Acting Out by Tibby Armstrong

Title: Acting Out

Series: Previous book No Apologies

Author: Tibby Armstrong

Genre: LGBT Contemporary

Length: Novel

Publisher: Loose Id (May 8th, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts

Blurb: Jeremy Ash, aspiring actor, is single, gorgeous…and openly, quietly gay. When he lands a starring role opposite America’s favorite former child star, 21-year old Kit Harris, he’s ecstatic and more than a little attracted to the enigmatic star.

Kit Harris’s career has been flagging and his agent promises this new film, an edgy coming out story with a famed director, is just the thing to get it back on track. The problem is that the film is relatively intimate in nature, and Kit’s definitely not gay. He’s not even slightly bent.

When the two men collide in a crushing first test kiss, Kit’s left reeling and Jeremy’s left wanting, and both are left gasping for air. And that was just the screen test. When filming starts and the two men are brought into close proximity every day, passions ignite and souls collide–both on screen and off. The two men find that the only way to assuage their mutual lust is to give in to it. Kit’s sure this strange new attraction will run its course; Jeremy’s hoping it never has to end.

But when a manipulative model obtains salacious film footage of the two men in bed, Kit’s prepared to do whatever it takes to save his career. But how far is too far to push the boundaries of love and how long can one man hide from himself?

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Acting-Out.aspx

Reviewer: Thommie

Review:  I found this book great and very captivating. It starts with its near end and makes you want to scream out of agony for the entire duration with Kit and Jeremy having a break up fight followed by Kit’s bike accident on the very first chapter.

Greg and Aaron from the first book “No Apologies” are continuing with their relationship, which is as stormy as ever. Greg writes their story and is casting for the actors. He has already found his “Aaron” on the face of Kit Harris, a very attractive, straight and already accomplished actor. Kit has been a child star looking for a new turn to highlight his career and “No Apologies” is just perfect for that. He is the typical Hollywood actor, all charm and confidence, wearing a very James Dean personality. He is what every new actor’s dream.

Jeremy Ash has been looking for a serious role for a long time. New to the ways of Hollywood he goes from casting to casting trying to make it through. He’s tired of being rejected and constantly fighting for next month’s rent or money for his next meal even. When he gets pick in Greg Falkner’s co-leading from the hundreds of other actors waiting in line, he gets no high expectations that he’ll actually going to get the part. Not even when he meets Falkner himself and it’s like seeing through a mirror and some years ahead in the future. Falkner is captivated by Jeremy’s resemblance to him and the way Jeremy seems to get into the part.

During the casting, Kit and Jeremy have a very strong chemistry together and when they kiss, it turns from a part of their role to a very substantial one that leaves Kit confused about its meaning. During their months on the set, the two men get into a very intense, yet complicated relationship, with Kit trying to find his identity, as in what he actually is and Jeremy trying to find a place in his heart. Although their chemistry is acknowledged by everyone, Kit’s denial keeps getting in the way. Along with his abusive past, Kit’s non-commitment is tearing Jeremy’s heart apart.

It is very frustrating and at some point I am compelled to have some strongly negative feelings for this character. Wanting Jeremy, yet not, going forward to claim him. It got me really charged at some points. It wasn’t until the near end of the book that I got to actually see and feel the position Kit was in. Blinded by the force of his emotions, he gets pushed and pulled into a painful game played by his “girlfriend”. Ms. Armstrong, congratulations, you made me for the first time to want to punch a fictional character. I didn’t get satisfied at all by her “ending”.

And the end comes the same way it began. After their final fight Kit gets on his bike to go and find Jeremy and finally explain to him how much he loves him and why did he had to be so cruel for the past 4 months. The bike slides and the world goes black, with the last thoughts of love on Kit’s mind….

Highly recommended “Acting Out”.  It is a very well written story, full of emotions, suspense, hotness, humor and a view on those hard parts of life. this book lacks nothing. Enjoy!