Behind the Curtain by Amy Lane

Title: Behind the Curtain

Author: Amy Lane

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Coming of Age

ISBN: 978-1-62798-510-9

Length: Novel (266 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 6^th, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Dawson Barnes recognizes his world is very small and very charmed. Running his community college theater like a petty god, he and his best friend, Benji know they’ll succeed as stage techs after graduation. His father adores him, Benji would die for him, and Dawson never doubted the safety net of his family, even when life hit him below the belt.

But nothing prepared him for falling on Jared Emory’s head.

Aloof dance superstar Jared is a sweet, vulnerable man and Dawson’s life suits him like a fitted ballet slipper. They forge a long-distance romance from their love of the theater and the magic of Denny’s. At first, it’s perfect: Dawson gets periodic visits and nookie from a gorgeous man who “gets” him—and Jared gets respite from the ultra-competitive world of dancing that almost consumed him.

That is until Jared shows up sick and desperate and Dawson finally sees the distance between them concealed painful things Jared kept inside. If he doesn’t grow up—and fast—his “superstar” might not survive his own weaknesses. That would be a shame. Because the real, fragile Jared that Dawson sees behind the curtain is the person, he can see spending his life with.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4589

Review: Oh my God, what is there to say about this book, or about Amy Lane’s writing? It’s ridiculous really when you think about it, since her books have been one better than the other, and no matter the genre there is this one constant; the promise of a freaking fantastic, mind-blowing, reality-shattering good time.
No, I’m not biased, she’s just that good. If you’ve read one of her works then you know, you really know what I’m talking about, if you haven’t yet, then I must wonder what cave you’ve been hiding and urge you to make it up to your soul and feed it some seriously quality books, just pick one and you’re bound to feel the freedom that comes along with it. Yeah, I’m a fangirl, sue me.

So, back at this book, oh God, this time Amy graced us with yet another charming couple, though to be honest, under no circumstances were Dawson and Jared the MCs here. That spotlight was big enough for the entire crew, as they were each and every single one of them amazing. But Dawson made it out there the most. Dawson with his clumsiness and babbling, making you laugh out loud; Dawson with his amazingly sweet personality and big, no huge heart making you gush over him; Dawson with his purity and loveliness making you fall for him; Dawson with his persistence and faith that magic can be done.
This character will simply rock your world, for he’s what we all wished we had in our lives. And then there’s Jared the dancer. Jared whose whole life has been lonely except for dancing. His family rejecting him for being gay, his dream job demanding everything he has till the last drop of blood, everyone wanting a piece of him, Jared doesn’t believe in family, friendship, or love so pure it can be a reason to live for. Until Dawson lands on him… literally.

This is a love-story. A story that tells the tale of magic, the power it holds on us, how it can heal our soul. This is a romance, the kind that soothes you from inside out and makes you believe again, makes you want again. A story that breaks through every crump of bitterness leaving the sweetest of feelings in its wake. This is a story you want to read anyway, just because it’s so freaking great.

And what’s not to love with a solid plot, gorgeously developed characters, a flowing pace, and a never-ending pull and drive to keep on reading, because not doing so seems like a crime. I swear I felt like I had a spell on me the moment I read the first line. A spell that never let go until the curtain went down and the end was achieved. I laughed, I swooned, I cried, I fanned myself, I smiled, and I felt hopeful. But most of all I felt a soul-deep satisfaction for not having this one missed. It was just pure perfection. Everything, all of it.

So, bottom end, yet another brilliant novel one ought to have on their shelf. Strongly recommended!