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Shooting Star #4
Intolerable
Intolerable is a standalone m/m romance in the Shooting Star series, where famous men find love and themselves along the way. Each volume is a long novella from 25k-40k. Just short enough to read before bed. For Samir, acting has been reduced to a competition. What used to be fun is now nothing but a fight to win. And all because of him. Theo is tall, dark, and handsome, just like Samir. Ever since acting school, they’ve been competing for roles. Sometimes Samir gets the lead, other times it’s Theo. But this time, when Theo lands the part and Samir is given the supporting role, it’s hard to pretend that their rivalry is friendly. Seeing Theo daily, his handsome grin and fit body that he likes to rub in Samir’s face, not to mention his cocky personality, are more or less torture. No one has ever been able to get under his skin quite the way that Theo can. Over the years, teasing Samir has turned out to be Theo’s happy place. The way his eyes glint when he’s angry, the way his jaw clenches... what can Theo say, he’s probably a sadist because it brings him utter joy. He loves that he has become the other man’s focal point. The way they compete with each other keeps him going—along with a raging crush that only seems to get stronger and harder to suppress the more they work together. Will these two leading men be able to put their differences aside and start something new, or will they continue to find each other Intolerable ?
234 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2022
5 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Sienna Sway
43 books196 followersSienna Sway is a Canadian writer living in gorgeous Vancouver BC, constantly inspired by her city and surroundings in bringing to life the most compelling m/m and het romance with interesting and real characters.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 22, 2022
Saving the best for last
Unloveable was my favourite of the first three books in the series but Theo and Samir took that crown away from Elliot and Alain.
Having known each other for years, at drama school then competing for the same parts, Theo pushed all of Samir's buttons and not in a good way. Meeting again now and being cast opposite each other in a new series, Samir is still agitated and annoyed by Theo but this time, the beautiful man gets under his skin in a very different way.
Theo has always wanted Samir's attention and loved pushing the other man, just to see the fire in his eyes when Samir get riled up by Theo's smirk and challenging nature.
Working together closely, emotions are stirred up but Samir is surprised to find that his emotions are not what they once were towards Theo.
Samir has a lot of thinking, and re-thinking, to do throughout the story. He isn't honest with himself, and his friend, Alain, gently pushes him to re-examine his thoughts and beliefs. He finally accepts some truths that he's never acknowledged about himself and that is a real turning point for him.
Theo is far more self-aware, compared to Samir. He recognises that there was probably a lot more underlying their verbal sparring than they realised, right from the very beginning, and is willing to open himself up to Samir, even though he fully expects to be rejected.
Seeing the two of them combust lit up the page. They were scorching hot but there was real emotion between them, and not just between the sheets. The glances at each other that they could not stop, even on set, gave away their emotions and I was pleased that Theo had a backbone at the end when things between them were at an impasse.
I loved Theo as the story progressed but Samir kept making me change my mind, right up until the epilogue when he became the man that really deserved Theo's love. The ending was beautiful and just right for these two special men.
Unloveable was my favourite of the first three books in the series but Theo and Samir took that crown away from Elliot and Alain.
Having known each other for years, at drama school then competing for the same parts, Theo pushed all of Samir's buttons and not in a good way. Meeting again now and being cast opposite each other in a new series, Samir is still agitated and annoyed by Theo but this time, the beautiful man gets under his skin in a very different way.
Theo has always wanted Samir's attention and loved pushing the other man, just to see the fire in his eyes when Samir get riled up by Theo's smirk and challenging nature.
Working together closely, emotions are stirred up but Samir is surprised to find that his emotions are not what they once were towards Theo.
Samir has a lot of thinking, and re-thinking, to do throughout the story. He isn't honest with himself, and his friend, Alain, gently pushes him to re-examine his thoughts and beliefs. He finally accepts some truths that he's never acknowledged about himself and that is a real turning point for him.
Theo is far more self-aware, compared to Samir. He recognises that there was probably a lot more underlying their verbal sparring than they realised, right from the very beginning, and is willing to open himself up to Samir, even though he fully expects to be rejected.
Seeing the two of them combust lit up the page. They were scorching hot but there was real emotion between them, and not just between the sheets. The glances at each other that they could not stop, even on set, gave away their emotions and I was pleased that Theo had a backbone at the end when things between them were at an impasse.
I loved Theo as the story progressed but Samir kept making me change my mind, right up until the epilogue when he became the man that really deserved Theo's love. The ending was beautiful and just right for these two special men.
February 22, 2023
Tropes: rivals to lovers, Hollywood
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 5/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: none
This was a great book. There was such tension between Samir and Theo. On Samir's side he was resentful of Theo. Theo on the other hand, was absolutely delighted every time he got to interact with Samir. Theo was just gleeful. He took every opportunity to flirt with Samir. When he finally made a move on Samir, he was just so desperate for him, he had no pride. He just threw himself out there hoping on the off chance that Samir would take him up on it.
I was almost disappointed when they got together because the sexual tension broke. Still very very steamy but that unresolved sexual tension period was just chef's kiss.
