Acting Out (Hollywood #2)

Jun 22, 2012 Edina Rose rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars
This is a real good story, with complex characters.
If I liked Hollywood romance,
And If I had fallen in love with the characters,
I would have probably given 4 stars.

PS -1: Features two men who like light kinky sex: one likes pain, and the other likes to be dominated. Interesting mix. It is usually a top-sado on one side and a sub-maso on the other side, so I found this version interesting.

PS-2: I thought there was a big age gap between the guys and I mentioned it in my initial revie...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Bookivore rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: f-t-g, gay-for-you

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

May 30, 2012 Thomaidha Papa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Breathtaking so far.

Right so I finished it and here it is:

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 “Aa...more Breathtaking so far.

Right so I finished it and here it is:

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 keep 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 Kit's character. Wanting Jeremy yet not going forward to claim him, it got me really charged at some point. It wasn’t until the near end of the book that I got to actually see and feel the position Kit was into. Blinded and confused 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” is a very well written story, full of emotions, suspense, hotness, humor and a view on those hard parts of life that we all have at some point experienced this book lacks nothing. Enjoy!

/Thommie(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 19, 2012 Paige Prince rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

I know it's not out yet, but I was lucky enough to beta read for Tibby so I feel okay giving a rating.

I was first introduced to Tibby Armstrong's writing when I read No Apologies for The Romance Reviews a while back. Ever since then, I've been utterly HOOKED on her writing and (literally) jumped at the chance to read Acting Out. Another glimpse at Greg and Aaron? Meeting a new couple who'd light my iPad on fire? SIGN ME UP.

Jeremy and Kit captured my attention from page one. They have intense ch...more I know it's not out yet, but I was lucky enough to beta read for Tibby so I feel okay giving a rating.

I was first introduced to Tibby Armstrong's writing when I read No Apologies for The Romance Reviews a while back. Ever since then, I've been utterly HOOKED on her writing and (literally) jumped at the chance to read Acting Out. Another glimpse at Greg and Aaron? Meeting a new couple who'd light my iPad on fire? SIGN ME UP.

Jeremy and Kit captured my attention from page one. They have intense chemistry, despite Kit's initial reservations about being with another man. I will have to admit wanting to slap him several times throughout the book (you should seem my emails to Tibby - I might've made her snort a few times with my graphic language when I got mad at him). I know that it was obvious to ME that Kit had very real feelings for Jeremy, but he was so deeply in the closet that even HE didn't know what was real and what wasn't. And even though he treated Jeremy with the utmost care at certain times, there were others when he let his mouth get away with him and I REALLY wanted to slap his face. Or kiss it. Maybe both.

Jeremy plays Greg's character in the movie, and watching some of the things that Greg went through as a young man through Jeremy and Kit's eyes nearly tore me in two. One particular scene had me reaching for the tissue... an entire box of it. And wanting to punch Greg in his beautiful face (I can say that, since I'm Greg and Aaron's girlfriend - you can even ask them on Twitter - @AaronEBlake & @GregoryFalkner). You'll have to read the book to understand why I'd want to punch my fictional boyfriend in the face. Luckily, we're back on speaking terms.

I loved revisiting Greg and Aaron, and it killed me to see them going through tough times again (even knowing it turned out okay in the end - read No Apologies if you're confused). I wanted to yell out "Don't be mad Aaron! He loves you! I swear!" but then PK would've woken up and been all grumbly. And of course, the entire freaking book, I was TERRIFIED on the freaking EDGE OF MY SEAT, thinking that one of my favorite characters was really badly hurt. That stupid (ok, ridiculously hot, but so dangerous) motorcycle!!

I love that Tibby writes in such a way that I care about what happens to the characters. I almost feel like a dork for caring so much. But I'm a self-professed book nerd so I guess that's okay, right? ;)

Rating: 5/5 meows(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 05, 2012 J9 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, contemporary, 2012-reads

ACTING OUT is a wonderfully emotional MM romance with stellar characters.

I loved book one in this series. So I was prepared for disappointment when I realized the leads from book one weren't the leads here. That lasted until the end of page one. I got totally sucked into this romance. Jeremy and Kit are such complicated characters. They're strong in some areas and surprisingly vulnerable in others. Jeremy's acceptance of his sexuality is totally at odds with Kit's but watching them find balance...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 23, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

When I originally read the blurb, I thought the movie story line running concurrently with the reality of the stars would be confusing. To be completely honest, this is the type of book I usually sneer at because there is *obviously* no substance here. Anyway, I set my prejudice aside and dove into the series. I discovered something completely unexpected, books I really liked. I have found another guilty pleasure in this series.

Kit is everything I hate when I think of an actor in Hollywood. He’s...more When I originally read the blurb, I thought the movie story line running concurrently with the reality of the stars would be confusing. To be completely honest, this is the type of book I usually sneer at because there is *obviously* no substance here. Anyway, I set my prejudice aside and dove into the series. I discovered something completely unexpected, books I really liked. I have found another guilty pleasure in this series.

Kit is everything I hate when I think of an actor in Hollywood. He’s condescending, shallow, concerned only with his image, and has a huge chip on his shoulder. He is also a closet case. He absolutely refuses to admit he might possibly be gay even though sex with another man is the best he has ever had and he can’t get enough. It irritated me and it irritated Jeremy, Kit’s lover. Kit’s denial hurts Jeremy, but he puts up with it and ends up falling in love with Kit. It’s exactly this type of situation that drives me crazy. The angst and drama was right at my threshold for enjoyment. If you’ve read But My Boyfriend Is by KA Mitchell, you’ll have a good idea what I’m talking about because both books have a similar feel. Another complaint I have is the amount of sex. I enjoy a hot sex scene but I don’t need or want this much. Another problem for me was the blackmail drama at the end. It didn’t make sense and I thought Kit was a moron for going along with it.

So, what did I like about the book? I liked that Jeremy wasn’t what he appeared to be at first glance. Underneath the talent and beautiful face was a man barely holding it together. I loved that Kit changed as he got to know Jeremy and understood everything Jeremy had overcome to get to this point. Kit grew over the course of the book and ended up being a good guy. Jeremy grew too, he discovered a sense of self-worth and gained some confidence. I connected with them both and was invested in their well being.

I also appreciated how much this book built on the first one, No Apologies. The time frame of this book overlaps a lot of the first one. That was great because even though the two books tell different stories, they build off one another very well. This book added a lot of small details which were important to the romance in the first book. It added important information about the adult relationship of the couple from the first book, Greg and Aaron. I can’t help but be impressed with how well thought out this series is.

I wouldn’t suggest trying to read this series out of order. The books build on each other as they go. I don’t think you would be able to fully appreciate or understand the importance of certain scenes if you haven’t read the previous book. I have a fondness for well-written books in a series so this really appeals to me. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy books in a series and are looking for an enjoyable read with an angsty romance.(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 28, 2012 C.L. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a terrific, well written story! It held my attention from start to finish. Kit and Jeremy captured my attention right from the beginning and it didn't take long for them to capture my heart as well.

This is the first story I've read by Tibby Armstrong and I KNOW I'll be reading more by her. Do not miss this story, it's a MUST READ!!

1 like · like · see review

Aug 07, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-slick

Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

Once again Tibby Armstrong has blown me away with another emotionally charged book about a former child star coming to terms with his sexuality while filming the movie of his career with a Hollywood newcomer. This book is the filming of the movie, No Apologies, from the first book in her Hollywood series. So yes, you will want to read No Apologies first…trust me. If you are like me all the names you have to remember will get confusing. So, to hel...more Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

Once again Tibby Armstrong has blown me away with another emotionally charged book about a former child star coming to terms with his sexuality while filming the movie of his career with a Hollywood newcomer. This book is the filming of the movie, No Apologies, from the first book in her Hollywood series. So yes, you will want to read No Apologies first…trust me. If you are like me all the names you have to remember will get confusing. So, to help you out here’s a guide:
Kit Harris—former child actor—playing Alan in the film who is Aaron Blake in real life (Kit=Alan=Aaron)Jeremy Ash—–Hollywood newcomer—playing Grant in the film who is Greg Faulkner, screenwriter, in real life (Jeremy=Grant=Greg)

This book opens at the premier of No Apologies where we see Kit and Jeremy have a pretty big argument. It obvious from the argument that during filming these two shared more than screen time but Kit seems to be done with their “research”. We then “flash back” several months to the day Jeremy auditions for his part. I’m not a big fan of flashing back and forth in books, TV show, or movies BUT Tibby did this in both of these books and it was necessary to give us that look into the future. So even if it bugs you (like it does me) bear with it, you won’t be sorry.

While Kit and Jeremy are slightly older than Aaron and Greg were in the first book, this really is a coming of age story. Kit is somewhat jaded and very reckless; he’s grown up in Hollywood with a famous father and an alcoholic/drug dependent mother. He’s pretty much been the golden boy and people fall over themselves trying to get close to him. Jeremy ran away from home at 17 and wound up in Hollywood. He’s done a lot of jobs including street performing and bussing tables. Even before leaving home he had a hard life but he’s a survivor. When these two meet and read their scene for the first time, the sparks fly. We learn early on that Jeremy is gay which is kind of funny since he’s playing Greg who was closeted for a very long time. Kit’s been around the block with more than his share of women so it takes him by complete surprise when he finds himself attracted to Jeremy.

Throughout this book the relationship between Kit and Jeremy really changes. I love the way Kit helps Jeremy navigate through his new found stardom. I’m also floored by how Kit takes care of Jeremy after some very heavy scenes they are filming. This seems so out of character for the Kit the world sees but it shows us the real Kit. I like how Jeremy challenges Kit in so many ways. Jeremy is forever asking questions of Kit that make him think and understand what is happening between the two of them. Together they are remarkable and their love scenes are explosive. While you can feel the love growing between these two, a former girlfriend of Kit’s is determined to keep them apart.

In addition to the burgeoning relationship between Kit and Jeremy, we are treated to the friendship that grows between Greg and Jeremy. These two have so very much in common and because of that they bond on a very special level. Although they are only about 5-6 years apart in age, they seem to form a more father/son relationship. Greg truly understands where Jeremy came from and what he’s had to endure and this makes their friendship very extraordinary. I love, love the scenes between them when they talk about how they aren’t attracted to each other, they are quite humorous.

We also get to see more of the grown up relationship between Greg and Aaron, not a lot but little glimpses. These scenes were especially satisfying to me because even though they were on their way to a happily ever after in No Apologies, we see how that is working.
Tibby Armstrong has written yet another book that is beyond a doubt, special. I absolutely fell in love with Jeremy and Kit as much as I did Greg and Aaron in the first book. This book is an emotional read just like No Apologies, but in a different way. While Kit and Jeremy’s relationship was tumultuous, I always felt they could get through anything together. I’m very pleased to recommend this book and I have no doubt it will be one I revisit often. Tibby hints at the end of Acting Out that there will be another book called Out Takes; I truly hope it’s in the works because I would love to see these four characters again!(less)

like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Julesmarie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, new-favorites, gfy-ofy

FANTASTIC! This was so much fun to read!

The blurb and the intro had me all primed to be hating Kit for being a dick, but he turned out to be my favorite character in the book. Possibly in both books. I did love that we got to see more of Greg and Aaron, and learn more about their relationship between where the movie left it in book 1 and where they were the night of the premiere. I appreciated how well Jeremy understood Greg, as it helped me understand him better also.

My favorite things: Kit, an...more FANTASTIC! This was so much fun to read!

The blurb and the intro had me all primed to be hating Kit for being a dick, but he turned out to be my favorite character in the book. Possibly in both books. I did love that we got to see more of Greg and Aaron, and learn more about their relationship between where the movie left it in book 1 and where they were the night of the premiere. I appreciated how well Jeremy understood Greg, as it helped me understand him better also.

My favorite things: Kit, and how open and honest he tries to be as he's figuring stuff out. Jeremy, and his sweetness and innocence in spite of how hard life has been on him. And the two of them together, WOW! Amazing stuff there! (view spoiler)

An amazing book, fantastically well done. This is for sure one I'll reread over and over again!(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 31, 2012 Yvonne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-coming-out

I enjoyed this sequel to No Apologies even more than the original. Screenwriter Greg Falkner & his partner Aaron were the stars of the first book. This story focuses on the two actors, Jeremy Ash, a young unknown & Kit Harris, a former child star who are the cast for Greg's movie.

Jeremy and Kit share an instant chemistry onscreen & off. Jeremy is gay & Kit is portrayed as straight. Yet the two of them get into a physical relationship fairly quickly. Their relationship becomes co...more I enjoyed this sequel to No Apologies even more than the original. Screenwriter Greg Falkner & his partner Aaron were the stars of the first book. This story focuses on the two actors, Jeremy Ash, a young unknown & Kit Harris, a former child star who are the cast for Greg's movie.

Jeremy and Kit share an instant chemistry onscreen & off. Jeremy is gay & Kit is portrayed as straight. Yet the two of them get into a physical relationship fairly quickly. Their relationship becomes complicated by the fact that Kit is in denial that he's gay & anxious to keep a public image that will not ruin his acting career. Jeremy comes from a poorer background & has had to fight his way out from an abusive family & is unwilling to hide his sexuality. Jeremy is also more naive about the ways of Hollywood than Kit.

The differences between Jeremy & Kit makes for some volatile times between the two. Kit was a little harder to like at times & quite annoying in some spots. The sex scenes were often more aggressive than tender. I'd probably have preferred more of a balance.

There was an evil woman in the storyline that I felt didn't get enough of a comeuppance. There needed to have been some fallout for her practically criminal behavior. The fact there wasn't tarnished the ending a bit.

