What do you think?
Rate this book
Hollywood Hopefuls #1
Running Lines
A sexy MM Romance set in Hollywood, full of sweetness and heat. Book One in the series.
Finn may look like a Romeo + Juliet-era Leo, but he’s out to prove he’s got what it takes to break the teen heartthrob mold. Grayson is a serious actor, with “serious” as the operative word, so he’s not thrilled to find himself hopelessly attracted to his young new co-star.
Starring on a teen soap may have made Finn Everett Hollywood’s latest “it” boy, complete with the 10 million Instagram followers to show for it, but does he have the chops to cut it as the newest cast member on television’s biggest drama, Frost Manor? Finn’s determined to prove himself as more than just as sex symbol and win the respect of his co-star, Grayson Winter.
Grayson is gorgeous, talented, and the celeb Finn has been secretly crushing on for years. Grayson is dedicated to his job. He has big aspirations to be Hollywood’s best leading man, and he’s willing to make personal sacrifices to get there. When his new scene partner is the charismatic and intensely distracting Finn Everett, Grayson is shaken loose from his single-minded ambition.
When Finn and Grayson start running lines, their off-the-charts chemistry has them wondering if big things are in store for more than just their careers.
Running Lines is an MM Romance featuring hot tv stars, Hollywood drama, and a sweet and sexy gay love story.
Finn may look like a Romeo + Juliet-era Leo, but he’s out to prove he’s got what it takes to break the teen heartthrob mold. Grayson is a serious actor, with “serious” as the operative word, so he’s not thrilled to find himself hopelessly attracted to his young new co-star.
Starring on a teen soap may have made Finn Everett Hollywood’s latest “it” boy, complete with the 10 million Instagram followers to show for it, but does he have the chops to cut it as the newest cast member on television’s biggest drama, Frost Manor? Finn’s determined to prove himself as more than just as sex symbol and win the respect of his co-star, Grayson Winter.
Grayson is gorgeous, talented, and the celeb Finn has been secretly crushing on for years. Grayson is dedicated to his job. He has big aspirations to be Hollywood’s best leading man, and he’s willing to make personal sacrifices to get there. When his new scene partner is the charismatic and intensely distracting Finn Everett, Grayson is shaken loose from his single-minded ambition.
When Finn and Grayson start running lines, their off-the-charts chemistry has them wondering if big things are in store for more than just their careers.
Running Lines is an MM Romance featuring hot tv stars, Hollywood drama, and a sweet and sexy gay love story.
142 pages, ebook
First published January 26, 2021
70 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
dnf-for-good
May 14, 202150% DNF. LAME, WEAK, FLAT.
HARD FUCKING PASS!
HARD FUCKING PASS!
January 17, 2021
*** I received an eArc from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
I really loved this fun, original and steamy love story. This story moved along at a natural pace and the relationship developed naturally throughout the story. As the reader, you are able to understand both character's motivations and root for successes.
Another great aspect of this story is how the main characters support each other and have amazing chemistry that really jumps off the page. This was a fun love story that I fully recommend!!!
I really loved this fun, original and steamy love story. This story moved along at a natural pace and the relationship developed naturally throughout the story. As the reader, you are able to understand both character's motivations and root for successes.
Another great aspect of this story is how the main characters support each other and have amazing chemistry that really jumps off the page. This was a fun love story that I fully recommend!!!
May 9, 2021
This was a pretty innocuous story that was pleasant enough. It was a decent debut for this author but they are in desperate need of a good editor because they are some blaring mistakes that took me out of the story several times and that's not something I usually mention.
I enjoyed the story enough that I want to read about the side characters as well, so that is saying something. I think it's just nice to have a decent, simple relatively fluffy romance every once in a while and this was good for that.
I am hoping that there's more female characters that aren't portrayed as bitches & I am not saying they all were & I can give this a pass because it is set in Hollywood with the industry, but there's got to be better ways to have conflict than from mostly women.
I enjoyed the story enough that I want to read about the side characters as well, so that is saying something. I think it's just nice to have a decent, simple relatively fluffy romance every once in a while and this was good for that.
I am hoping that there's more female characters that aren't portrayed as bitches & I am not saying they all were & I can give this a pass because it is set in Hollywood with the industry, but there's got to be better ways to have conflict than from mostly women.
January 14, 2021
I didn’t know this was Jeris’s first book until after I read it. I never would have guessed! It was well written and moved along nicely. The characters are relatable, even if they are celebrities.
The emotions really came across. I loved Finn and Lydia together- they’d be fun to hang out with. And Grayson has that lovely intense and broody actor vibe going on. Astrid was your typical stereotypical spoiled actress, and Kayla was a surprise.
