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Character Bleed #3
Steadfast
A love story for the ages! An intimate confession! An epic quest! And happily ever after on the horizon ...
Jason Mirelli loves Colby Kent. And Colby loves him. They’ve told the world. And Colby’s recovered from injury, so they’re back at work and back on set. Jason just might have everything he’s ever dreamed of, with a serious leading role, an epic love story, and Colby safe and happy in his arms -- but they only have two weeks of filming to go. He’s afraid of the dream falling apart, and he knows Colby has a secret to confess -- one that could transform both the ending of their movie and their future together.
Colby never got around to telling Jason his final secret before his accident on set. Now that he’s recovered, he plans to -- he wants to share his writing and his silent script doctor work with the man he loves. Besides, he’s rewritten this script to give their characters a proper happy ending. But he’s nervous about making changes to a classic novel, and he wants the author’s approval.
Colby’s hoping to seek out the famously reclusive author in question, but first he’ll need to trust Jason with this last piece of himself. If he can, he and Jason might finally find their happily-ever-after both on screen and off -- for their characters and for themselves.
Jason Mirelli loves Colby Kent. And Colby loves him. They’ve told the world. And Colby’s recovered from injury, so they’re back at work and back on set. Jason just might have everything he’s ever dreamed of, with a serious leading role, an epic love story, and Colby safe and happy in his arms -- but they only have two weeks of filming to go. He’s afraid of the dream falling apart, and he knows Colby has a secret to confess -- one that could transform both the ending of their movie and their future together.
Colby never got around to telling Jason his final secret before his accident on set. Now that he’s recovered, he plans to -- he wants to share his writing and his silent script doctor work with the man he loves. Besides, he’s rewritten this script to give their characters a proper happy ending. But he’s nervous about making changes to a classic novel, and he wants the author’s approval.
Colby’s hoping to seek out the famously reclusive author in question, but first he’ll need to trust Jason with this last piece of himself. If he can, he and Jason might finally find their happily-ever-after both on screen and off -- for their characters and for themselves.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
10 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 11, 2023
DNF ~6%
I really thought I was going to be able to read this one, but I couldn't even finish the first chapter. Frankly, this series dragged on WAY too long--this probably could have been condensed into two books instead of three and felt a lot tighter. Mostly, though, I just wasn't a fan of the way either of the main characters dealt with their issues, particularly together. This book starts off with Colby revealing a secret he's been keeping for the past two books, which has a marginal impact on Jason. Jason is understandably upset, not about the secret itself, but about the fact that Colby wasn't truthful with him and what that means, and the ways in which that brings up his own issues. He literally is not even given five minutes to process said feelings before Colby is having another of his many breakdowns and all of Jason's feelings are thrown by the wayside in favor of comforting Colby. It just didn't feel in any way healthy or equitable, and I was exhausted just reading it.
I really thought I was going to be able to read this one, but I couldn't even finish the first chapter. Frankly, this series dragged on WAY too long--this probably could have been condensed into two books instead of three and felt a lot tighter. Mostly, though, I just wasn't a fan of the way either of the main characters dealt with their issues, particularly together. This book starts off with Colby revealing a secret he's been keeping for the past two books, which has a marginal impact on Jason. Jason is understandably upset, not about the secret itself, but about the fact that Colby wasn't truthful with him and what that means, and the ways in which that brings up his own issues. He literally is not even given five minutes to process said feelings before Colby is having another of his many breakdowns and all of Jason's feelings are thrown by the wayside in favor of comforting Colby. It just didn't feel in any way healthy or equitable, and I was exhausted just reading it.
October 31, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Steadfast marks the third and final book in the Character Bleed series by K. L. Noone and again brings us right back into the action where the second book left off. It goes without saying that one should read this series in order. With a little bit of a firmer grasp on their relationship, Colby and Jason now must fight to bring about a happy ending to the film they are making. Colby wants to get approval from the man who wrote the original book to proceed with changing his ending to one of hope and a reuniting of the main characters. Together, the two lovers seek out the author and get the needed go ahead, but not until after Colby finally spills the beans to Jason about his being a script doctor and the main writer on the film the two are making.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Steadfast marks the third and final book in the Character Bleed series by K. L. Noone and again brings us right back into the action where the second book left off. It goes without saying that one should read this series in order. With a little bit of a firmer grasp on their relationship, Colby and Jason now must fight to bring about a happy ending to the film they are making. Colby wants to get approval from the man who wrote the original book to proceed with changing his ending to one of hope and a reuniting of the main characters. Together, the two lovers seek out the author and get the needed go ahead, but not until after Colby finally spills the beans to Jason about his being a script doctor and the main writer on the film the two are making.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
Read
July 30, 2024Excited for the forthcoming spin-off featuring Leo and his mysterious paparazzi!
If you're also impatiently waiting for more of this series, allow me to recommend this other story that had subby smitten actors in a British setting:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/393... (not fanfic of anything as far as I know)
If you're also impatiently waiting for more of this series, allow me to recommend this other story that had subby smitten actors in a British setting:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/393... (not fanfic of anything as far as I know)
March 17, 2022
Cried again, as I think I have at least once for each of these books. And it's nearly 2am because I couldn't put the book down again.
Beautiful, lyrical, caring.. I loved the in-depth storytelling and emotion. I desperately want to see the film they make throughout the books, it really made me love the characters; both Colby and Jason, and them acting as Will and Stephen. I just want to tuck them away into a corner of my heart, the whole cast & crew.
And funny! In-jokes, bread rolls (cinnamon rolls!) and found family (a particular favourite theme I love).... and, of course, so hot I was surprised my Kindle didn't burst into flames.
I'll be reading more from this author, definitely! I've already read Magician in between but I'm also just happy to find a new author to get to know/more books to devour.
Beautiful, lyrical, caring.. I loved the in-depth storytelling and emotion. I desperately want to see the film they make throughout the books, it really made me love the characters; both Colby and Jason, and them acting as Will and Stephen. I just want to tuck them away into a corner of my heart, the whole cast & crew.
And funny! In-jokes, bread rolls (cinnamon rolls!) and found family (a particular favourite theme I love).... and, of course, so hot I was surprised my Kindle didn't burst into flames.
I'll be reading more from this author, definitely! I've already read Magician in between but I'm also just happy to find a new author to get to know/more books to devour.
March 24, 2021
Sad that it's over, glad there's still more!
K. L. Noone's possibly my best discovery of the Pandemic Era. Compelling, engrossing stories, short or long, inspiring me to commit fanfic and fanart
It's just THAT GOOD.
If you like couples who are silly and schmoopy, if you like Hurt/Comfort, if you like bad puns and people trying to be their best selves while looking for love, well, Dive In. The weather's auspicious, and the water's delightful. :)
K. L. Noone's possibly my best discovery of the Pandemic Era. Compelling, engrossing stories, short or long, inspiring me to commit fanfic and fanart
It's just THAT GOOD.
If you like couples who are silly and schmoopy, if you like Hurt/Comfort, if you like bad puns and people trying to be their best selves while looking for love, well, Dive In. The weather's auspicious, and the water's delightful. :)
September 27, 2021
high on hearteyes, low on drama. A pleasure to read more about these two and get the story of the movie's release.
50% of the book is extras: little stories of things that happened after.
50% of the book is extras: little stories of things that happened after.
September 13, 2023
IDK why but Colby seems to be over the top girlish in this one. It already started in the second installment but is extremely prevalent in here.
"No, I'm splendid." Colby thought about this answer, then amplified it with, "Ridiculously splendid. My toes are giddy. And my fingers. I'd not be surprised if they started glowing." With an examination of one fingertip, evidently just in case, tracing a heart on Jason's chest. "If you're magical, perhaps sex with you is making me magical as well. Are you all right, though? If that was rather a lot for you too."
"Magical," Jason seconded.
Colby and Jason feel too giddy, too sunshiny, too touchy feely. Nobody is so on edge all the time, their hearts would give out. That is the problem with contemporary romance novels, for me at least. In fiction you can overlook many things that would make you question otherwise. I feel as though the spark got lost in this third book. The uniqueness of their characters that I so loved in the first book got lost in translation somehow. I still love them both for who they are but they feel so much more generic now, somehow even 2dimensional. At least I still have the echo of their character in my head and heart as I read all 3 books back to back, but for someone who had to wait for this one I'm not sure they remember the greatness of the characters from book 1.
This might also be a me problem. I cannot read MC's reaffirm their love for one another every other time they talk with one another. For me, I love you loses all meaning if you say it all the time. How do you know that it hasn't become something you just say or don't even consciously think about anymore. I imagine waking up one day to robotically saying it back only to become realize that I don't have any emotional connection anymore with the word and the person I directed them to. For me personally it would have been so much more impactful to place only a small handful of I love yous at special moments in time, like in hospital in book 2 or after asking to move in or after overcoming an emotional moment together or something.
I also think dropping into Colby's sexy space must be really hard. I would guess that this is something not usually happening every time and so quickly for subs or they would never get anything done. Have to confess that I skipped one or another scene, as I'm really not into d/s play even though extremely mild. Can I also say that Colby, although receiving the orders, feels so much more dominant? Jason's every thought and every action revolves around Colby and his wellbeing and his wishes etc.. I'm not so sure that this is all that healthy in the long run, that is also why I was a little saddened about this book, but like Colby I'm going to spin my own version in my head to make it so :-)
What I also question is that Jason had serious worries and negative thoughts about how Colby saw him when Colby revealed his secret but they never talked about them even after Colby calmed down. That was what I meant previously when I said that everything revolved around Colby and nothing around Jason. That was much better in the first book, where Jason overcame an obstacle with Colby's help and grew from it. Here it didn't feel like it. Even at "Will's" bedside when Jason had his emotional outburst it was never really talked through afterwards. Sure he was soothed in the moment, but the underlying issue of remembered loss was not addressed IMO.
Again, still love the characters but I'm kind of disappointed too.
"No, I'm splendid." Colby thought about this answer, then amplified it with, "Ridiculously splendid. My toes are giddy. And my fingers. I'd not be surprised if they started glowing." With an examination of one fingertip, evidently just in case, tracing a heart on Jason's chest. "If you're magical, perhaps sex with you is making me magical as well. Are you all right, though? If that was rather a lot for you too."
"Magical," Jason seconded.
Colby and Jason feel too giddy, too sunshiny, too touchy feely. Nobody is so on edge all the time, their hearts would give out. That is the problem with contemporary romance novels, for me at least. In fiction you can overlook many things that would make you question otherwise. I feel as though the spark got lost in this third book. The uniqueness of their characters that I so loved in the first book got lost in translation somehow. I still love them both for who they are but they feel so much more generic now, somehow even 2dimensional. At least I still have the echo of their character in my head and heart as I read all 3 books back to back, but for someone who had to wait for this one I'm not sure they remember the greatness of the characters from book 1.
This might also be a me problem. I cannot read MC's reaffirm their love for one another every other time they talk with one another. For me, I love you loses all meaning if you say it all the time. How do you know that it hasn't become something you just say or don't even consciously think about anymore. I imagine waking up one day to robotically saying it back only to become realize that I don't have any emotional connection anymore with the word and the person I directed them to. For me personally it would have been so much more impactful to place only a small handful of I love yous at special moments in time, like in hospital in book 2 or after asking to move in or after overcoming an emotional moment together or something.
I also think dropping into Colby's sexy space must be really hard. I would guess that this is something not usually happening every time and so quickly for subs or they would never get anything done. Have to confess that I skipped one or another scene, as I'm really not into d/s play even though extremely mild. Can I also say that Colby, although receiving the orders, feels so much more dominant? Jason's every thought and every action revolves around Colby and his wellbeing and his wishes etc.. I'm not so sure that this is all that healthy in the long run, that is also why I was a little saddened about this book, but like Colby I'm going to spin my own version in my head to make it so :-)
What I also question is that Jason had serious worries and negative thoughts about how Colby saw him when Colby revealed his secret but they never talked about them even after Colby calmed down. That was what I meant previously when I said that everything revolved around Colby and nothing around Jason. That was much better in the first book, where Jason overcame an obstacle with Colby's help and grew from it. Here it didn't feel like it. Even at "Will's" bedside when Jason had his emotional outburst it was never really talked through afterwards. Sure he was soothed in the moment, but the underlying issue of remembered loss was not addressed IMO.
Again, still love the characters but I'm kind of disappointed too.
June 11, 2022
Why are there so many book in this series? This book is a drag. I love the characters but by this point the sex scenes are getting repetitive, very little happens in terms of plot (and when it does there are no stakes to the small dramas unfolding with little to no opposition or growth on the part of the characters), the relationship is the same as it was at the end of book one and throughout book two… why am I reading this? Yes the prose is beautiful, yes the characters are sweet and in love, yes the movie will be great… but I’m so bored!
This series should be two shorter books. As it is, it just rambles on. Some people might like it. It just bored me into leafing through the rest of the book until I finally reached the end.
This series should be two shorter books. As it is, it just rambles on. Some people might like it. It just bored me into leafing through the rest of the book until I finally reached the end.
March 28, 2025
This series could have been edited down to one really good novel, rather than 3 quite good but overlong books. The fact that half of this 300 page book is bonus stories is insane, but has some better writing than the actual book itself. I've also found out that there is about a dozen extra short stories in this series, plus a spinoff novel which - absolutely not. I've had enough. I've enjoyed myself, but I'm so tired.
Also, respectfully, there is way too much sex in this book. The scenes go on for pages and pages and they are so repetitive and we have to talk so much about it. There was one 30 page stretch in which the 2 main characters had sex 2 separate times and were ramping up for a third time and I just had to put the book down and go read something else for awhile.
Also, respectfully, there is way too much sex in this book. The scenes go on for pages and pages and they are so repetitive and we have to talk so much about it. There was one 30 page stretch in which the 2 main characters had sex 2 separate times and were ramping up for a third time and I just had to put the book down and go read something else for awhile.
January 19, 2022
satisfying, sublime end to a brilliant trilogy
I cannot say enough good things about the Character Bleed books. Gorgeous writing. Intense, devoted, complicated, fairytale-epic romance. So many layers here, making a movie that echoes and reflects and influences the romance unfolding on set. I desperately wish I could see this movie; I want this whole world of movies and actors to be real. Steadfast brings it all together. AND there are bunches of bonuses here - extra scenes and movie reviews and short stories about supporting characters.
I cannot say enough good things about the Character Bleed books. Gorgeous writing. Intense, devoted, complicated, fairytale-epic romance. So many layers here, making a movie that echoes and reflects and influences the romance unfolding on set. I desperately wish I could see this movie; I want this whole world of movies and actors to be real. Steadfast brings it all together. AND there are bunches of bonuses here - extra scenes and movie reviews and short stories about supporting characters.
June 2, 2021
This series is so good: settings, inner voices, character development, light plot, secondary characters, it's all lovely. I prefer reading with at least a few days between chapters to temper the lapidary intensity. It is my favorite published romance of the last few years, and I hope more people read it!
Read
September 11, 2024They're still sweet characters caring for each other and if that's your comfort food, this will do it. But having read all three books in quick succession, it became a bit repetitive. I started skimming the sex scenes (so quite a lot of skimming) and lovely as it was to see them being happy together, the story lost purpose once they were together and Colby had mostly got over his inhibitions.
December 19, 2024
The book is actually finished about 30% into the ebook, and while I haven't finished all the short stories, I'm calling this done.
This was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I'm glad to see the HEA develop. I have some nitpicks, and it was honestly very short, which is the reason for the 3 star rating. Still, I'd happily read this trilogy again.
This was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I'm glad to see the HEA develop. I have some nitpicks, and it was honestly very short, which is the reason for the 3 star rating. Still, I'd happily read this trilogy again.
December 21, 2024
a beautiful conclusion to the beginning of Jason and Colby's love story. arguably, the best part of this installment in the series are all of the shorts that come after. other couples getting HEAs! cute vignettes involving the movie! lovely snapshots of Jason and Colby's life!
all in all, i DEVOURED all 1142 pages of the boxset and can't wait to start the next one!
all in all, i DEVOURED all 1142 pages of the boxset and can't wait to start the next one!
July 12, 2022
This book ends at about 45% and then it’s all extras. Good because it was getting a little bit repetitive to me - I don’t know how necessary a third book was, I think it could have worked as two - but ymmv since I don’t have TOO high a tolerance for fluff haha.
October 6, 2022
This third part of the story ends at 54%, but then there are Bonus Features. Many. Oh my goodness Raindrops and Roses is magnificent. I did skip a mostly sex-scene one, but read all the others. At the end is a preview of 'In Focus,' Leo's story.
What the bonus material gives is the movie premiere, the awards, the proposal, the family, the old guys, the other proposal, and how C and J get Evan and James together, finally. It's a fun collection.
What the bonus material gives is the movie premiere, the awards, the proposal, the family, the old guys, the other proposal, and how C and J get Evan and James together, finally. It's a fun collection.
July 26, 2023
Really bored of all the love declarations, and Colby acting like/being treated like a weepy child. This series really should have been condensed into one book.
March 8, 2024
All the weather, bread puns and love...
April 30, 2025
It was great seeing Colby and Jason get everything they wanted in this book. I enjoyed the little stories at the end, showing us little insights to these two, plus other secondary characters.
January 5, 2025
It pains me to give this rating as I loved the first two books. However, in this book, the relationship falls apart. It becomes the Colby Kent show where Colby is literally perfect and a genius at everything (think Jory levels magnified x 100).
I really started to feel bad for Jason here as he has no agency anymore. He's essentially a pleasurebot for Colby and is only referred to in the sense of how good he is for Colby or sexualized for his muscles. Jason can't even have a disagreement with Colby without Colby going into a catatonic state that Jason has to apologize for. It's really ridiculous.
Not to mention that this book is essentially: some minor plot thread happens during the day -> drawn out sex scene -> rinse and repeat. It worked for the first two books as Colby was becoming more comfortable with sex. Here it was just too repetitive.
Please let Jason have some meaningful conversations with side characters that don't revolve around discussing Colby or how good Jason is for Colby.
I really started to feel bad for Jason here as he has no agency anymore. He's essentially a pleasurebot for Colby and is only referred to in the sense of how good he is for Colby or sexualized for his muscles. Jason can't even have a disagreement with Colby without Colby going into a catatonic state that Jason has to apologize for. It's really ridiculous.
Not to mention that this book is essentially: some minor plot thread happens during the day -> drawn out sex scene -> rinse and repeat. It worked for the first two books as Colby was becoming more comfortable with sex. Here it was just too repetitive.
Please let Jason have some meaningful conversations with side characters that don't revolve around discussing Colby or how good Jason is for Colby.
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