This was attention filled read. Very steamy sexual tension between them. Here are some moments that stood out:
One negative thing I have to call the book out for, they had unprotected sex without getting tested or talking about it first. Dumb, bad example.
"For the first time, he’d made a connection with Samir, he’d gotten under his skin… and it was exhilarating."
"“I wanted to see you fucking the extra.” Samir didn’t move for a moment, clearly hiding his surprise. “Why?” he finally asked and Theo, like an idiot, told him. “Because you’re so f***ing hot.” The words just came out of his mouth like nothing and then, continuing the thoughtless stupidity, Theo kissed him."
“Is it true you like to f*** guys sometimes?” Theo asked, voice trembling. Finally, Samir’s gaze flickered up and met his, undercurrents of desire eddying in the dark depths of his eyes. “You can f*** me,” Theo whispered. “If you want.”
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 5/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: none
This was a great book. There was such tension between Samir and Theo. On Samir's side he was resentful of Theo. Theo on the other hand, was absolutely delighted every time he got to interact with Samir. Theo was just gleeful. He took every opportunity to flirt with Samir. When he finally made a move on Samir, he was just so desperate for him, he had no pride. He just threw himself out there hoping on the off chance that Samir would take him up on it.
I was almost disappointed when they got together because the sexual tension broke. Still very very steamy but that unresolved sexual tension period was just chef's kiss.
This was attention filled read. Very steamy sexual tension between them. Here are some moments that stood out:
One negative thing I have to call the book out for, they had unprotected sex without getting tested or talking about it first. Dumb, bad example.
"For the first time, he’d made a connection with Samir, he’d gotten under his skin… and it was exhilarating."
"“I wanted to see you fucking the extra.” Samir didn’t move for a moment, clearly hiding his surprise. “Why?” he finally asked and Theo, like an idiot, told him. “Because you’re so f***ing hot.” The words just came out of his mouth like nothing and then, continuing the thoughtless stupidity, Theo kissed him."
“Is it true you like to f*** guys sometimes?” Theo asked, voice trembling. Finally, Samir’s gaze flickered up and met his, undercurrents of desire eddying in the dark depths of his eyes. “You can f*** me,” Theo whispered. “If you want.”
*FYI, I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
June 29, 2022
Just, let go! Theo and Samir, took acting classes together. When they went pro, their careers diverged, now they have merged, on a miniseries. Theo got the lead and Samir got the secondary as his partner. They are both aware of each other as men, as well as actors. Theo, thinks he's just happy to see his old cohort, but he still loves rubbing him the wrong way. Then, he gets little 'inklings' flying into his mind, that catch his attention and make him aware. Samir was closeted bi, more female focused. Theo was a woman leaning bi man. They work together, questioning themselves. You, the reader keep on wanting to help them out, with the questions. Good characters, nice friends and co-workers. Alain and Elliot, continue to delight. Do they ask the right questions? Does Theo speak up? Does Samir dig deep enough and ask himself the right questions? Great story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2022
This is an frenemies to lovers story. Samir and Theo have maybe, unintentionally, been dancing around eachother for years, since they went to the same college/ school. This was my least favorite story in the series but still an okay read. I goubd it harder to feel conpasion and care for both characters especially Theo maybe because the author did a good job in writing a character that shows a 'fineer' to thw outiade world.
What I like is the insight they get in themselves especially Theo and the development of their connection to a healthier one.
What I disliked is the sexscenes without protection even if they are on prep I presume you would like to know some results when you get ' busy' especially on repeat.
They do find their hfn/ hea.
I was given an arc via Booksprout and leave my honest and personal review
What I like is the insight they get in themselves especially Theo and the development of their connection to a healthier one.
What I disliked is the sexscenes without protection even if they are on prep I presume you would like to know some results when you get ' busy' especially on repeat.
They do find their hfn/ hea.
I was given an arc via Booksprout and leave my honest and personal review
June 27, 2022
Samir and Theo finally got together and fell madly in love after years of mutual pining but thinking they’re enemies because they’re always in competition for the same roles. In a way, Intolerable is an enemies to lovers trope.
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.
June 28, 2022
I really liked the dynamic between Samir and Theo in this book. As rivals for roles, they butted against each other a lot for years and got under each other's skin. But it was about time to reflect and really figure out why. Something that came easier for one and not so easy for the other. Wonderful chemistry between these two. An enjoyable read. 4 stars.
July 10, 2022
Samir and Theo have been rivals since acting classes and still try to top the other for acting parts. Theo gets the lead in a new TV series and Samir gets the second lead. Samir doesn't think he likes Theo but the more they work together the more he realizes he likes him. When things start getting serious Samir pushes Theo away. I really enjoyed this book.
July 15, 2022
Intolerable was my favorite to date!! Loved, loved, loved Theo and Samir!! They go back to drama school, competing for the same parts. Now they are cast as opposites in the same series. I loved they way that Theo could push Samir's buttons! The ending was beautiful! Overall, fantastic!! Well written with fantastic pacing.
October 15, 2022
Absolutely loved the dynamic between these two characters! The hostile banter made the entire story, not mentioning those intimate scenes 😩
July 3, 2024
It was an adorable cheesy fast read which was enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews