backs. All of the characters were relatable and took some heavy risks to make sure Russell's script came across true to its word.

Along with all of the "behind the scenes" look at the film industry we watch as Otto struggles as an actor because of his scars and he's not happy about the Director's changes to Russell's script.

The storyline kept my interest from beginning to end. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley I was able to read an advance copy of Brent Hartinger’s ‘The Otto Digmore Decision’. I’ll look forward to reading more of Brent Hartinger’s work

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I had started reading this book for review and the same day the ebook released, so did the audio. Being a fan of audiobooks and an even bigger fan of the narrator Michael Crouch, I picked up the audio so I could finish the book sooner. I must admit it’s more convenient for me to listen while I run errands and clean house. The narrator is one of my favorites, and with the story being a good one, it was completely a win-win situation.

In the Russel Middlebrook series that came out before Otto’s series, the story was a coming of age story, a coming out story, and a lot about Russel finding someone to share those experiences. Otto was one of the people who came into Russel’s life for a brief but memorable relationship before Russel settled down. The friendship between Otto and Russel fell by the wayside for some time until Russel moved to L.A. where Otto happened to be living at the time. The friendship got new life and ta-da, Otto got to have his own series. Otto does happen to meet someone and begins a relationship in the first book of this series. But again, the emphasis on this series seems to be the friendship that started in the very first series by this author.

In this book, one of Russel’s screenplays is finally picked up and greenlit for production. He’s not gonna let his close friend Otto miss out on a chance to shine and on his recommendation, Otto auditions and gets his first big screen role. It is looking good for the two friends. But once production starts, things get all sorts of crazy. The director doesn’t seem to have the right vision for the film Russel wrote and is determined to make Otto’s character one to pity because of the facial and body scars that the actor came by authentically. A few others grumble about the direction that the film is going and then life mirrors the movie when the group of actors and production hijack the film to do it justice.

There are some funny moments, and some nerve-wracking moments where you think they might get caught. Through it all, Otto and Russel are there for each other and their friendship gets even stronger. I’ll be honest, there is a part of me that would like a little bit more romance, but that is only because I am a romance lover. Both Russel’s husband and Otto’s boyfriend are barely present in this plot. Russel’s old friends, Min and Gunner, probably have more of a cameo. (p.s. I was so happy to see them again) On a more objective note, sometimes a good friendship and a good friendship story are just as important as a romance, and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.

In the end, I feel like these two characters achieved what they set out for. Otto has what it takes to stay in Hollywood, and Russel realizes living there isn’t what’s right for him. It is almost a little bittersweet, but I believe that the separation won’t take the same toll on the friends as it did when they were much younger. Russel’s life is about to mirror reality as he and his husband become digital nomads, which is how the author and his husband live. I smiled at that, but for now I will hope the author will revisit Otto and Russel in the future. It’s a great series about friendship and life that I really recommend.

9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Conflict is what creates drama. The more conflict actors find, the more interesting the performance.” ~ Michael Shurtleff

Otto Digmore, of ‘The Otto Digmore Decision’ by Brent Hartinger, has wanted to be an actor for most of his life. Unfortunately, due to an accident with fire when he was young, he is having trouble getting parts. He sees all the games that go on around him in the business and is frustrated. Unless he resigns to playing monsters or zombies for his entire career, he needs to find a way to level the playing field.

When his best friend, Russel, who is a screenwriter, writes a part just for him, and the movie is picked up by a studio, they both see it as their possible big break. Auditions are never easy, but they are especially difficult for Otto. However, when he goes to audition for Russel’s play, he’s amazed when they act like he already has the part. Otto knows that everyone will be staring at his scars. He attempts to put them at ease by making a joke about them and the assistant director soon has everyone laughing with him. The assistant director, who seems like the ‘snake in the grass’ that Otto and Russel have been discussing, intends to embarrass Otto and Russell by telling everyone that the part was written for him, claiming nepotism, but Otto turns it around on him by telling everyone himself.

Otto is appalled by the way Russel is treated: inferior lodging, food, and consideration in general. Otto finds ways to help him have a better time while they are on location, without rubbing in what he has access to as a main character in the movie. Still, Otto feels bad at the disparity. Even in the middle of living their dream they are still subjected to the inequality and preferential treatment provided the big stars as opposed to the little people. It has little to do with how hard you work, or how good you are, and everything with being in the right place at the right time. Russel shrugs it off, but it makes Otto exceedingly sad, yet he doesn’t know how to change it.

Being on location is as exciting as it is tiring, but being with Russel is a huge plus for Otto. He cares for him deeply and enjoys being with him. Otto makes friends with most of the cast. They start to notice that the director has little or no idea what he is doing. It distresses everyone so much that they band together in secret – including the main star, who is famous enough to have his own entourage – and make plans as to how to improve the film so they don’t all look inept. They come up with a risky plan, that, if it works, will save their careers; if not, may end them. Going behind the director’s back is dangerous, but it’s a chance they feel that they have to take.

It was great to see Otto and Russell back together again, continuing their adventures. Their friendship is inspiring; it is clear that it reaches a new, clearer level in this story. I’m looking forward to reading more about this awesome pair. Thanks, Brent!

OTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews