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Famous #4
Encore
BLAKE
Never make a bet with Jordan Brooks. That’s how I’ve ended up here, doing a movie that risks my entire acting career.
Taking on a gay role when I’m straight is problematic in its own right, but when production gets put on hold, and a fabricated story breaks out in the media, Jordan and I have to go into hiding.
Our livelihoods are put on the line all because of an ill-timed photo and Jordan’s bitter ex-boyfriend.
Scandals, lies, and PR nightmares. Welcome to Hollywood.
JORDAN
Why am I always drawn to the straight ones? You’d think I’d learn my lesson, but when our movie is delayed, I repeat old patterns.
My plan to bury my hurt and anger toward my ex by “method acting” with Blake Monroe is foolish. But Blake is as irresistible as he is good-looking, and he settles into his role easier than I thought he would. In fact, he likes it a little too much.
There are too many PR problems hooking up with Blake for real would bring, especially when the media thinks he’s the reason my relationship fell apart. Yet, I can’t walk away from him, and it seems, he can’t walk away from me either.
Never make a bet with Jordan Brooks. That’s how I’ve ended up here, doing a movie that risks my entire acting career.
Taking on a gay role when I’m straight is problematic in its own right, but when production gets put on hold, and a fabricated story breaks out in the media, Jordan and I have to go into hiding.
Our livelihoods are put on the line all because of an ill-timed photo and Jordan’s bitter ex-boyfriend.
Scandals, lies, and PR nightmares. Welcome to Hollywood.
JORDAN
Why am I always drawn to the straight ones? You’d think I’d learn my lesson, but when our movie is delayed, I repeat old patterns.
My plan to bury my hurt and anger toward my ex by “method acting” with Blake Monroe is foolish. But Blake is as irresistible as he is good-looking, and he settles into his role easier than I thought he would. In fact, he likes it a little too much.
There are too many PR problems hooking up with Blake for real would bring, especially when the media thinks he’s the reason my relationship fell apart. Yet, I can’t walk away from him, and it seems, he can’t walk away from me either.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2021
362 people are currently reading
1398 people want to read
About the author
Eden Finley
70 books7,855 followersEden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are mostly full of snark and light-hearted fluff.
She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.
She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.
She lives to create an escape from real life for herself and her readers.
She's also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don't make sense to anyone else.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 520 reviews
December 18, 2021
GAH! I really liked this one so a lot! : )
My interpretation of Blake, all ripped and ready to film one of his "Half of my Coby Godspeed movies don’t even make sense" action movies...
And my take on Jordan, while filming the swimming pool scene.
4.25 stars.
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September 13, 2021
4.25 Stars!
Probably one of my favorites of the series.
I liked Blake and Jordan's characters a lot.
It was a bit repetitive at times. Noting too outlandish with regards to drama. Some good steam.
Overall a great way to end the series.
Probably one of my favorites of the series.
I liked Blake and Jordan's characters a lot.
It was a bit repetitive at times. Noting too outlandish with regards to drama. Some good steam.
Overall a great way to end the series.
February 15, 2022
Audiobook - 4 stars
Book - 3.25 stars
Book - 3.25 stars
August 28, 2021
Absolutely brilliant ending to this fab boy band romance series from Eden.
I adored Blake and Jordan, they were just not only on fire but also had such a wonderfully developed friendship. The chemistry sparked between them from the start and it only grew stronger as Blake came to the conclusion that his sexuality was more fluid than he'd originally thought.
The experimentation, the exploration of not only the physical side, but the emotional one too, was so beautifully done throughout the narrative that it was utterly believable that what started off as a bet could develop into very real feelings.
I liked that there wasn't much in the way of relationship drama, most of the tension comes via external reasons and it was fab to see the rest of the Eleven gang on hand with their usual snark and helpful advice :D
Don't miss out on the free bonus download either which really does wrap things up with some sneak peeks from the Eleven world tour.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I adored Blake and Jordan, they were just not only on fire but also had such a wonderfully developed friendship. The chemistry sparked between them from the start and it only grew stronger as Blake came to the conclusion that his sexuality was more fluid than he'd originally thought.
The experimentation, the exploration of not only the physical side, but the emotional one too, was so beautifully done throughout the narrative that it was utterly believable that what started off as a bet could develop into very real feelings.
I liked that there wasn't much in the way of relationship drama, most of the tension comes via external reasons and it was fab to see the rest of the Eleven gang on hand with their usual snark and helpful advice :D
Don't miss out on the free bonus download either which really does wrap things up with some sneak peeks from the Eleven world tour.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
September 13, 2021
3.5 stars ish
It was a pretty decent story but similar to the other books in the series it didn't quite meet my expectations like her Fake Boyfriend series. I think I wanted to love this one more than I did? I liked Jordan in the Fake Boyfriend Breakaways but his character didn't feel quite the same or was as interesting this time around. Jordan and Blake's personalities were kind of flat? I liked the cameos from Ash and Max though!
There was some cute moments between Blake and Jordan so it was pretty enjoyable until the last quarter where the big reunion started happening. I wish all the Eleven stuff was it's own story instead of taking over this one, since it kind of felt like Blake and Jordan took a backseat (ex: the epilogue was the whole band not focused on the MCs). I like Eden Finley's writing so I will definitely check out her next stuff and hopefully it's more my jam than this one.
It was a pretty decent story but similar to the other books in the series it didn't quite meet my expectations like her Fake Boyfriend series. I think I wanted to love this one more than I did? I liked Jordan in the Fake Boyfriend Breakaways but his character didn't feel quite the same or was as interesting this time around. Jordan and Blake's personalities were kind of flat? I liked the cameos from Ash and Max though!
There was some cute moments between Blake and Jordan so it was pretty enjoyable until the last quarter where the big reunion started happening. I wish all the Eleven stuff was it's own story instead of taking over this one, since it kind of felt like Blake and Jordan took a backseat (ex: the epilogue was the whole band not focused on the MCs). I like Eden Finley's writing so I will definitely check out her next stuff and hopefully it's more my jam than this one.
November 9, 2021
3 Just ok stars.. 😐 I don't know why but I have not really loved this series as much as I loved the Fake Boyfriend series . The plot for this was one felt very disjointed and despite the chemistry between Jordan and Blake, I just didn't get the whole will they, won't they vibe here. There was a jealous boyfriend trope, fake boyfriend trope, a pretend-we're-a-real-couple-for-a-movie trope and there was GFY trope.. it was just too much. 😳 I liked Blake, but Jordan seemed a little cocky, his vulnerabilities felt disingenuous and therefore non empathetic to me. It's not too long, and yet it took me forever to finish this because I was bored🙄. I like light, fluffy, low-angst books but this was too light unfortunately.
I think I may have outgrown EF, so I will put a pause on reading any more of her books. I was planning on reading the Hockey series, but I'll pass for now. I'm glad this series is over though; only Spotlight is worth remembering, the rest are meh .
I think I may have outgrown EF, so I will put a pause on reading any more of her books. I was planning on reading the Hockey series, but I'll pass for now. I'm glad this series is over though; only Spotlight is worth remembering, the rest are meh .
February 6, 2024
After the last 2 books in the series, I was wondering if this would be a flop for me too, but thank fuck Blake and Jordan pulled through and I really loved their story.
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March 9, 2025
|| 2.5 stars ||
Nahhh, I'm sorry, but this book just wasn't it. I'm a bit disappointed, actually. I was really expecting it to be better than this.
Right off the bat, I just did not like how Jordan was constantly comparing Blake to his past hook-ups, and how he was constantly thinking that Blake was basically no different from them. This whole thing would have maybe been fine if we eventually at least got to understand why Blake was in fact different on a deeper level, but it really ended up feeling like the only reason Blake was "different" was because he didn't leave Jordan and wanted to stick it out. It literally might have well been any other guy, as long as that guy didn't leave. I mean.... No, thank you. That's not very romantic.
There just wasn't a deeper connection between Blake and Jordan. At first that wasn't too bothersome, because, after all, nobody has that connection instantly, but it also never came later in the book, so that sucked.
Blake is a sweet guy, don't get me wrong, but his characters definitely fell a bit flat. There wasn't much about him that made him stick out, and I find it hard to describe him as anything other than a pretty nice guy.
Jordan (who we already briefly met in the 'Fake Boyfriend' series with It's Complicated) was kind of sweet as well, but also super insecure, and sometimes it was a bit annoying, because honestly.. If you're that insecure about being with guys who labelled themselves as "straight" before you came along, then... WHY is that what you continue to go for??? Literally just get with someone who is already bisexual or gay, what is so hard about that? I genuinely couldn't feel sorry for Jordan's insecurities because of this, as I honest to God felt like he did it to himself. If it happens once: okay, sure, you don't pick who you fall in love with. Twice? Yea, of course, can happen. Three times? Hmm.. Maybe picking up on an unhealthy pattern.. But every single guy you have ever been with???? No, sorry, but that is on you.
There was also quite a bit of focus on the rest of the guys from Eleven in this story, and although I did like that, I do have to admit that I never quite found their friendship to be all that great. I'm not really picking up on a lot of love between them, and their banter also isn't that fun. This was honestly something that I found lacking throughout the entire series, not just with this final book.
It's really too bad, because I think it could have been cool to play more with their band-dynamic in a fun and interesting way. Unfortunately, it just didn't really work out all that well.
'Famous' series:
1. Pop Star - 3.5 stars
2. Spotlight - 3.0 stars
3. Fandom - 3.0 stars
4. Encore - 2.5 stars
Other Eden Finley books:
‘Fake Boyfriend’ series - var. ratings
‘CU Hockey’ series - var. ratings
‘Cash Me Outside’ series - var. ratings
‘Mike Bravo Ops’ series - var. ratings
‘Puckboys’ series - var. ratings
Nahhh, I'm sorry, but this book just wasn't it. I'm a bit disappointed, actually. I was really expecting it to be better than this.
Right off the bat, I just did not like how Jordan was constantly comparing Blake to his past hook-ups, and how he was constantly thinking that Blake was basically no different from them. This whole thing would have maybe been fine if we eventually at least got to understand why Blake was in fact different on a deeper level, but it really ended up feeling like the only reason Blake was "different" was because he didn't leave Jordan and wanted to stick it out. It literally might have well been any other guy, as long as that guy didn't leave. I mean.... No, thank you. That's not very romantic.
There just wasn't a deeper connection between Blake and Jordan. At first that wasn't too bothersome, because, after all, nobody has that connection instantly, but it also never came later in the book, so that sucked.
Blake is a sweet guy, don't get me wrong, but his characters definitely fell a bit flat. There wasn't much about him that made him stick out, and I find it hard to describe him as anything other than a pretty nice guy.
Jordan (who we already briefly met in the 'Fake Boyfriend' series with It's Complicated) was kind of sweet as well, but also super insecure, and sometimes it was a bit annoying, because honestly.. If you're that insecure about being with guys who labelled themselves as "straight" before you came along, then... WHY is that what you continue to go for??? Literally just get with someone who is already bisexual or gay, what is so hard about that? I genuinely couldn't feel sorry for Jordan's insecurities because of this, as I honest to God felt like he did it to himself. If it happens once: okay, sure, you don't pick who you fall in love with. Twice? Yea, of course, can happen. Three times? Hmm.. Maybe picking up on an unhealthy pattern.. But every single guy you have ever been with???? No, sorry, but that is on you.
There was also quite a bit of focus on the rest of the guys from Eleven in this story, and although I did like that, I do have to admit that I never quite found their friendship to be all that great. I'm not really picking up on a lot of love between them, and their banter also isn't that fun. This was honestly something that I found lacking throughout the entire series, not just with this final book.
It's really too bad, because I think it could have been cool to play more with their band-dynamic in a fun and interesting way. Unfortunately, it just didn't really work out all that well.
'Famous' series:
1. Pop Star - 3.5 stars
2. Spotlight - 3.0 stars
3. Fandom - 3.0 stars
4. Encore - 2.5 stars
Other Eden Finley books:
‘Fake Boyfriend’ series - var. ratings
‘CU Hockey’ series - var. ratings
‘Cash Me Outside’ series - var. ratings
‘Mike Bravo Ops’ series - var. ratings
‘Puckboys’ series - var. ratings
February 10, 2022
4-4.5 stars
This series is so good, I love it because it reminds me of the fandom days of my One Direction love haha soo 1D take a hint and do your Encore tour haha
Also loved how the movie Blake and Jordan were doing “Faking It” was pretty much Eden Finleys “Fake Out” haha
I liked how there wasn’t too much relationship angst and all the characters together were great! Makes me want to read this whole series again!
Eden Finley writes great banter and laugh out loud moments.
I can’t wait for more of what she has to offer, like her “Mike Bravo” series!!
This series is so good, I love it because it reminds me of the fandom days of my One Direction love haha soo 1D take a hint and do your Encore tour haha
Also loved how the movie Blake and Jordan were doing “Faking It” was pretty much Eden Finleys “Fake Out” haha
I liked how there wasn’t too much relationship angst and all the characters together were great! Makes me want to read this whole series again!
Eden Finley writes great banter and laugh out loud moments.
I can’t wait for more of what she has to offer, like her “Mike Bravo” series!!
April 26, 2024
“I think straight should not be the default assumption anymore.”
After so many duds from the Sadenverse I was pretty happy with this story. I think I’m about 10 books shy of being done with the 50gammillion Sadenverse books so I think it puts me in an odd and critical position of comparing each new book I read to everything else I read. Slotting them into some sort of sliding scale of grading.
This book may not have had all the fun hilariousness of Frat Wars or Puckboys, or the sweet pining of the fake boyfriend series. But it did have a bit of both. There are a lot of name drops and connections to past books/characters.
Jordan was such a sweet character who was more complex than I first thought an up and rising underwear model starlet world be. Blake was pretty basic with no huge drama or back story. His parents loved him, he had a good career, a strong group of friends and was an all around kind of not basic person. They worked really well as a couple.
The most important thing from this story was Edens discussion of coming out, of the need for role models, of labels and non labels, of rejection and acceptance of ourselves, or fluidity and spectrum. It’s probably the most solid addition to the Spotlight Series. This was my least liked series in the Sadenverse that I had to force myself to finish but I’m glad I did. 💙
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
After so many duds from the Sadenverse I was pretty happy with this story. I think I’m about 10 books shy of being done with the 50gammillion Sadenverse books so I think it puts me in an odd and critical position of comparing each new book I read to everything else I read. Slotting them into some sort of sliding scale of grading.
This book may not have had all the fun hilariousness of Frat Wars or Puckboys, or the sweet pining of the fake boyfriend series. But it did have a bit of both. There are a lot of name drops and connections to past books/characters.
Jordan was such a sweet character who was more complex than I first thought an up and rising underwear model starlet world be. Blake was pretty basic with no huge drama or back story. His parents loved him, he had a good career, a strong group of friends and was an all around kind of not basic person. They worked really well as a couple.
The most important thing from this story was Edens discussion of coming out, of the need for role models, of labels and non labels, of rejection and acceptance of ourselves, or fluidity and spectrum. It’s probably the most solid addition to the Spotlight Series. This was my least liked series in the Sadenverse that I had to force myself to finish but I’m glad I did. 💙
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
September 12, 2021
* 4 stars *
Final book in the series!
One thing you need to know about "Famous" is that, while every book features a different couple, the main arc about their lives after the band broke up and their possible reunion continues through the whole series. So, yes, you can read out of order, but if you want to really get the whole story, I'd recommend starting from the first book and then making your way to this one.
Blake is the fifth member of the band and the only straight one, so far. He's taken his career in a different direction by becoming an actor and he's happy with his decision. Jordan is gay and out, his career is just taking off and he's starting to establish himself in some circles.
After the two make a bet (in the previous book) Blake has to pay up and that means accepting a role in Jordan's new movie. At first, they are friends and Jordan is trying to help Blake loosen up a little so he'll be able to comfortably portray his character, who is gay.
When the book starts, Jordan has a boyfriend and, specifically, the movie's director, but it turns out that he's not such a great guy after all. Blake is there to support him through some difficult times and that results to them getting even closer.
I was looking forward to Blake and Jordan's story and I wasn't disappointed. I liked how they started out as friends before they moved on to more and I liked how they were always there for the other.
The arc with the director and how everything got blown out of proportion was frustrating, but thankfully there was a resolution, so that fixed some of it.
The rest of the band members made appearances, of course, and I liked seeing them again. "Encore" is the perfect conclusion to the series and a solid HEA for all of them, but I wouldn't mind reading a couple of extra scenes with Eleven and their partners at some point in the future.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
Final book in the series!
One thing you need to know about "Famous" is that, while every book features a different couple, the main arc about their lives after the band broke up and their possible reunion continues through the whole series. So, yes, you can read out of order, but if you want to really get the whole story, I'd recommend starting from the first book and then making your way to this one.
Blake is the fifth member of the band and the only straight one, so far. He's taken his career in a different direction by becoming an actor and he's happy with his decision. Jordan is gay and out, his career is just taking off and he's starting to establish himself in some circles.
After the two make a bet (in the previous book) Blake has to pay up and that means accepting a role in Jordan's new movie. At first, they are friends and Jordan is trying to help Blake loosen up a little so he'll be able to comfortably portray his character, who is gay.
When the book starts, Jordan has a boyfriend and, specifically, the movie's director, but it turns out that he's not such a great guy after all. Blake is there to support him through some difficult times and that results to them getting even closer.
I was looking forward to Blake and Jordan's story and I wasn't disappointed. I liked how they started out as friends before they moved on to more and I liked how they were always there for the other.
The arc with the director and how everything got blown out of proportion was frustrating, but thankfully there was a resolution, so that fixed some of it.
The rest of the band members made appearances, of course, and I liked seeing them again. "Encore" is the perfect conclusion to the series and a solid HEA for all of them, but I wouldn't mind reading a couple of extra scenes with Eleven and their partners at some point in the future.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
February 11, 2022
3.5 Stars!
December 18, 2023
PopSugar Reading Challenge: 11- Un libro sobre o ambientado en Hollywood.
¿One Direction?
Cuando me decidí a leer esta serie fue porque me dijeron que tenía un aire a One Direction, que las relaciones entre los chicos, sus bromas y sus vidas eran parecidas a las de ellos.
Claramente uno no sabe cómo es la vida de cada unos de los ex integrantes de 1D pero con estas historias, te puedes llegar hacer una idea.
En las historias anteriores, hay situaciones o momentos en los que te da una idea muy específica de lo que puede que ellos hayan vivido o están viviendo.
No todo, claro está, pero hay muchas escenas en los libros que te muestran como los paparazzi, la vida y cada persona que compone esa vida, te puede llegar a afectar demasiado.
Sinceramente este libro en particular, me afectó mucho. En los últimos capítulos me podías encontrar, realmente, llorando por estos personajes, por su felicidad, por todos los obstáculos que tuvieron que pasar, por las decisiones que tomaron y por al final, ser lo que ellos decidieron ser, ellos mismos .
Blake y Jordan me encantaron muchísimo y debo admitir que mucho más que las parejas anteriores. Blake es un amor y Jordan un personaje increíble y amable. Ambos pudieron mantenerme en vilo con sus vidas y supieron cautivarme siempre.
Me encantó totalmente. Espero algún día volver a releerlos y sentirme tan cautivada cómo me sentí leyendo esta historia.
¿One Direction?
Cuando me decidí a leer esta serie fue porque me dijeron que tenía un aire a One Direction, que las relaciones entre los chicos, sus bromas y sus vidas eran parecidas a las de ellos.
Claramente uno no sabe cómo es la vida de cada unos de los ex integrantes de 1D pero con estas historias, te puedes llegar hacer una idea.
En las historias anteriores, hay situaciones o momentos en los que te da una idea muy específica de lo que puede que ellos hayan vivido o están viviendo.
No todo, claro está, pero hay muchas escenas en los libros que te muestran como los paparazzi, la vida y cada persona que compone esa vida, te puede llegar a afectar demasiado.
Sinceramente este libro en particular, me afectó mucho. En los últimos capítulos me podías encontrar, realmente, llorando por estos personajes, por su felicidad, por todos los obstáculos que tuvieron que pasar, por las decisiones que tomaron y por al final, ser lo que ellos decidieron ser, ellos mismos .
“There are so many young kids, teens, and even adults who struggle to come to terms with their sexuality. We wanted to do this so people out there can see they’re not alone in this world. This isn’t even so much about coming out in order to be happy because I’ve been very happy the past ten years. Sometimes closet doors hold you back, but sometimes they keep you safe. So I want anyone watching this who feels like it’s not safe to come out to know that you don’t have to. You do what you need to do to be safe. But when you’re ready, just know, you won’t be alone.”
Blake y Jordan me encantaron muchísimo y debo admitir que mucho más que las parejas anteriores. Blake es un amor y Jordan un personaje increíble y amable. Ambos pudieron mantenerme en vilo con sus vidas y supieron cautivarme siempre.
Me encantó totalmente. Espero algún día volver a releerlos y sentirme tan cautivada cómo me sentí leyendo esta historia.
November 20, 2021
I LOVE jordan.
I already miss eleven it's like a flashback to when one direction broke up
I already miss eleven it's like a flashback to when one direction broke up
February 16, 2022
4 stars
can't believe it's over 🥲
can't believe it's over 🥲
November 25, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ / This is maybe the most chaotic Eden book I’ve read so far. Between Fake Boyfriends and this series, it really does feel like she’s carved out a niche writing about how tough it is to be out and proud when you’re in the public eye. It’s a storyline she clearly loves, even if it’s starting to feel a little repetitive for me.
One thing I genuinely loved, though, was how she handled Blake’s bi-awakening. He just accepts it. No drama. No angst. Honestly, it was refreshing.
Jordan is one of her more enjoyable characters, but some of his “I turn straight guys” energy didn’t totally land for me. It wasn’t terrible, just a little uncomfortable at times, though I know plenty of readers won’t see it that way.
Even with all the chaos and the completely unhinged plot choices, Eden Finley books still feel like the MM version of a Hallmark movie. I always think I should hate them more than I do, and then I end up smiling like an idiot. They’re cheesy, messy, occasionally nonsensical… and somehow still a good time.
One thing I genuinely loved, though, was how she handled Blake’s bi-awakening. He just accepts it. No drama. No angst. Honestly, it was refreshing.
Jordan is one of her more enjoyable characters, but some of his “I turn straight guys” energy didn’t totally land for me. It wasn’t terrible, just a little uncomfortable at times, though I know plenty of readers won’t see it that way.
Even with all the chaos and the completely unhinged plot choices, Eden Finley books still feel like the MM version of a Hallmark movie. I always think I should hate them more than I do, and then I end up smiling like an idiot. They’re cheesy, messy, occasionally nonsensical… and somehow still a good time.
June 6, 2024
I liked this romance, which features a variety of tropes, namely bisexual-discovery, workplace romance and Hollywood/popstar/actor setting.
There was also the usual snark typical for the author's work, and I was laughing plenty of times.
The rest of the cast from the Famous series has ample cameos, which I adored. I love series like these, with established friend groups that are conntected, and even though each book is about another persom, you never lose sight of the group as a whole. As the last book in this series (I think), Encore tied things up neatly and had a lovely x years later epilogue.
I also really liked that despite this being a story where a character discovers his queernesss for the first time, there was no tension around coming out or internalized queerphobia. (Not that such stories can't also be great, but it's lovely to see the core conflict of a bisexual discovery story for once not being centered around that.)
Instead there is drama around Hollywood connections and ex-partners. This had the potential to become clichée, but was handled nicely. I greatly enjoyed the part that is equivalent to the "third act breakup".
Overall, this was a lovely read, with an m/m romance featuring an openly gay actor and an (ex-)ex-boyband member and also actor who discovers his bisexuality.
Content warnings: include: sex on-page, blackmail, cheating (not main relationship), outing.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
There was also the usual snark typical for the author's work, and I was laughing plenty of times.
The rest of the cast from the Famous series has ample cameos, which I adored. I love series like these, with established friend groups that are conntected, and even though each book is about another persom, you never lose sight of the group as a whole. As the last book in this series (I think), Encore tied things up neatly and had a lovely x years later epilogue.
I also really liked that despite this being a story where a character discovers his queernesss for the first time, there was no tension around coming out or internalized queerphobia. (Not that such stories can't also be great, but it's lovely to see the core conflict of a bisexual discovery story for once not being centered around that.)
Instead there is drama around Hollywood connections and ex-partners. This had the potential to become clichée, but was handled nicely. I greatly enjoyed the part that is equivalent to the "third act breakup".
Overall, this was a lovely read, with an m/m romance featuring an openly gay actor and an (ex-)ex-boyband member and also actor who discovers his bisexuality.
Content warnings: include: sex on-page, blackmail, cheating (not main relationship), outing.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 5, 2022
It was good. The whole series had..an unrealness, I guess is the word? about it that I was not a huge fan of and I think the stories itself really need some creativity. And most of all there wasn't even one serious fight between the couple which I found very, well unreal.
October 3, 2024
4.4 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
This is definitely my favorite of this series. The premise was adorable and I loved the chemistry between Blake and Jordan. Honestly the story was just super cute and the way they got closer felt really organic.
The spice was kind of lower in this book than others; the romance was more the focus, which was fine with me. I just really enjoyed both characters.
Maybe it says something that my favorite book of the rockstar series is the one that has the least to do with actually being a rockstar. It felt a lot less like One Direction fanfiction than the previous books.
To be fair, I have not read book three yet because why would I ever read a Sadenverse series in order? Blasphemy. I went from one to two to four, I started the novella, and I’ll do three after that. It’s a clusterfuck, like the rest of the series in this universe. What can I say?
Blake and Jordan though. Solid couple.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Format: audiobook
Narration: 🎤🎤🎤🎤/5
This is definitely my favorite of this series. The premise was adorable and I loved the chemistry between Blake and Jordan. Honestly the story was just super cute and the way they got closer felt really organic.
The spice was kind of lower in this book than others; the romance was more the focus, which was fine with me. I just really enjoyed both characters.
Maybe it says something that my favorite book of the rockstar series is the one that has the least to do with actually being a rockstar. It felt a lot less like One Direction fanfiction than the previous books.
To be fair, I have not read book three yet because why would I ever read a Sadenverse series in order? Blasphemy. I went from one to two to four, I started the novella, and I’ll do three after that. It’s a clusterfuck, like the rest of the series in this universe. What can I say?
Blake and Jordan though. Solid couple.
September 9, 2021
Blake and Jordan...swoon! I absolutely loved these two! I loved being able to peel back the layers to these two men. There is so much more than what meets the eye. Sweet Jordan just broke my heart, but Blake helped put it back together again! These two are perfect for one another and I loved seeing them figure it out and grow together. There's so much love and laughter in this book that it just leaves you with the biggest smile on your face while reading!
I loved getting to see all the Eleven boys all together one last time, and I'm so sad this series is over!
I loved getting to see all the Eleven boys all together one last time, and I'm so sad this series is over!
January 21, 2025
Und auch der letzte Band der Reihe konnte wieder überzeugen, vor allem, wenn man nicht alles ganz so ernst und mit einem zwinkernden Auge liest. Es hat schon einige Klischees und es ist doch eher ungewöhnlich, dass eine ganze Boyband im Verlauf alle queer sind/ werden. Ich mag da wirklich ganz offen sein und niemanden ausschließen, aber es wäre für mich realitischer gewesen, wenn es sich um mehrere Bands gehandelt hätte, wo der eine oder andere eben queer ist, und nicht alle fünf von einer einzigen Band. Auch im Verlauf waren ein paar Dinge, die etwas unrealistisch waren und dieser Ausflug nach Montana, wo alle sich für sie als Paar eingesetzt haben, war mir zu übertrieben.
Dennoch mochte ich die Figuren sehr, besonders Jordan, und auch die Stimmung im Buch und die generelle Handlung war okay. Aber mit der Zeit wiederholt sich alles irgendwie und ich weiß nicht. Die Reihe war gut, aber im Vergleich zu Edens CU Hockey kann sie nicht ganz mithalten. Vielleicht liegt das auch an dem immer angeschlagenen, leicht tadelnden Tonfall und shaming der Glamour Industry, die sicherlich gerechtfertigt ist und ich auch sch** finde, aber hier hat es manchmal eben einen etwas lehrmeisterhaften Unterton, der mich gestört hat. Ansonsten wie gesagt, fand ich die Jungs wieder toll und fand auch das Ende schön, wo man einen kleinen Blick in die Zukunft erhaschen konnte. Schnell für Zwischendurch, bietet aber jetzt auch nichts Neues. Daher solide 4 Punkte für den letzten Band er Famous Reihe. <3
Dennoch mochte ich die Figuren sehr, besonders Jordan, und auch die Stimmung im Buch und die generelle Handlung war okay. Aber mit der Zeit wiederholt sich alles irgendwie und ich weiß nicht. Die Reihe war gut, aber im Vergleich zu Edens CU Hockey kann sie nicht ganz mithalten. Vielleicht liegt das auch an dem immer angeschlagenen, leicht tadelnden Tonfall und shaming der Glamour Industry, die sicherlich gerechtfertigt ist und ich auch sch** finde, aber hier hat es manchmal eben einen etwas lehrmeisterhaften Unterton, der mich gestört hat. Ansonsten wie gesagt, fand ich die Jungs wieder toll und fand auch das Ende schön, wo man einen kleinen Blick in die Zukunft erhaschen konnte. Schnell für Zwischendurch, bietet aber jetzt auch nichts Neues. Daher solide 4 Punkte für den letzten Band er Famous Reihe. <3
September 10, 2021
We have arrived at the last book, and despite not liking books with famous people, I've really enjoyed this series.
Spotlight
is still my favourite of the four because it's more low-key, but I quite liked the others as well.
This one is about Blake, the last member of Eleven standing. He lost a bet with movie star Jordon and now has to be in his movie. Well, he didn't sign a binding contract or anything, and he did want to do the movie, he was just uncertain about being another straight actor playing a gay character. Anyway, during the filming of the movie, friendship happens, and then realizations happen. And it's a great read.
I'd been really excited about this book because a) it's Eden Finely, and b) I was curious about Jordan. We met him in the third book, but it was very briefly. At the time, I didn't get a lock on his personality, but he was intriguing. And I'm happy to report that I really liked him as a character. He was a good guy who'd been burned before, but it hadn't turned him into a dick. And I loved that his and Blake's relationship developed from genuine friendship.
Speaking of, I liked Blake too. He's nice, supportive, open-minded... And the camaraderie between the members of Eleven is so fun. I'm glad we got plenty of that before the series ended.
Finally, this book was entertaining, sweet, and a bit more sappy/dramatic than I'm used to with Finley. There were long-ish declarations of love (which I'm not a fan of), and an actual villain (that was okay). And overall, I enjoyed the book. I'm still glad the series is over because I want Finley to write about tropes that I like, but it was a good series, and it ended on a great note.
P.S. I forgot to mention, but the movie Blake and Jordan are shooting is a reference to Fake Out —another Finley book, one that I love. I won't spoil it, but the characters are named Eamon and Madden! I loved it!
This one is about Blake, the last member of Eleven standing. He lost a bet with movie star Jordon and now has to be in his movie. Well, he didn't sign a binding contract or anything, and he did want to do the movie, he was just uncertain about being another straight actor playing a gay character. Anyway, during the filming of the movie, friendship happens, and then realizations happen. And it's a great read.
I'd been really excited about this book because a) it's Eden Finely, and b) I was curious about Jordan. We met him in the third book, but it was very briefly. At the time, I didn't get a lock on his personality, but he was intriguing. And I'm happy to report that I really liked him as a character. He was a good guy who'd been burned before, but it hadn't turned him into a dick. And I loved that his and Blake's relationship developed from genuine friendship.
Speaking of, I liked Blake too. He's nice, supportive, open-minded... And the camaraderie between the members of Eleven is so fun. I'm glad we got plenty of that before the series ended.
Finally, this book was entertaining, sweet, and a bit more sappy/dramatic than I'm used to with Finley. There were long-ish declarations of love (which I'm not a fan of), and an actual villain (that was okay). And overall, I enjoyed the book. I'm still glad the series is over because I want Finley to write about tropes that I like, but it was a good series, and it ended on a great note.
P.S. I forgot to mention, but the movie Blake and Jordan are shooting is a reference to Fake Out —another Finley book, one that I love. I won't spoil it, but the characters are named Eamon and Madden! I loved it!
June 10, 2023
Adorable end to the series! 🥹🩷
September 5, 2021
This was an awesome read!
And hot as all get out.
However, just to be clear. I didn’t adore this book from the start. I even disliked Jordan in the beginning. He appeared so shallow that I couldn’t believe he was supposed to be Blake’s love-interest. But I should have known better than to doubt Finley. Because of course she peeled back all of Jordan’s defensive layers to get to the sweet and insecure underneath.
Blake on the other hand was a insta-lovable.
And the way they were together! Hot hot hot!
As always, there’s also lots of humour and snark. I mean, that’s practically Finley’s trademark. The humour was perfectly balanced in relation to the angstier parts. And the sexytimes was the spice that made Encore so altogether delicious.
I also loved that the other Eleven guys had such a prominent part in the story. Getting to see more of them was amazing, and also seeing them all together. I hadn’t realized I wasn’t ready to let them go, so this was the perfect ending of the series.
This might even be my favourite Famous book.
Highly recommend! 5 stars!
* A free copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher *
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
And hot as all get out.
However, just to be clear. I didn’t adore this book from the start. I even disliked Jordan in the beginning. He appeared so shallow that I couldn’t believe he was supposed to be Blake’s love-interest. But I should have known better than to doubt Finley. Because of course she peeled back all of Jordan’s defensive layers to get to the sweet and insecure underneath.
Blake on the other hand was a insta-lovable.
And the way they were together! Hot hot hot!
As always, there’s also lots of humour and snark. I mean, that’s practically Finley’s trademark. The humour was perfectly balanced in relation to the angstier parts. And the sexytimes was the spice that made Encore so altogether delicious.
I also loved that the other Eleven guys had such a prominent part in the story. Getting to see more of them was amazing, and also seeing them all together. I hadn’t realized I wasn’t ready to let them go, so this was the perfect ending of the series.
This might even be my favourite Famous book.
Highly recommend! 5 stars!
* A free copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher *
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
August 7, 2022
3.5 "this is the end" stars
I love Eden's Famous series, however this last installment was a bit of a let down as I felt like something was missing.
Blake and Jordan were mostly nice characters. I held myself from having too much expectations about Blake because I already loved the other Eleven guys so much and I didn't want to be disappointed. Sadly I still was... I found his character a bit flat. He was very passive, especially at the beginning when everything was going to sh*t. He seemed more interested in the bet than anything else, which could have been awesome, but his bi-awakening journey felt lackluster to me.
I enjoyed Jordan's character more. He was very wary about catching feelings because of his past love experiences - the last one being the last straw. He had a deeper understanding of hollywood and fought hard to reach his current place in the industry. He was passionate but also vulnerable in some areas, and I liked his complexity.
About the plot, the first part about the experiment and the bet didn't really work for me. I love a good bi-awakening story - Fandom being an amazing example - but this one felt too messy. However the second half of the book about their career was entertaining. And, of course, everything related to Eleven was a big YES! I loved seeing all the guys together and the ending warmed my heart. It was definitely hard to let them go.
I love Eden's Famous series, however this last installment was a bit of a let down as I felt like something was missing.
Blake and Jordan were mostly nice characters. I held myself from having too much expectations about Blake because I already loved the other Eleven guys so much and I didn't want to be disappointed. Sadly I still was... I found his character a bit flat. He was very passive, especially at the beginning when everything was going to sh*t. He seemed more interested in the bet than anything else, which could have been awesome, but his bi-awakening journey felt lackluster to me.
I enjoyed Jordan's character more. He was very wary about catching feelings because of his past love experiences - the last one being the last straw. He had a deeper understanding of hollywood and fought hard to reach his current place in the industry. He was passionate but also vulnerable in some areas, and I liked his complexity.
About the plot, the first part about the experiment and the bet didn't really work for me. I love a good bi-awakening story - Fandom being an amazing example - but this one felt too messy. However the second half of the book about their career was entertaining. And, of course, everything related to Eleven was a big YES! I loved seeing all the guys together and the ending warmed my heart. It was definitely hard to let them go.
September 17, 2021
Miss Finley was back to form for this one. Where the last installment was lacking in areas, this made up for it.
I was wondering what Blake and Jordan's romance was gonna be like, and was excited for it. Overall, it didn't disappoint.
Blake and Jordan had great chemistry from the get go. I was hoping we'd get more of when they were filming together and how attracted they were to each other while having to 'pretend' to have sex and kiss and all that. But the book focused more on what is real between them. Which I get, because I'm sure in reality filming kissing and sex is actually not all that sexy or romantic, but still....it's fun to imagine that they have to act like they're not as into each other as they actually are....
Anyway, this mainly focused on outside the scripted drama for their real life drama. Because at the start of this, Jordan is dating the director of the movie they're working on, Ben, but then when Ben cheats on him, and it's found out in a fairly public way, Ben does all he can to make it seem like Jordan is the bad guy, and like he and Blake were cheating on him.
All this happens while they're in the middle of filming the movie, and when a few weeks are taken to halt the production because of just how Ben was found out and all the resulting drama, Jordan and Blake head up to Mason's big cabin in Montana to get away and hide from the media. And also the other guys from the band are there, because of course Harley uses it as an opportunity to work on their upcoming album.
While there, Blake, who had thought he was straight, is starting to discover maybe he's not so straight, but Jordan has been burned too many times by "straight" guys "experimenting" with him, and he feels that after that they've found the one for them, and it's never him. So Jordan himself has some insecurities, and with Blake just coming to terms with actually being bisexual, there's some complications there.
But Blake takes his new discovered sexuality in stride fairly quickly, and the main drama is getting Jordan to believe that they could be more than just sex, and that Blake isn't just using him to find his soulmate or what have you. Because as time goes on it's clearer and clearer that Jordan is the one for him.
I quite enjoy this. I enjoyed this two together and the story kept me entertained. I do feel that the ending was a tad rushed - it skipped over so much - for something that is supposed to be what wraps up the entire series, but I did appreciate that we got a look into their future to see how all the couples have settled into their lives together.
This was definitely, overall, a win for me. It could have been a little longer, in my opinion, to round out the ending a little better, but overall it was a good last installment, and I loved Blake and Jordan together, they worked so well together.
So a definite thumbs up from me. I definitely recommend this, the last installment in a fun series. I'm excited for the spin-off too about the bodyguards. Can't wait for that!
I was wondering what Blake and Jordan's romance was gonna be like, and was excited for it. Overall, it didn't disappoint.
Blake and Jordan had great chemistry from the get go. I was hoping we'd get more of when they were filming together and how attracted they were to each other while having to 'pretend' to have sex and kiss and all that. But the book focused more on what is real between them. Which I get, because I'm sure in reality filming kissing and sex is actually not all that sexy or romantic, but still....it's fun to imagine that they have to act like they're not as into each other as they actually are....
Anyway, this mainly focused on outside the scripted drama for their real life drama. Because at the start of this, Jordan is dating the director of the movie they're working on, Ben, but then when Ben cheats on him, and it's found out in a fairly public way, Ben does all he can to make it seem like Jordan is the bad guy, and like he and Blake were cheating on him.
All this happens while they're in the middle of filming the movie, and when a few weeks are taken to halt the production because of just how Ben was found out and all the resulting drama, Jordan and Blake head up to Mason's big cabin in Montana to get away and hide from the media. And also the other guys from the band are there, because of course Harley uses it as an opportunity to work on their upcoming album.
While there, Blake, who had thought he was straight, is starting to discover maybe he's not so straight, but Jordan has been burned too many times by "straight" guys "experimenting" with him, and he feels that after that they've found the one for them, and it's never him. So Jordan himself has some insecurities, and with Blake just coming to terms with actually being bisexual, there's some complications there.
But Blake takes his new discovered sexuality in stride fairly quickly, and the main drama is getting Jordan to believe that they could be more than just sex, and that Blake isn't just using him to find his soulmate or what have you. Because as time goes on it's clearer and clearer that Jordan is the one for him.
I quite enjoy this. I enjoyed this two together and the story kept me entertained. I do feel that the ending was a tad rushed - it skipped over so much - for something that is supposed to be what wraps up the entire series, but I did appreciate that we got a look into their future to see how all the couples have settled into their lives together.
This was definitely, overall, a win for me. It could have been a little longer, in my opinion, to round out the ending a little better, but overall it was a good last installment, and I loved Blake and Jordan together, they worked so well together.
So a definite thumbs up from me. I definitely recommend this, the last installment in a fun series. I'm excited for the spin-off too about the bodyguards. Can't wait for that!
May 21, 2022
I came this close to DNFing this book at the 33% mark but, for some reason, didn't. I sort of regret that decision.
Encore, the conclusion of Eden Finley's Famous series, is problematic at its most fundamental level: that of the relationship. Blake is heterosexual and has never even considered being with a man; Jordan is homosexual and has a habit of turning straight guys bi. And yes, I realize that you can't turn someone bi. That's the issue. See, Jordan makes a bet with Blake that he will sleep with him; Blake's queer friends find out, place their own bets, and work to push them together.
Do you know how appalling that is? I don't care that it all worked out in the end. I don't care that nothing happened between the two love interests without spoken consent. What I care about is that this relationship was, from the very beginning, based on "turning" someone bi. It's not that hard to respect other people's sexualities and not be a dick about it. I realize that this is a thing that happens in the gay community, and I am just as disgusted with it in the real world as I am in this book. I also realize that it's just another variation of the GFY trope that is already used once or twice in this series. But seriously. I am putting my foot down. No. Inappropriate.
I have other complaints about this book, too. Blake and Jordan start to get together before Jordan is, strictly speaking, single (and yes, this is complicated in the book; I don't care). Like with the last few books, there is way too much sex - to the point where it gets repetitive. And the Bad Guy does some Bad Things for no discernable reason (?).
Positives about the book? The verbal beatdown towards the end of the book is terrific. I liked finally seeing the Eleven guys on stage together, although I feel like it probably should have happened a book ago. Um... that's about it.
I do not recommend this book. Or, really, the series, honestly, which went steadily downhill after the pretty decent first book. Not worth it. Sorry, but not really.
Encore, the conclusion of Eden Finley's Famous series, is problematic at its most fundamental level: that of the relationship. Blake is heterosexual and has never even considered being with a man; Jordan is homosexual and has a habit of turning straight guys bi. And yes, I realize that you can't turn someone bi. That's the issue. See, Jordan makes a bet with Blake that he will sleep with him; Blake's queer friends find out, place their own bets, and work to push them together.
Do you know how appalling that is? I don't care that it all worked out in the end. I don't care that nothing happened between the two love interests without spoken consent. What I care about is that this relationship was, from the very beginning, based on "turning" someone bi. It's not that hard to respect other people's sexualities and not be a dick about it. I realize that this is a thing that happens in the gay community, and I am just as disgusted with it in the real world as I am in this book. I also realize that it's just another variation of the GFY trope that is already used once or twice in this series. But seriously. I am putting my foot down. No. Inappropriate.
I have other complaints about this book, too. Blake and Jordan start to get together before Jordan is, strictly speaking, single (and yes, this is complicated in the book; I don't care). Like with the last few books, there is way too much sex - to the point where it gets repetitive. And the Bad Guy does some Bad Things for no discernable reason (?).
Positives about the book? The verbal beatdown towards the end of the book is terrific. I liked finally seeing the Eleven guys on stage together, although I feel like it probably should have happened a book ago. Um... that's about it.
I do not recommend this book. Or, really, the series, honestly, which went steadily downhill after the pretty decent first book. Not worth it. Sorry, but not really.
September 10, 2021
Honestly, I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I would! I tend to not enjoy the "everybody is gay" trope when taken out of the context of queer community, so all five members of this boy band ending up in same-sex partnerships (regardless of sexual identity/orientation) strains credulity for me, but I liked this story and these characters enough that I was mostly able to ignore that. I did enjoy the cameos of other characters, but my biggest gripe would probably be all of the betting on other people's sex lives and romantic relationships--it felt quite callous and insensitive, particularly given one of the characters had just been publicly cheated on and was struggling with that, and the other had previously identified as straight and though they didn't struggle with their newfound attraction to men, it seems like maybe it'd be a good idea to not make bets/pull pranks on these two characters while they're going through shit. It's played as quite light and nobody seems to mind, but I found the idea of it all quite distasteful.
But other than that, I was very much into Blake and Jordan, and their dynamic was suuuuper hot. It was pretty much exactly what I wanted (and honestly what I was expecting not to get) and I thought their relationship was lovely and the development worked well. Jordan's evil ex was a bit OTT, but eh, it's Hollywood. I also thought it felt quite satisfying as a series conclusion as well, and the balance between ending the story for everybody and not overwhelming *this* story was well done.
But other than that, I was very much into Blake and Jordan, and their dynamic was suuuuper hot. It was pretty much exactly what I wanted (and honestly what I was expecting not to get) and I thought their relationship was lovely and the development worked well. Jordan's evil ex was a bit OTT, but eh, it's Hollywood. I also thought it felt quite satisfying as a series conclusion as well, and the balance between ending the story for everybody and not overwhelming *this* story was well done.
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