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The Zodiac Collection
Sagittarius
What happens when a manic and creative Sagittarius
falls for a stubborn and bull-headed Aries...?
Eric and I couldn’t be more different.
I like poetry and deep, wine-infused conversations.
He likes action films and speaks in one-word sentences.
He’s entered the grumpy, introverted phase of middle-life.
I’m relishing my twenties with late-night pool parties.
I’ve been out since I was a teenager.
He’s so deep in the closet, he has to pay taxes in Narnia.
He’s an actor at the top of his career. Box office hits. Multi-million-dollar movie contracts.
I haven’t written a novel in months, and I fear my muse has slipped away for good.
But when we’re together, there’s a magnetic pull neither of us can deny.
Is this the kiss of inspiration? Or something more?
Sagittarius is an upcoming M/M celebrity romance from USA Today bestselling author Adora Crooks. Between the pages are steamy scenes, heart-string-tugging angst, and an unconventional HEA.
falls for a stubborn and bull-headed Aries...?
Eric and I couldn’t be more different.
I like poetry and deep, wine-infused conversations.
He likes action films and speaks in one-word sentences.
He’s entered the grumpy, introverted phase of middle-life.
I’m relishing my twenties with late-night pool parties.
I’ve been out since I was a teenager.
He’s so deep in the closet, he has to pay taxes in Narnia.
He’s an actor at the top of his career. Box office hits. Multi-million-dollar movie contracts.
I haven’t written a novel in months, and I fear my muse has slipped away for good.
But when we’re together, there’s a magnetic pull neither of us can deny.
Is this the kiss of inspiration? Or something more?
Sagittarius is an upcoming M/M celebrity romance from USA Today bestselling author Adora Crooks. Between the pages are steamy scenes, heart-string-tugging angst, and an unconventional HEA.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2022
26 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 23, 2022
Warning: There is an attempted suicide described in the story. There is also alcoholism but it's not described in detail. The story includes depression. There is talk of "adult activities" and puppies (if you get my drift). If you find that uncomfortable, this story is not for you.
Not at all what I expected. Seriously. Quick summary. Yes, it's M/M. Yes, it's a "quick" love story. Yes, there's a lot that is not included in the details of the story. However, the author does not waste time or energy on many of the tropes I see in M/M stories like the big coming out moment or many other examples. This is a very quiet book with no explosions or bad guys or sobbing moments of self-discovery. This story feels more like real life than fiction.
Nico is an author living in Los Angeles. He is a very broken man. On the surface his life is perfect but inside he's a mess. He has one simple plan that he is almost ready to complete. He is going to kill himself. Of course, fate has a different plant and brings Eric into his life. Eric is a A-list actor that is living deeply in the closet. He has a crush on Nico from a picture on a book jacket. He decides he needs to me Nico because his next movie is an adaptation of one of Nico's books. The men spend time together (most of it off the page) and get to know each other. The one big question is, will they be able to find any sort of happily ever after.
Nico really is relatatable. His life seems so perfect but depression has him in it's grip and won't let him go. His writer's block was a key element of the story. I felt so bad for him as he struggled to come to terms with the fact the his words had dried up. Eric is very understated. He is deeply in the closet but he's not dramatic about it. He has decided that his career and his sexuality can't exist in the same world and he's working with that assumption. When Nico and Eric finally connect as a couple, they don't discuss their "needs" instead choosing to go with the flow and determine what works for them at each step. I liked that they were just two people trying to move along one step at a time.
What I didn't like were those little moments that pulled me from the story. For example, Nico and Eric sit on a bench in the weeds to hide from the people at Nico's party. Suddenly, Nico touches the water of his pool! How? They are on a bench in the weeds hiding. I actually had to stop and recheck I had read it correctly. Why is something like that a big deal? The rest of the story is very smooth and fluid so it jumps off the page when it happens.
This is a contemporary romance set in Los Angeles. The characters have close to a 20 year age gap but that doesn't actually play a role in their relationship. I will read more from this author.
Not at all what I expected. Seriously. Quick summary. Yes, it's M/M. Yes, it's a "quick" love story. Yes, there's a lot that is not included in the details of the story. However, the author does not waste time or energy on many of the tropes I see in M/M stories like the big coming out moment or many other examples. This is a very quiet book with no explosions or bad guys or sobbing moments of self-discovery. This story feels more like real life than fiction.
Nico is an author living in Los Angeles. He is a very broken man. On the surface his life is perfect but inside he's a mess. He has one simple plan that he is almost ready to complete. He is going to kill himself. Of course, fate has a different plant and brings Eric into his life. Eric is a A-list actor that is living deeply in the closet. He has a crush on Nico from a picture on a book jacket. He decides he needs to me Nico because his next movie is an adaptation of one of Nico's books. The men spend time together (most of it off the page) and get to know each other. The one big question is, will they be able to find any sort of happily ever after.
Nico really is relatatable. His life seems so perfect but depression has him in it's grip and won't let him go. His writer's block was a key element of the story. I felt so bad for him as he struggled to come to terms with the fact the his words had dried up. Eric is very understated. He is deeply in the closet but he's not dramatic about it. He has decided that his career and his sexuality can't exist in the same world and he's working with that assumption. When Nico and Eric finally connect as a couple, they don't discuss their "needs" instead choosing to go with the flow and determine what works for them at each step. I liked that they were just two people trying to move along one step at a time.
What I didn't like were those little moments that pulled me from the story. For example, Nico and Eric sit on a bench in the weeds to hide from the people at Nico's party. Suddenly, Nico touches the water of his pool! How? They are on a bench in the weeds hiding. I actually had to stop and recheck I had read it correctly. Why is something like that a big deal? The rest of the story is very smooth and fluid so it jumps off the page when it happens.
This is a contemporary romance set in Los Angeles. The characters have close to a 20 year age gap but that doesn't actually play a role in their relationship. I will read more from this author.
November 27, 2023
Sagittarius
HERO /HEROINE
Nico is a suicidal writer. Fed up with the industry and dried up with ideas. He is ready to end it.
Eric is wound tight with his new role coming up. Closeted since he was young, he obsesses over the author who wrote the book his new movie is based on.
REPRESENTATION
MM, LGBTQIA+
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I really like Eric and Nico together. Honestly, even after reading Mr. Hollywood’s Secret, where Eric and Nico get a third person. I love them as a duo.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
It was angstyyy.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
SAFETY
AGE:
Nico is 25, turning 26. Eric is 40
SEXUAL HISTORY:
They are both sexually active.
CONDOMS:
Yes
TUMMY BUTTERFLIES:
3 /5 Eric and Nico are very hot together. But again, author didn’t really deliver anything smutty that I haven’t read before.
PUSH/PULL:
Yes, on Eric’s end.
SEPARATION:
Yes, I don’t remember how long but at least for a couple of months.
CHEATING:
No, they weren’t talking or together when Nico saw other men.
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:
No
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM:
Yes. When Eric and Nico stop seeing each other Nico turns to sex for comfort.
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS
Age Gap, Suicide Ideation and Attempt, Alcoholism, Anxiety, Depresion
HEA/HFN:
HFN
HERO /HEROINE
Nico is a suicidal writer. Fed up with the industry and dried up with ideas. He is ready to end it.
Eric is wound tight with his new role coming up. Closeted since he was young, he obsesses over the author who wrote the book his new movie is based on.
REPRESENTATION
MM, LGBTQIA+
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I really like Eric and Nico together. Honestly, even after reading Mr. Hollywood’s Secret, where Eric and Nico get a third person. I love them as a duo.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
It was angstyyy.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“No one knows, do they?” he says.
His voice is quiet, almost a whisper.
His blue eyes burn. I look at him.
“Knows what?”
“How much pain you’re in.”