I enjoyed it from start to finish, and will definitely be getting the next book in the series!
The emotions really came across. I loved Finn and Lydia together- they’d be fun to hang out with. And Grayson has that lovely intense and broody actor vibe going on. Astrid was your typical stereotypical spoiled actress, and Kayla was a surprise.
I enjoyed it from start to finish, and will definitely be getting the next book in the series!
June 7, 2021
I am going to try to explain why this was not a 4 star read. I kept wondering 'what bothers me?' while reading. I liked the plot well enough and the characters were likable.
While I write this, I am reading #3, and 'yes! This is what I mean by submerging in a novel.'
In #2 and #1 the scenes don't flow. There is mentioning of surroundings, some dialogue, some gestures, but it is rocky. Like a rough edited video. In the third novel the author finds a calm to spend some time worldbuilding, and smoothly merging dialogue and descriptions.
While I write this, I am reading #3, and 'yes! This is what I mean by submerging in a novel.'
In #2 and #1 the scenes don't flow. There is mentioning of surroundings, some dialogue, some gestures, but it is rocky. Like a rough edited video. In the third novel the author finds a calm to spend some time worldbuilding, and smoothly merging dialogue and descriptions.
March 1, 2021
Absolutely Amazing Love Story
What an absolutely amazing love story. A friend recommended me this book and I am sure glad he did! Grayson and Finn’s story was beautiful, amazing, raw and captivating! The back and worth of will they get together versus won’t they get together was pulling at my heartstrings but kept me so enthralled! I couldn’t put this book down! I was routing for Grayson and Finn to be together from the beginning! The passion these two have for one another was steamy and hot! I would never have guessed this was Jeris’ first book! Her writing was amazing. I will definitely be checking out more books she has written!
What an absolutely amazing love story. A friend recommended me this book and I am sure glad he did! Grayson and Finn’s story was beautiful, amazing, raw and captivating! The back and worth of will they get together versus won’t they get together was pulling at my heartstrings but kept me so enthralled! I couldn’t put this book down! I was routing for Grayson and Finn to be together from the beginning! The passion these two have for one another was steamy and hot! I would never have guessed this was Jeris’ first book! Her writing was amazing. I will definitely be checking out more books she has written!
April 21, 2021
Running Lines, the first book in the Hollywood Hopefuls series, is one of those must-read books! The story is sweet, funny, and filled with lots of tender and steamy scenes. The author, JERIS JEAN, does a phenomenal job bringing the characters and story to life. You fall in love with each of the characters (except for one that you love to hate) and can’t help but smile at the end of the story. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
March 16, 2021
Still Swooning!!
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed her writing style. The story moved at a fast pace and was easy follow. I was drawn in from the beginning by Finn and Grayson's (our 2 heroes) chemistry...both on and off the set. Even though it's a quick read you get to see their respect for each other, friendship, and love grow throughout the story. Although both carried capable and confident personas, they both also seemed a little shy and uncertain that the other wouldn't be interested in a serious longterm relationship with the other....which made them both that much more endearing. I was swooning so hard on both of them. And just to mention even though Grayson being the grumpier/more serious of the two...he was so sweet and caring with Finn...I'll just mention Waltz scene and leave it there 🥰. There are a few twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat anticipating what's going to happen. Great secondary characters that I hope to see more of in the next book (and of course some we can live without...lol). It had a perfect ending with such a sweet HEA!!
I highly recommend if you like a fun easy read, great characters, with just the right amount of angst, and steamy scenes.
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed her writing style. The story moved at a fast pace and was easy follow. I was drawn in from the beginning by Finn and Grayson's (our 2 heroes) chemistry...both on and off the set. Even though it's a quick read you get to see their respect for each other, friendship, and love grow throughout the story. Although both carried capable and confident personas, they both also seemed a little shy and uncertain that the other wouldn't be interested in a serious longterm relationship with the other....which made them both that much more endearing. I was swooning so hard on both of them. And just to mention even though Grayson being the grumpier/more serious of the two...he was so sweet and caring with Finn...I'll just mention Waltz scene and leave it there 🥰. There are a few twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat anticipating what's going to happen. Great secondary characters that I hope to see more of in the next book (and of course some we can live without...lol). It had a perfect ending with such a sweet HEA!!
I highly recommend if you like a fun easy read, great characters, with just the right amount of angst, and steamy scenes.
June 5, 2021
I deleted this audiobook and switched to epub. The narration is horrible, completely emotionless. The patient matter of fact statements coming out of Toma's mouth, only befit explaining a math problem .
January 24, 2021
Running Lines is my debut novel, and, of course, I highly recommend it.
Finn is a Hollywood heartthrob of the teen-soap-star variety. He's looking to prove himself as more than just a pretty face (and amazing body) when he's cast on tv's biggest, most-popular drama, Frost Manor. It's his first "serious role," and he's going to show everyone what he's made of.
The only problem? He has a long-running and MASSIVE crush on Frost Manor's male lead, Grayson Winter, his new scene partner.
Grayson is an A-list actor with ambition. He's intelligent, works hard, and has no time for anything that might derail his plans for longevity in Hollywood with the power to tell stories that are important to him.
He may be more serious than is strictly appreciated by those around him, but that's who he is. Nothing distracts him from his goals. Nothing until Finn Everett. Finn burst onto the scene like a sexy explosion, upturning the very earth beneath Grayson's feet.
When the two start running lines together, the chemistry both on and off-screen sizzles.
Running Lines is a gay (m/m) romance with hot Hollywood stars, tabloid drama, and a sweet and sexy love story.
Finn is a Hollywood heartthrob of the teen-soap-star variety. He's looking to prove himself as more than just a pretty face (and amazing body) when he's cast on tv's biggest, most-popular drama, Frost Manor. It's his first "serious role," and he's going to show everyone what he's made of.
The only problem? He has a long-running and MASSIVE crush on Frost Manor's male lead, Grayson Winter, his new scene partner.
Grayson is an A-list actor with ambition. He's intelligent, works hard, and has no time for anything that might derail his plans for longevity in Hollywood with the power to tell stories that are important to him.
He may be more serious than is strictly appreciated by those around him, but that's who he is. Nothing distracts him from his goals. Nothing until Finn Everett. Finn burst onto the scene like a sexy explosion, upturning the very earth beneath Grayson's feet.
When the two start running lines together, the chemistry both on and off-screen sizzles.
Running Lines is a gay (m/m) romance with hot Hollywood stars, tabloid drama, and a sweet and sexy love story.
December 25, 2021
This was SUCH a great m/m actor romance!!!!
I LOVED this m/m romance so much!! Author Jeris Jean gave us such a cute couple with Finn and Grayson! I loved their chemistry from the start, and their support for each other's careers was really nice to see. And then the smut was fantastic too! It was a slow burn with that, but the wait was worth it and it was sweet to see them want to wait.
I liked how the world's of acting was described in such detail, I enjoyed hearing about the action on camera and off. The drama with their coworkers and staff was realistic and not over the top, and it helped move the action forward.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one by this author!
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED this m/m romance so much!! Author Jeris Jean gave us such a cute couple with Finn and Grayson! I loved their chemistry from the start, and their support for each other's careers was really nice to see. And then the smut was fantastic too! It was a slow burn with that, but the wait was worth it and it was sweet to see them want to wait.
I liked how the world's of acting was described in such detail, I enjoyed hearing about the action on camera and off. The drama with their coworkers and staff was realistic and not over the top, and it helped move the action forward.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one by this author!
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2021
Most of the stars in the rating are for the narration, but even Iggy Toma couldn't save this one.
The story is weak and very simplistic and the characters, while sweet, are bland and barely two-dimensional (although Grayson's best friend Felix is fun). The leads are actors on a big network TV show, but the author seems to have no clue as to how that actually works; some of the things she writes here are so utterly naive and uninformed, it's painful.
Clichés abound, and the plot - such as it is - is full of holes. For instance - I really didn't understand why the showrunners would think that having Finn and Grayson do interviews together while pretending to dislike each other would generate buzz for the show rather than having them behave naturally and show off their genuine chemistry. The "best agent in television" is a total bi*ch who bullies her clients, and I didn't get why she was so set on Finn and Grayson staying away from each other when they hadn't really been trying to hide that they were seeing each other. Horse... stable door..?
I see there are six books in the series... Can anyone tell me if it gets better?
The story is weak and very simplistic and the characters, while sweet, are bland and barely two-dimensional (although Grayson's best friend Felix is fun). The leads are actors on a big network TV show, but the author seems to have no clue as to how that actually works; some of the things she writes here are so utterly naive and uninformed, it's painful.
Clichés abound, and the plot - such as it is - is full of holes. For instance - I really didn't understand why the showrunners would think that having Finn and Grayson do interviews together while pretending to dislike each other would generate buzz for the show rather than having them behave naturally and show off their genuine chemistry. The "best agent in television" is a total bi*ch who bullies her clients, and I didn't get why she was so set on Finn and Grayson staying away from each other when they hadn't really been trying to hide that they were seeing each other. Horse... stable door..?
I see there are six books in the series... Can anyone tell me if it gets better?
January 9, 2021
The chemistry was instantly off the charts with this one! Finn is the newcomer to the show, eager to prove his acting chops on a popular period drama (and nursing a serious crush on his costar) and Grayson is the leading man who has little patience for the teenage soap opera star. That is until he is blown away by the younger man’s dedication and acting skill during a practice session running lines. These two are instant friends who quickly sizzle into more, once Grayson can quit comparing Finn to his attention starved ex. This story is a quick read with lots of sweet moments. Both guys share an agent and I was ready to strangle her with the way she wanted to control the narrative of both men’s lives all in the name of publicity. Finn and Grayson quickly figure out that the only way to truly be happy and successful is to be true to themselves and each other. A truly enjoyable read and I loved every page!
January 21, 2021
Wow! This is a great story about two Hollywood stars!
Finn is a teen star about to have an opportunity in a big drama show “Frost Manor” and wants to prove that he is more that a pretty face and nice body.
Grayson is a great actor and the star of the “Frost Manor” he is handsome, intelligent and with great ambitions.
Finn has a massive crush on Gray and is excited to meet him, He and Gray have a great chemistry in and out of the set, they star to get to know each other and you can feel their connection and together...yum! They are so hot! This book is a sweet and sexy love story with a little Hollywood drama, awesome characters, very good start for a new author! Looking forward to the next book!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Finn is a teen star about to have an opportunity in a big drama show “Frost Manor” and wants to prove that he is more that a pretty face and nice body.
Grayson is a great actor and the star of the “Frost Manor” he is handsome, intelligent and with great ambitions.
Finn has a massive crush on Gray and is excited to meet him, He and Gray have a great chemistry in and out of the set, they star to get to know each other and you can feel their connection and together...yum! They are so hot! This book is a sweet and sexy love story with a little Hollywood drama, awesome characters, very good start for a new author! Looking forward to the next book!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2021
A Great Find!
This was a new to me author, but there was just something about the blurb that drew me in. Once I started reading, I quickly fell in love with Finn and Grayson. I dare you to pick the book up and tell me you don’t agree. Grayson was dreamy, and Finn was the perfect boy next door. Together, their chemistry was magic.
This was a quick and easy read. It didn’t take long before I was lost in the story. This was the author’s first book, amend I’m here to say that I see great things ahead—for her and for us. I cannot wait to read Felix and Ethan’s story, which is next.
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
This was a new to me author, but there was just something about the blurb that drew me in. Once I started reading, I quickly fell in love with Finn and Grayson. I dare you to pick the book up and tell me you don’t agree. Grayson was dreamy, and Finn was the perfect boy next door. Together, their chemistry was magic.
This was a quick and easy read. It didn’t take long before I was lost in the story. This was the author’s first book, amend I’m here to say that I see great things ahead—for her and for us. I cannot wait to read Felix and Ethan’s story, which is next.
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
January 25, 2021
I'm seriously impressed that this is the author's first book (which I didn't even know until after I finished reading it.) Usually new authors have trouble with the flow of the story until their writing gets more developed, but that was not the case with this book. I read it straight through and didn't want it to end. I loved the characters, and am excited to see there’s going to be a book two, and the writing was really good. I can't wait to see what else Jeris Jean writes.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
January 19, 2021
I enjoyed getting to know both Finn and Grayson, both who are perceived differently than who they are. Grayson thinks Finn is young, inexperienced, and doubts his ability to take the job seriously. Grayson is surprised by Finn's dedication and his wild attraction toward the younger man while Finn's crush on the older actor, which he's harbored for years, is turning into more as they work together. This is a sweet read with a lovely HEA. The characters are fully developed and I enjoyed the story.
Read
June 18, 2021DNF @ 10%
Not feeling this one at all. I might come back to it eventually but it’s not what I want to read right now
Not feeling this one at all. I might come back to it eventually but it’s not what I want to read right now
January 20, 2021
Great debut for Jeris, actors in a TV series were realistic, loveable characters except for one, humour, angst, an agent they both had and steamy hot scenes between Grayson and Finn. This is a keeper. Can’t wait to read Jeris’s next book.
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.
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.
January 21, 2021
This was really good for a debut story by the author! Finn and Grayson get to know one another as they run lines together. They become friends that quickly becomes something more. The story was well written, very good actually! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advance copy that I received.
January 25, 2021
This book was a nice surprise! From what I saw this is their first book, and a very good one! Finn & Grayson are really fun and enjoyable to read, with lots of chemistry and sexy hot times. The story flows, set on a really good rhythm - not too slow and not too fast - which worked perfectly fine for me. I will definitely read more from this author in the future!
February 21, 2021
This book is sweet as meringue and just as fluffy. Grayson and Finn have instant chemistry, and it's fun to watch their relationship evolve. They're both very different kinds of people, but they complemented each other perfectly.
There are a couple moments of the expected drama, but it doesn't drag out too long and I would classify it as moderate-to-low angst. It's a quick breezy read that will leave you feeling all squishy and warm inside.
There are a couple moments of the expected drama, but it doesn't drag out too long and I would classify it as moderate-to-low angst. It's a quick breezy read that will leave you feeling all squishy and warm inside.
June 10, 2021
A fun MM romance with characters you'll fall in love with!
April 9, 2021
Jeris Jean is a wonderful m/m romance author. She really knows how to bring her characters to life and you are right there rooting them on. This story was about Finn and Grayson both actors, but Finn is new to the show line up. Finn who has always found Grayson gorgeous now has to work side by side him. Follow the story of how these two meet, fall in love, and deal with not so great people from the past and a Hollywood that might not agree with their choice of each other. This story has a wonderful ending and leads you into book two so well. I am eager to continue this series and can't wait for what else the author will share with us.
June 5, 2021
Sweet and HEA guaranteed
It's all about the feels. I love that my TBR list is great mixture of everything, especially when you read a book and it's easy to read/listen to and when you know HEA is going to happen but it's not as straight forward as you might think it is. :) I loved that book shows how MC's relationship grow over time rather then jumping in it and proclaiming love at first sight.
Loved the book, can't want to read next one.
It's all about the feels. I love that my TBR list is great mixture of everything, especially when you read a book and it's easy to read/listen to and when you know HEA is going to happen but it's not as straight forward as you might think it is. :) I loved that book shows how MC's relationship grow over time rather then jumping in it and proclaiming love at first sight.
Loved the book, can't want to read next one.
February 4, 2021
This epic series starter is the story of Finn who has starred in Luna's Cove for three years and has been a firm teen fan favourite and his long time crush and star of period drama Frost Manor, Grayson. Finn is blown away to have been given the chance to work on Frost Manor and finally work with Grayson. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series. Well done Jeris Jean. I loved this book, Congratulations.
January 31, 2021
I loved both the age gap and experience gap that formed the premise of this story. Both were very well and believably handled. Finn and Grayson both have ambitions to succeed as serious actors and Grayson never expected the emotions that Finn evokes when he joins the cast of Grayson's show. Finn gets the chance to work with the man he's had a crush on for ages, but his road isn't all fairy tale either as he's trying to break out of the teenage heartthrob ranks and prove himself as an adult actor. Following these two as they work together and fall for each other made for a lovely, romantic (and hot) story. This is an accomplished author whose romances I look forward to reading in the future.
March 31, 2021
Romantic Romance
I loved the fairy tale romance of this tale. It was sweet with just enough heat. The characters grew throughout their relationship. It was a great read that made me want to cheer on them on to find their happy ending.
I loved the fairy tale romance of this tale. It was sweet with just enough heat. The characters grew throughout their relationship. It was a great read that made me want to cheer on them on to find their happy ending.
May 30, 2021
Loved it!
Short sweet minimal angst and well written! I read this book on a whim after finding the author on social media and I absolutely loved it! Looking forward to reading more!
Overall this book was perfect, Finn was sweet, Grayson was trying hard while having a bit of a past but not so much so that it took away from their relationship. And god bless Ethan, Lydia, and Felix! If you’re looking for a light hearted read I totally recommend this.
Short sweet minimal angst and well written! I read this book on a whim after finding the author on social media and I absolutely loved it! Looking forward to reading more!
Overall this book was perfect, Finn was sweet, Grayson was trying hard while having a bit of a past but not so much so that it took away from their relationship. And god bless Ethan, Lydia, and Felix! If you’re looking for a light hearted read I totally recommend this.
January 10, 2021
Running Lines is an all to familiar issue with what actors have to think when being out and having a love life that balances on what the writers, agents and some producers think personal lives should be lived. Running Lines is about two actors, Finn and Grayson, meet on a set and fall in love. Their chemistry is immediate. They start working together and they both shine. Out comes some rumors of their being together and boom, down goes the rules. It causes issues in/with their newfound love. Of course, add in all the drama of conniving co-stars, past lovers and just plain life. This was a really good story and the journey these two guys took was so worth the HEA they got.
I received an ARC from GRR Team and voluntarily read it for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR Team and voluntarily read it for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews