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Landing a job at one of the top talent agencies in Hollywood puts Ethan Rhys on track to accomplish all of his goals. He represents two of TV’s biggest stars, and he's earning enough money to help his family. So, why does he feel like something’s missing? What more could he want?

Enter Felix Lincoln, with his dimpled grin, ripped body, and inescapable charm. Wanting him has been Ethan's secret for years, and it’s going to stay that way. He doesn't have time in his life for selfish dreams or pointless fantasies. They’re just not practical.

Ethan's responsible and focused. So why is something as impractical as a hopeless crush on the charismatic personal trainer consuming his thoughts?

***

Is Ethan Rhys out of Felix Lincoln's league? Absolutely, if you ask Felix. Does that stop him from flirting shamelessly with him and hitting on him any chance he gets? Not in the slightest. Felix knows Ethan's never taken him the slightest bit seriously - why would he? Ethan’s intelligent, successful, and really freaking adorable. Definitely not the type to go for a basic jock, Felix tells himself.

Despite Felix's better judgment, he keeps looking for ways to bring the two of them together, no matter how hopeless his chances are with the clever talent agent.

Felix has never had much ambition to go after things far beyond his reach. But for Ethan? He might be willing to get on his tiptoes and stretch.

Drawing Lines is the second book in the Hollywood Hopefuls series, which centers around a group of queer characters making their way through the trials and tribulations of relationships, working in show business, and finding their happily ever afters.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2021

20 people are currently reading
173 people want to read

About the author

Jeris Jean

13 books156 followers

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5 stars
89 (39%)
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89 (39%)
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33 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Garry Michael.
Author 11 books402 followers
March 25, 2021
I just finished reading Drawing Lines and it was amazing!

It was written beautifully and how Jeris Jean executed opposite attack theme was impeccable. Felix and Ethan were so relatable and likable you can’t help but fall in love with them.

Great job Jeris! Now I’m ready for Matt and Jasper!


Profile Image for Tina  Alicea.
189 reviews12 followers
March 29, 2021
Great addition to the Hollywood Hopefuls!

I love that with this series we get a great cast of characters where the friendships go above and beyond to help each other and at times resembles having a second family of sorts. Then when you add in Ethan's awesome family it's A+ especially with the fun banter between them all.

The main character's (Felix and Ethan) struggles are very realistic which makes them that much more relatable. They both deal with insecurities, self doubt, family issues, career issues, etc which makes the story and characters tug at your heartstrings. You just want that happy ending for them even more because you've more than likely dealt with alot of these issues in real life.

I thought it was great that even though Ethan was portrayed as an introvert and shy ...he wasn't that shy in his relationship with Felix... he went after what he wanted (especially in the bedroom...lol)...and that even though Felix was portrayed more as outspoken he was rather shy in his pursuit of Ethan which made him even more loveable. They may have had a slow start due to their insecurities but they definitely ended up on top the world with an awesome HEA full of family and friends to share it all with.
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,405 reviews22 followers
February 9, 2021
Whilst I didn’t this to be quite as romantic as the first in the series, Drawing Lines is still so very good! It works as a stand-alone and, although I highly recommend reading the first book, you won’t miss anything. Once again, the writing is well-done and the MCs are wonderful and likeable. I just fell head over heels for both of them. Felix is vibrant and full of energy and loves flirting with, and pining after, the adorably introverted Ethan. It’s just so easy to root for these two to make a relationship work. And that right there is all I need to make me happy when reading a romance!
251 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2021
Book 2 of the Hollywood Hopefuls series is SO good! In fact, I think Felix and Ethan might be my favourite couple of the series so far!

We met both Ethan and Felix in Book 1, Running Lines. Ethan was the super competent, cute and fun PA on the set of Frost Manor, and Felix was Greyson Winter's best friend and roommate - Greyson being the star of the show. Felix is a personal trainer to many big Hollywood stars.

We get a glimpse of the first time Ethan and Felix actually meet - 5 years in the past when Ethan is dropping off a script for Greyson, so we get to understand the effect they have on each other right from the first time they lay eyes on each other.

But five years later a whole bunch of things have changed: Ethan is now a talent agent with a big firm. Grayson and Finn are his first two big clients, and he's bound and determined to be a huge success in the industry because he wants nothing more than to be able to take care of his mom, who is starting to slow down but can't afford to stop working. Ethan puts his real passion - screenwriting - aside because he fears he won't be able to make a steady enough income as a writer.

Felix is still a trainer, and he loves his job. The only part about it that he doesn't love is the fact that his parents make him feel like a disappointment since he didn't become a pro football star like his dad, nor did he become a doctor or lawyer or anything "important". But he's not great in the relationship department - sticking mostly to hookups - since he's been nursing a huge crush on Ethan since they first met.

These two are just the cutest couple. They both start out so shy and insecure with each other, it's adorable. But gradually they figure it out. Insecurity is a bitch, and it can hold us back from SO much - it was lovely to watch these two really great characters work through their insecurities and be able to grab onto each other. I LOVED Drawing Lines and I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Beth.
2,919 reviews27 followers
February 11, 2021
4.5 stars... Really enjoyed this second book in this series and looking forward to the next one. This author is new to me and I’m so glad to have found her. Lovely storytelling with compelling characters.

This is the second book and we’ve met these MCs before as secondary characters in the first book. I liked having that familiarity with Felix and Ethan prior to starting this book…it was like reconnecting with old friends. Felix is a personal trainer to the stars and Ethan was the PA to the show runners in the first book but has now graduated from college and begun his career as an agent. Both of these guys have been harboring secret crushes on the other for years. Both have family issues, though of different natures. And they are connected through Grayson, one of the MCs in book one.

I liked the way the author built the relationship and dealt with the characters’ self esteem issues the old I’m not good enough for him trope) though after a while I just wanted to slap both of them upside the head and tell them to get it together. The story arc moves well and while you can see the crisis moment building it is a relief when it finally comes so you know you are getting to the other side of the issues. The ending is nice though there are some questions in my mind about financial things. Hardly a major problem but curious given one of Ethan’s big hang ups. The end of the book is just the perfect resolution we want to see and so damn sweet.

I read an arc and there were several editing and proofreading issues which I hope are resolved in the final product. Strong recommendation for this series but definitely read in order.

**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
Profile Image for Amy Stauffer.
820 reviews39 followers
February 14, 2021
A Great Follow Up!

This author is one to watch. The way they pen a story...incredible.

I liked these characters when we first met them in the previous book. Felix seemed like an easy going, laid back kind of guy, who just happens to be cute, to boot. Ethan was a good friend, smart guy, and all around adorable. I had a sense that there was a connection between them, in book one, and was thrilled the author pursued it. What am I saying? She probably planned it all along!

Ethan and Felix had great chemistry and easy banter. It was easy to tell they were good friends, who just happened to each have a secret crush on the other. Watching the moments leading up to their tentative steps to becoming more was sweet and made my heart go putter patter. The fact that they both dealt with their own insecurities both broke my heart and made me happy they had each other.

Not only was the book well written, it’s characters had a lot of depth to hem. You could tell a lot of thought went into the development of each character, including Felix’s hateful parents. I can not wait to read the next book in the series, as she hints at the characters for it, within this story, and confirms it at the end of the book.

***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
Profile Image for Kathreadsall.
484 reviews17 followers
February 11, 2021
Another fabulous m/m Hollywood romance!

I really enjoyed reading Felix and Ethan's story! The are the ultimate dorks, and I love how silly and sweet and SEXY they are with each other! This author likes to write couples that are slow to go all the way, but they have plenty of smutty scenes to keep us satisfied until the main event. Also, the sexting was A++!!

I wasn't quite as grabbed by this one as book one, since it didn't really focus on the acting part of Hollywood. Neither men are actors- Ethan is a frustrated talent agent and Felix is a fitness instructor, so there wasn't enough "Hollywood" for me at least. But it was still such a fun ride!

I would definitely recommend this book to all my m/m romance lovers, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for sending me this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jeris Jean.
Author 13 books156 followers
February 8, 2021
Drawing Lines is the second book in my Hollywood Hopefuls series, which follows queer men in the show biz industry trying to make their way in Hollywood while falling in love.

This is the story of Felix and Ethan. They are an opposites attract pairing - Felix is a ripped personal trainer who loves surfing, MMA, and flirting shamelessly. Ethan is a goal-oriented talent agent, who loves writing, gaming, and geeking-out to films. Longing ensues. Chemistry sizzles.

This book works as a stand-alone novel, though if you have read book one in the series, Running Lines, you'll recognize some of the supporting cast in this book.

This one is steamy and very sweet. It has a HEA.
Profile Image for Matthew Dante.
Author 29 books152 followers
May 19, 2021
Once again, Author Jeris Jean does not disappoint! Just finished reading Drawing Lines, Book 2 in the Hollywood Hopefuls series. This book expands on the characters and story line from Running Lines (Book 1) and focuses on the budding romance between hunky Personal Trainer, Felix, and shy and sweet Talent Agent, Ethan. This book will have you glued to the pages as you hold your breath, cheer, and swoon over the lovable characters and steamy encounters. Jeris Jean does an amazing job of crafting lovable characters and romantic situations which will have you clutching this book to your chest! Can’t wait to read Book #3!
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,555 reviews48 followers
February 13, 2021
I couldn't help laughing at these two who had such a skewed view of themselves and their charm and attractiveness. Ethan thinks great looking personal trainer Felix is way out of his league and Felix thinks he is in some way too shallow to attract smart, solid Ethan. Watching them dance around each other and their obvious attraction while trying to convince themselves it is just a light flirtation that they can walk away from at any time was just delightful. I loved it when they both opened their eyes to see themselves, each other, and their relationship for how great they were.
Profile Image for Sarah Mitcham.
1,296 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2021
Long Overdue

Felix is a personal trainer and best friend and housemate of Grayson (book 1) and had managed to keep his crush on Ethan a secret for about five years. It was obvious to him that his feelings were not returned as Felix had never responded to his flirting. Felix had been a P.A on the set of Frost Manor whilst at college, but is now working as an agent.
Misunderstandings and lack of confidence on both sides, sweet and funny romance with heat, an enjoyable read. Second book in series, best read in order as characters are in both books.
Profile Image for Valerie.
Author 21 books172 followers
February 9, 2021
This is a very original premise about a celebrity trainer and an agent/screenwriter, who are both a bit insecure and sweet. The attraction has been simmering for years between Felix and Ethan, yet neither men knew of the other one's feelings. It's a bit of an opposites attract, Felix being outgoing and gregarious and Ethan, quiet and reserved, but they work and I loved reading their story. I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Lisa Klein.
1,048 reviews9 followers
February 12, 2021
This book is just as good as the first in the series, and I'm still amazed that they're written by a new author. The writing flows beautifully, and the characters are easy to fall in love with. You can read this as a standalone, but you'll enjoy it more if you read book one first. I'm excited for the next book in the series.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
February 13, 2021
This was excellent! Better than the first. I liked how the author made us feel like we were revisiting old friends. They’ve secretly been crushing on each other without the other knowing it. This story was well written, and I absolutely loved the story!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advance copy that I received.
Profile Image for Meg (queer_book_recs).
929 reviews61 followers
April 20, 2021
Clueless sweethearts 🥰

I loved this book about two clueless guys who have been crushing on each other for years and finally get it together! I couldn’t help but smile almost the entire book. These guys were just total sweethearts. I have a soft spot for guys who finally find a loving and supportive family to be a part of. I’m excited to read book three!
1,671 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2021
I loved this love story of Ethan and Felix. Both feeling undeserving of the other, yet so perfect. Set in the movie world, but with careers overlapping between friends. Chosen family, not necessarily by blood.
I received this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Gwen.
1,360 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2021
Ethan needs a career change but what he finds, after years being attracted to Felix is a happily ever after. They both where oblivious to their attraction to each other and the unveiling of the truth happens sweetly. I enjoyed reading their journey to love.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
77 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2021
First let me say this book left me speechless. In book one we meet Felix and Ethan. They are great side characters there, but I was nowhere near prepared enough for how beautiful this couple was going to be in book two. Not to mention you get to see a little of Greyson and Finn again, along with Matt the barista. This story starts out with two fierce men, secretly pining away for the other, both unwilling to admit this to each other. When the two finally get together it is like fireworks. However, both Felix and Ethan have insecurities in their relationship and this causes some ups and downs for them. This story shows the strength and resilience of two people in the Hollywood lime light. Felix is a personal trainer to many stars, never into relationships and love, having had unsupportive parents. Ethan on the other hand is a talent manager to the stars, screenwriter as a hobby, a loving family, a gamer at heart, a nerd. Could this jock and nerd actually make it work? This story made me laugh, made me cry at times, and had by far the most perfect happy ending. I wish I could give this book more than five stars. And gosh there are still two more books in the series. This entire series is going into my read again list for sure.
286 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2021
Finally bit the bullet after years of longing, loved this story!
Wow, these two guys. I really loved Felix. He was such a character and then there's Ethan, super sweet and nerdy. Even though Felix was a well know trainer, he still had his own demons he had to fight. So between them both, the insecurities rained down. I am so glad they were both able to get over and just be. The both deserved their HEA and they got that. I truly loved their story. I fell in love with them and their story actually over shadowed Grayson and Finn for me by a mile. Loved them. I so love this author, she really knew how to bring out Felix and Ethan's journey.
I received an arc from the GRR Team and voluntarily read it for an honest review
316 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2021
This is the second book by Jeris Jean and I must admit I'm loving her work so far. We meet Felix and Ethan in the previous book, Reading Lines (though this can absolutely be read as a standalone) and this one picks up straight after those events. Felix and Ethan are definitely a case of opposites attract. They have known each other for years there is a sizzling attraction between them but neither are aware of the other's feelings. Both men are a little insecure and totally adorable. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series.
Profile Image for Bridgette.
301 reviews
February 8, 2021
This is the second book in the debut series and I really enjoyed it. I love the way the author writes; the story is well written and Ethan and Felix are such a good couple. You get a little bit of angst and a lot of sweetness and romance. You really feel the emotions in the book and I teared up several times with tears of joy; which really doesn't happen to often for me. Extremely good book! Do yourself a favor and read this!
Profile Image for Ajax1978.
240 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2021
I enjoyed this even more than the first of the series. Felix and Ethan seemed a little more down to earth then Grayson and Finn, maybe because they’re more on the periphery of Hollywood and not “stars” or maybe because there was more interaction with their respective families that lent more depth to their characters. Either way I was a little more invested in their outcome. Again there was a little too much telling for my taste and some odd lapses in scenes. After the big obstacle at the end of the story, when Ethan is bereft and going over his reasons for doubting what he and Felix have, I was expecting when they made up finally (and you know they were of course) for Ethan to explain to Felix why he felt and acted the way he did. I mean, come on, that’s pretty pivotal to the story. But it never happened. It was overshadowed by Felix’s grand gesture which was great and had me teary-eyed and thinking could Felix be any more perfect. Yet I still felt a little cheated in not having a scene where they both revealed their insecurities to each other. We are privy to their thoughts about their own feelings vis-á-vis these insecurities and they even talk to others about them, but never on page to each other. So all in all, a great story that wasn’t quite five stars for me.
Profile Image for Mia.
365 reviews
June 9, 2021
3.5-4 stars

The second book in the Hollywood hopefuls series tells the story of two characters that we had already met in book 1. Felix is Grayson's friends, roommate and fitness trainer. Ethan is the PA for the TV series that Grayson and Finn star in, who later becomes their agent.

This was a sweet story. Both MC's have always liked each other, but never thought that they were right for each other or that the other person would be interested. This theme is a constant throughout the book and the point that brings all the "drama" between the characters.

An enjoyable read overall.
3,010 reviews46 followers
February 11, 2021
Felix and Ethan have been secretly crushing on each other for years, not realizing the other felt the same.
Ethan and Felix fit together. They complement each other perfectly. Both have insecurities regarding relationships but work together to find their happiness.
This is a great mix of sweet, sexy, romantic with a touch of angst.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Thera.
836 reviews10 followers
July 26, 2022
Awkward cuteness

It was interesting to watch these two with massive insecurities come together. They could've been together so much longer but they were so insecure in what they both thought they deserved relationship wise. It took far too long for them to get over themselves. However, the ending was perfect.
9 reviews
July 15, 2022
This is my fav book in the series!! Just love Felix! Amazing writing Jeris. Keep them coming!!
Profile Image for Sharing The Book Love.
919 reviews16 followers
July 4, 2021
Book 2 in this series we get Felix and Ethan's story. We met both these characters in book 1 and now we get to follow their journey to a HEA.

Both Felix and Ethan, think the other person is not good enough for them, so they love from afar until they finally talk,.connect and realise they are both dumb and could have had this for longer. But the timing is right now.

I love the interweave of characters and family throughout these books

Felix and Ethan work out their differences with some help and interference from friends and family to reach there happy ever after.
Profile Image for Lunhara.
269 reviews14 followers
April 18, 2021
I really struggled to actually finish this book. My attention kept drifting because everything was just so bland.
This story had the potential for it to be so much more than it was. The story line was just flat. I could absolutely see what the author was trying to do but unfortunately it just fell short for me.
Profile Image for CC.
433 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2021
I have to say wasn’t sure what to expect from these 2 but I was so pleasantly surprised that I honestly think Ethan and Felix are one of my favorite couples. I adored Ethan he was so awkward and Felix was so unsure of himself they are so cute together. This story is a solid 5 star read for me . Recommend this series
Profile Image for ME E.
584 reviews57 followers
April 4, 2022
All the swoon

Read this book in one sitting. It was adorable and oh so swoon worthy. This story was about to cinnamon rolls who are in love with eachother and just needed that little extra encouragement. It was less angsty than book 1 but just as sweet. Loved it. We also got a sneak peek of book 3's couple....and I need it now!
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