SAFETY
AGE:
Nico is 25, turning 26. Eric is 40
SEXUAL HISTORY:
They are both sexually active.
CONDOMS:
Yes
TUMMY BUTTERFLIES:
3 /5 Eric and Nico are very hot together. But again, author didn’t really deliver anything smutty that I haven’t read before.
PUSH/PULL:
Yes, on Eric’s end.
SEPARATION:
Yes, I don’t remember how long but at least for a couple of months.
CHEATING:
No, they weren’t talking or together when Nico saw other men.
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:
No
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM:
Yes. When Eric and Nico stop seeing each other Nico turns to sex for comfort.
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS
Age Gap, Suicide Ideation and Attempt, Alcoholism, Anxiety, Depresion
HEA/HFN:
HFN
August 15, 2022
This book follows Nico Ortega a writer who is going through depression and suicide ideation’s who has not been able to write anything recently and thinks he has lost his muse, that is until actor Eric North comes into his life to ask him some questions about his book since he will play a role in the film they will make. But as they spend time together they enter into a slightly different kind of relationship as they are both troubled people, Nico with depression and suicide ideation’s and Eric being in the closet with his sexuality.
I'm going to be totally honest and said that when I started reading this book I saw the author's note and there was something that caught my attention and it was the "puppy play kink". I gave myself the task of finding out what it meant and to be honest I thought I wasn't going to like it, but whoops 🫣 once I saw it in the book that was another story because I liked it. 🤭
This book is much more than just a couple of steamy scenes, and I loved how the author knew how to deal with Nico's depression and Eric's acceptance process. I can't wait to see how their relationship continues on "Mr. Hollywood's Secret." 🥹😍
I have read several books by this author and I can say that I recommend her books blindly, they all have their steamy moments but they are always much more than that!
⚠️TW: ⚠️
-mention of suicidal ideation, and depression
Read if you like:
-M/M romance
-puppy play kink
-bdsm
-age gap
-celebrity/famous
-writer x muse
-steamy
This book comes out this week, on the 18th!
Huge thank you to the author for this ARC!! 💜
Rating: 4.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
✧
✧
✧
I'm going to be totally honest and said that when I started reading this book I saw the author's note and there was something that caught my attention and it was the "puppy play kink". I gave myself the task of finding out what it meant and to be honest I thought I wasn't going to like it, but whoops 🫣 once I saw it in the book that was another story because I liked it. 🤭
This book is much more than just a couple of steamy scenes, and I loved how the author knew how to deal with Nico's depression and Eric's acceptance process. I can't wait to see how their relationship continues on "Mr. Hollywood's Secret." 🥹😍
I have read several books by this author and I can say that I recommend her books blindly, they all have their steamy moments but they are always much more than that!
⚠️TW: ⚠️
-mention of suicidal ideation, and depression
Read if you like:
-M/M romance
-puppy play kink
-bdsm
-age gap
-celebrity/famous
-writer x muse
-steamy
This book comes out this week, on the 18th!
Huge thank you to the author for this ARC!! 💜
Rating: 4.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
✧
✧
✧
August 15, 2022
This is a very interesting prequel novella to Mr. Hollywoods Secret. Having never read Adora's books before, I'm definitely intrigued to read more.
The story revolves around Nico and Eric. Nico is an author who sells the rights to one of his books so a movie can be made. Eric is the silver fox star of said movie. There is a 20 year age gap and even puppy play that makes this even more of an interesting read. Including the complications of Eric being in the closet (and refusing to leave) and Nico being depressed, along with the development of their relationship, it makes for a wonderful story. I thought this was very well written.
As a novella, it is relatively short. Thus, the relationship development isn't as strong as it could be. Things happen rather quickly and has time skips to move it along. I would've loved for this to be a full length prequel so we would've been able to see the relationship bloom but Adora Crooks still managed to make this a treat to read.
The depression was written beautifully and so was the lack of self-worth on both ends. You're still able to feel for both Nico and Eric even though the story is on the shorter side. I do hope that in Mr. Hollywoods Secret, you get to see more of the relationship development even though it's clearly been set in stone for the most part. Of course, this prequel makes me want to read on in Nico and Eric's story.
I sat down late last night and had to force myself to put it down to go to bed. I look forward to reading more of Adora Crooks' work and devouring it the same way I did this prequel.
The story revolves around Nico and Eric. Nico is an author who sells the rights to one of his books so a movie can be made. Eric is the silver fox star of said movie. There is a 20 year age gap and even puppy play that makes this even more of an interesting read. Including the complications of Eric being in the closet (and refusing to leave) and Nico being depressed, along with the development of their relationship, it makes for a wonderful story. I thought this was very well written.
As a novella, it is relatively short. Thus, the relationship development isn't as strong as it could be. Things happen rather quickly and has time skips to move it along. I would've loved for this to be a full length prequel so we would've been able to see the relationship bloom but Adora Crooks still managed to make this a treat to read.
The depression was written beautifully and so was the lack of self-worth on both ends. You're still able to feel for both Nico and Eric even though the story is on the shorter side. I do hope that in Mr. Hollywoods Secret, you get to see more of the relationship development even though it's clearly been set in stone for the most part. Of course, this prequel makes me want to read on in Nico and Eric's story.
I sat down late last night and had to force myself to put it down to go to bed. I look forward to reading more of Adora Crooks' work and devouring it the same way I did this prequel.
August 31, 2022
Eric North & Nico Ortega.
This novella (due to be published 08/18/2022) is a prequel to Mr. Hollywood's Secret (published 09/14/2021). I haven’t yet read “Mr. Hollywood's Secret”, though I’m tempted to do so before finalizing this review.
Eric North, a take charge Aries, is a 40 year old A-list actor who is deep in the closet. Eric finds himself intrigued with the author of the book that served as the source for his latest screenplay. He needs to meet him, needs to question him about his character’s motivations. So he shows up at Nic’s home one night with a heavily annotated copy of Nic’s novel.
Nic Ortega, the titular Sagittarius, is a 25 year old author who, after early success, finds himself consumed with writer’s block and depressed to the point of being suicidal. His bucket list leans heavily towards “saying farewell”, but the dominating actor pulls him off his path long enough to want to add one more stop on the road, “teach Eric”.
Eric North enters Nic Ortega’s life at a critical juncture. There is an instant physical attraction between them, a mutual fascination of sorts, but there is plenty of baggage on both of their parts. Some of which can be healed within a budding relationship, some of which requires more help than a new lover can provide.
…
Back now after reading “Mr. Hollywood’s Secret”. While there us nothing missing in “Sagittarius” that would make it difficult to read prior to the full length novel, there is an entirely different perspective on Nico’s troubles which changes the tone of the story. Trouble five years in the past as been wrung out for lessons, while trouble in the present, at least this level of personal obstacle, feels all consuming while you are in the midst of it.
I believe the fact that I’m in the midst of my own personal upheaval makes me more sensitive to Nico’s depression. So while I was fascinated with the characters, I had a hard time liking this small arch of their story. Having finished their greater story, I can appreciate the anguish they had to go through to find both lasting love and personal peace. The peace that comes from knowing who you are, what you want in life, and being one with the journey.
My apologies if that comes across overly deep, but that’s how the story hit me.
As for their sexual chemistry, Eric and Nic are a magnetic match. Eric is a Dominant and a hair sadistic on the orgasm control side of things, but Nic loves being Eric’s boy, his puppy, his willing & eager plaything. The D/s vibe is strong, but their mutual kinks are on the mild side. Puppy play is crawling and making puppy noises, no toys or puppy like subspace. There is no age play with the “Daddy” roleplay.
***
I received this ARC directly from the author. I am posting my full review on release day. Thank you!
This novella (due to be published 08/18/2022) is a prequel to Mr. Hollywood's Secret (published 09/14/2021). I haven’t yet read “Mr. Hollywood's Secret”, though I’m tempted to do so before finalizing this review.
Eric North, a take charge Aries, is a 40 year old A-list actor who is deep in the closet. Eric finds himself intrigued with the author of the book that served as the source for his latest screenplay. He needs to meet him, needs to question him about his character’s motivations. So he shows up at Nic’s home one night with a heavily annotated copy of Nic’s novel.
Nic Ortega, the titular Sagittarius, is a 25 year old author who, after early success, finds himself consumed with writer’s block and depressed to the point of being suicidal. His bucket list leans heavily towards “saying farewell”, but the dominating actor pulls him off his path long enough to want to add one more stop on the road, “teach Eric”.
Eric North enters Nic Ortega’s life at a critical juncture. There is an instant physical attraction between them, a mutual fascination of sorts, but there is plenty of baggage on both of their parts. Some of which can be healed within a budding relationship, some of which requires more help than a new lover can provide.
…
Back now after reading “Mr. Hollywood’s Secret”. While there us nothing missing in “Sagittarius” that would make it difficult to read prior to the full length novel, there is an entirely different perspective on Nico’s troubles which changes the tone of the story. Trouble five years in the past as been wrung out for lessons, while trouble in the present, at least this level of personal obstacle, feels all consuming while you are in the midst of it.
I believe the fact that I’m in the midst of my own personal upheaval makes me more sensitive to Nico’s depression. So while I was fascinated with the characters, I had a hard time liking this small arch of their story. Having finished their greater story, I can appreciate the anguish they had to go through to find both lasting love and personal peace. The peace that comes from knowing who you are, what you want in life, and being one with the journey.
My apologies if that comes across overly deep, but that’s how the story hit me.
As for their sexual chemistry, Eric and Nic are a magnetic match. Eric is a Dominant and a hair sadistic on the orgasm control side of things, but Nic loves being Eric’s boy, his puppy, his willing & eager plaything. The D/s vibe is strong, but their mutual kinks are on the mild side. Puppy play is crawling and making puppy noises, no toys or puppy like subspace. There is no age play with the “Daddy” roleplay.
***
I received this ARC directly from the author. I am posting my full review on release day. Thank you!
August 14, 2022
I was looking forward to reading this, the description sounded intriguing so I dived right in.
I couldn't get into this book, at all. The main characters relationship progresses fast yet slow at the same time. They meet and talk about Nico's book, fool around, and then Nico attempts suicide. After that happens the two main characters don't talk to each other then they do, and poof! They're back together again.
I disliked both of these characters, and I really think there should've been a warning or at least a heads up that this book included puppy play. If I had known that I wouldn't have claimed a copy, it's not my favorite to read about.
I just couldn't get behind this story, it felt disjointed and very cold? Which is a weird way to describe a book but that's the only word I can think of. There is just no emotion here.
I am going to still recommend this because this might not have been my cup of tea but it could be yours.
*Trigger warnings; puppy play, suicidal thoughts and ideation, attempted suicide, talks about self harm and suicide. If those are topics that bother you I would recommend passing on this copy, or just proceed with caution.*.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I couldn't get into this book, at all. The main characters relationship progresses fast yet slow at the same time. They meet and talk about Nico's book, fool around, and then Nico attempts suicide. After that happens the two main characters don't talk to each other then they do, and poof! They're back together again.
I disliked both of these characters, and I really think there should've been a warning or at least a heads up that this book included puppy play. If I had known that I wouldn't have claimed a copy, it's not my favorite to read about.
I just couldn't get behind this story, it felt disjointed and very cold? Which is a weird way to describe a book but that's the only word I can think of. There is just no emotion here.
I am going to still recommend this because this might not have been my cup of tea but it could be yours.
*Trigger warnings; puppy play, suicidal thoughts and ideation, attempted suicide, talks about self harm and suicide. If those are topics that bother you I would recommend passing on this copy, or just proceed with caution.*.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2022
More Than a Feeling
4.5 stars - Even though I've already read (and listened to) Mr. Hollywood's Secret and know where their story goes, I still found myself drawn to where it all began for Nico and Eric. Their early history is far from unicorns and rainbows but I love how they each have a strength the other needs. It's a very bittersweet love story.
My heart broke a little with this revelation. I just wanted to reach into the pages and hug Eric. Undoubtedly, Nico needs just as many tight squeezes. 🤗💔🤗💔🤗
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
4.5 stars - Even though I've already read (and listened to) Mr. Hollywood's Secret and know where their story goes, I still found myself drawn to where it all began for Nico and Eric. Their early history is far from unicorns and rainbows but I love how they each have a strength the other needs. It's a very bittersweet love story.
I just… learned to keep that part of myself quiet. It didn’t feel like lying. It felt like… surviving.
-- Eric North
My heart broke a little with this revelation. I just wanted to reach into the pages and hug Eric. Undoubtedly, Nico needs just as many tight squeezes. 🤗💔🤗💔🤗
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 18, 2022
STEAMY AGE GAP FOCUSSING ON DEPRESSION AND SELF LOVE!
This is not my first book by Adora Crooks and it certainly will not be my last!
This is a story about two total opposites who discover each other’s deepest, darkest kinks and somehow helps each other find love- self love and romantic love….
Eric and Nico’s dynamic changes from friends for three months to friends with benefits when an incident happens that culminates the start of their journey however Nico’s depression could cause the end of a very special connection…
I am not a fan of puppy play but this book intrigued me as the puppy play is very subtle and steamy and best of all caring!
I look forward to Mr. Hollywoods Secret with baited breath!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is not my first book by Adora Crooks and it certainly will not be my last!
This is a story about two total opposites who discover each other’s deepest, darkest kinks and somehow helps each other find love- self love and romantic love….
Eric and Nico’s dynamic changes from friends for three months to friends with benefits when an incident happens that culminates the start of their journey however Nico’s depression could cause the end of a very special connection…
I am not a fan of puppy play but this book intrigued me as the puppy play is very subtle and steamy and best of all caring!
I look forward to Mr. Hollywoods Secret with baited breath!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2022
I loved these characters in the pseudo-sequel to this book - Mr. Hollywood's Secret.
Eric North is one of Hollywood's top actors and he's in the closet. Doesn't help him when he meets the author of the book for his newest movie, Nico Ortega. There was an instant attraction between the two of them that you felt right away. Too bad Eric can't act on it. Or can't he?
Nico is one of the saddest characters I've read. He's so happy in Mr. Hollywood's Secret, so it's a change of pace to read about how he almost committed suicide. Thank God Eric was there for him.
Adora Crooks writes these characters with so much heart. Both characters needed help. They found each other at the right time. Now it makes the sequel that much better.
Eric North is one of Hollywood's top actors and he's in the closet. Doesn't help him when he meets the author of the book for his newest movie, Nico Ortega. There was an instant attraction between the two of them that you felt right away. Too bad Eric can't act on it. Or can't he?
Nico is one of the saddest characters I've read. He's so happy in Mr. Hollywood's Secret, so it's a change of pace to read about how he almost committed suicide. Thank God Eric was there for him.
Adora Crooks writes these characters with so much heart. Both characters needed help. They found each other at the right time. Now it makes the sequel that much better.
August 18, 2022
Sagittarius was definitely an interesting book to read for me, and I'm still not sure what to think about a thing or two but let me get to it. Nico is an author in the midst of writers block, and suicidal thoughts so the story is emotional from the jump. Eric is an actor who feels the need to meet Nico, so he can ask questions about his next part, but he definitely got more than he bargained for. Eric is in the closet so both men have issues that need to be dealt with, and maybe just maybe this meeting will lead to that happening & something they never saw coming to boot. I did love how Adora Crooks dealt with the heavy topics in this novella very well, and it made it that much more emotional. I would suggest y'all read the note from the author before reading. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
August 23, 2022
What a sweet story! I was excited to read this one since I’m a Sagittarius myself! My heart broke for Nico while reading the story. Now I’m intrigued about reading the rest of the Zodiac stories.
The story focuses on Eric, a well-known actor who was starring in a movie written by Nico. To get into the character, he decided to visit Nico to get a deeper understanding. Nico wasn’t interested in discussing the story he wrote. But Eric and Nico seemed to hit it off…they started as having fun but it delved into something more deeper. Eric was a dom/daddy while Nico was a sub/boy. Something happened between them but that’s for you to find out by picking up the book and read!
The story focuses on Eric, a well-known actor who was starring in a movie written by Nico. To get into the character, he decided to visit Nico to get a deeper understanding. Nico wasn’t interested in discussing the story he wrote. But Eric and Nico seemed to hit it off…they started as having fun but it delved into something more deeper. Eric was a dom/daddy while Nico was a sub/boy. Something happened between them but that’s for you to find out by picking up the book and read!
August 18, 2022
Raw and Emotionally-charged
Nico is twenty-four, but he feels like a washed up has been author. Eric is an action movie star deep deep DEEP in the closet. These two as a pair are unlikely, but as they peel back their layers together, they help each other heal and get the help they need. I found both Nico and Eric to be wildly vivid and characters with depth - I felt both their pain and their eventual happiness. I know we meet these two again in Mr. Hollywood’s Secret, so I guess I know what I’m reading next!
Nico is twenty-four, but he feels like a washed up has been author. Eric is an action movie star deep deep DEEP in the closet. These two as a pair are unlikely, but as they peel back their layers together, they help each other heal and get the help they need. I found both Nico and Eric to be wildly vivid and characters with depth - I felt both their pain and their eventual happiness. I know we meet these two again in Mr. Hollywood’s Secret, so I guess I know what I’m reading next!
August 17, 2022
This is a well written prequel to Mr. Hollywood’s Secret. It was my first MM read and Adora wrote it so well, I really enjoyed it. It’s a tough read at times, it’s short and still manages to deal with multiple difficult topics - depression, attempted suicide, sexuality issues. There is an age gap and some interesting kink. Sometimes you love the MCs and sometimes you don’t. As soon as I was done, I immediately started the main book.
August 25, 2022
This was the first book by this author that I have read and will be looking into more.
This book did discuss the sensitive topic of suicide. I will say that the author did a great job of portray this and also redeeming the character through their rough time.
The interactions between Eric and Nico were very real and heart warming. Even when Nico had to work through tough times and Eric had to let him.
This book did discuss the sensitive topic of suicide. I will say that the author did a great job of portray this and also redeeming the character through their rough time.
The interactions between Eric and Nico were very real and heart warming. Even when Nico had to work through tough times and Eric had to let him.
August 25, 2022
This is a well written book with strong characters in Eric and Nico. It's a story of two opposites who help one another heal and find love together. The author brings an emotional story and deals with some heavy topics beautifully. She brings the heat and develops the relationship perfectly. The story moves quickly and smoothly with descriptive scenes as she delivers a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 25, 2022
Nico is a writer with writer's block and not looking to much of a future. Eric is an actor denying his true self for his career. When Eric meets Nico, a bond forms and the path the travel is one of hardship, pain and overcoming their struggles before they can move forward.
Great story that will tug at your heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story that will tug at your heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2022
I liked reading the back story of Eric and Nico. It filled in so much of their past history so we could see what brought them to the people they become in Mr. Hollywood's Secret.
Forty year old actor Eric wants more information about the direction his character should be going so he arrives at writer Nico's looking for answers. Although Eric is deep in the closet he is drawn to much younger Nico who appears to have lost hope in everything. Eric seems to have a savior complex, determined to make Nico better but with Nico spiraling further into depression over his writer's block and having suicidal thoughts will actor Eric be able to support him through it all when he has so many issues of his own?
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
Forty year old actor Eric wants more information about the direction his character should be going so he arrives at writer Nico's looking for answers. Although Eric is deep in the closet he is drawn to much younger Nico who appears to have lost hope in everything. Eric seems to have a savior complex, determined to make Nico better but with Nico spiraling further into depression over his writer's block and having suicidal thoughts will actor Eric be able to support him through it all when he has so many issues of his own?
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.
August 23, 2022
I found this storyline to be well written and interesting. There are some very heavy topics address in this novella that make it a very emotional read. I like Nico and Eric together. They were exactly what each other needed to help them get through some tough times in their lives. The was a great prequel and I definitely plan to check out what happens next for Eric and Nico.
October 17, 2022
Came from the first book, and of course I had to come get my Nico backstory after falling in love with him in there. Heart wrenching slice of life, this read made it much easier to see why Nico and Eric are together in the primary book, after seeing all they’ve been through together. Nico deserves the world. And a kitten.
August 18, 2022
Thank to the author for this ARC
Publish Date: August 18, 2022
Absolutely loved everything and everyone. Three things I would say are, daddy dom, suicidal thoughts, and pet play. Those three things may sound crazy together but in this book, it totally works.
Publish Date: August 18, 2022
Absolutely loved everything and everyone. Three things I would say are, daddy dom, suicidal thoughts, and pet play. Those three things may sound crazy together but in this book, it totally works.
August 21, 2022
Wow!!! Nico and Eric are the total opposites in every way but they fit eachother perfectly. Nico, he hurt my heart in so many ways, Eric he was the energy when he entered a room. That is why they were perfect they balanced eachother out.
August 12, 2022
I cried, I cried some more and then I smiled. You’ve done it again Adora. This is a must read. Helps with background to Mr Hollywood. Loved this book.
Read
August 20, 2022didn't realise it was a prequel, ended v abruptly.
December 31, 2022
It was a really good book but it’s not one of my favorites but look out for trigger warnings when reading ,it has some pretty strong themes in the book and also some bdsm rep too
August 10, 2022
This book offers an interesting relationship situation. A secretive romance that has to remain that way. It’s an ongoing journey for the characters and the reader as it leaves you with a HFN. It also gives you something to look forward to as Nico and Eric are good characters. Their love story definitely smolders but their story, their connection has a life of its own. That, outside of the romance, is an engaging aspect that bears following as it makes the book deeper than simply a love story. These two love but they also exist for each other. It’s this strong emotional connection that drew me in and has me anticipating the next leg of this journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2022
This is my first experience with Adora Crooks and I have to say, I was not disappointed. Generally speaking I don’t tend to gravitate towards MM stories but I enjoyed this one. I thought the characters had more depth and arc than we typically get in a novella and I felt like their backstories were realistic. All in all a fun read!
August 16, 2022
This is my first read from Crooks. This novella is the Prequel to Mr. Hollywoods Secret. The trope for Sagittarius is age gap, celebrity, artist/ muse and it is M/M. You have been warned.
While this was my first time reading this type of story line as far as M/M goes, I will say that Crooks wrote it very seamlessly. Eric and Nico’s story is not without troubles, heartache, secrets. 2 people, 2 souls that are lost in their own ways, but when they meet they realize slowly that with in each other they could be so much more for each other. They end up saving themselves and each other. Don’t forget that Nico and Eric’s story continues.
While this was my first time reading this type of story line as far as M/M goes, I will say that Crooks wrote it very seamlessly. Eric and Nico’s story is not without troubles, heartache, secrets. 2 people, 2 souls that are lost in their own ways, but when they meet they realize slowly that with in each other they could be so much more for each other. They end up saving themselves and each other. Don’t forget that Nico and Eric’s story continues.
August 19, 2022
Amazing story. Love the characters and storyline. Definitely recommend this book.
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