We also didn't get an explanation for Kit's stubbornness until the end & I think Jeremy ended up shouldering most of the guilt with Kit never really acknowledging how his closeted behavior hurt Jeremy as well. For me, a little more conversation & not more sex would have made this a more satisfying resolution.

I was totally enjoying the book & didn't have any real quibbles except for those things already mentioned which unfortunately happened near the end of the book. I'd recommend this story for those who're following the series as we do get to see some of Greg & a little of Aaron . The author does a nice job of weaving them into this story & it helps to round out their characters more. It can also be read as a stand alone book.

(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 clear skies rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, romance, series, coming-out

The first book was about screenwriter Greg and producer Aaron. This book is about twenty-year old newbie actor Jeremy and star Kit - who play the roles of Aaron and Greg in their semi-autobiographical film.

The author uses the same style as she did in book one. However, not as extensive as how book one was done (as that was a story within a story). The book starts in the present with Jeremy angry at Kit at their premier of their film. Then the book flashes back to six months, and how Kit and Jere...more

like · see review

Jan 20, 2013 Plainbrownwrapper rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm

GR has some sortof glitch going on, where it is treating two different editions of a book as though they were two entirely different books. Very annoying. So here's my review from the other edition of this book, since GR refuses to admit that it also applies to THIS edition of the book --

This is an unabashedly romantic romance. It makes no bones about its focus, its romantic sentiment, or its general style. I like Armstrong's writing, so I had no objection to any of it. If it was badly written I...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 26, 2012 Valentina Heart rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt, the-romance-reviews

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.

Need a bit of Hollywood in your life? Coming out among the stars, where pretty people are just as likely to stab you in the back as the next guy isn't any easier than in your kitchen spilling your biggest secret to your parents. ACTING OUT is a huge project where ‘humans' turn into their star personas and the famous show their human side.

Jeremy just needs a chance to set his life straight, to let go of the pas...more This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.

Need a bit of Hollywood in your life? Coming out among the stars, where pretty people are just as likely to stab you in the back as the next guy isn't any easier than in your kitchen spilling your biggest secret to your parents. ACTING OUT is a huge project where ‘humans' turn into their star personas and the famous show their human side.

Jeremy just needs a chance to set his life straight, to let go of the past, and standing in line for an audition among the other sorry individuals is anything but confidence building. His secrets come to light later in the story, but as a start we get a somewhat insecure and shy young man with loads of potential and this one sudden break in life. He gets the part in a gay movie where he meets Kit, a star full of himself who was raised among the famous and acts just the part.

The tension between them is amazing for the movie, where they grow to feel exactly as the characters they are portraying and face the demons from their own lives. Jeremy takes the brunt of it as he deals with love in the making and his old, still bleeding scars, but Kit is the one drifting without any anchor, lost in his newfound feelings and scared out of his mind for his own fame.

The guys are some complex characters who know how to love and how to ‘love' and while their road is far from smooth, during the whole story I got the feeling that they could handle it. My deciding point happened quite early as I read chapter one and right away knew how the story would end. Half the rating of a book for me is the anticipation. I like to travel the road with the characters and be surprised, share their heartache and experience their ups and downs. Chapter One stole that from me, and to spoil it further, it ended with a cliffhanger that haunted me during the rest of the book.

It was hard to appreciate Jeremy and Kit's story slowly maturing into something strong when I knew in advance what their big rift would be and couldn't wait to get to the resolution. My preference aside, ACTING OUT was my first book by this author, and I was pretty much amazed with the quality of the writing. I love the easy flow of the words and the beautiful descriptions that kept my attention even when the story itself didn't.

This book is a standalone but there is a book before it which stars Greg and Aaron, side characters in ACTING OUT, as well as a third book with the same characters. Some might want to start from the beginning and fully enjoy this series because even this one is a good book which will appeal to many. In any case I recommend Tibby Armstrong for the talent, which isn't something you should miss.
(less)

like · see review

May 22, 2012 R.B. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, contemporary, series, romance, angst-lot-of, actors, in-the-closet, favorites, coming-out

I liked the idea of both books - the confession of love told through the big screen and budding romance between two young actors who personify main characters, enemies-to-lovers, in this movie...

Even though the blurb says that this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest reading books in order and at once. The plot of both books intertwined with each other.

I'm glad that Greg and Aaron have a place in this book because we learnt what happened before that one night, when their relationship cou...more

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 22, 2012 Fritz42 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-m-m-romance, m-m-romance, nook-lendable

I stayed up way too late last night, trying to get more of this book read because I just couldn't make myself put it down.

The story is about two actors, Kit, who is a well-to-do, former child star, looking to change his image, and Jeremy, a poor, starving actor, who comes to an open audition for a new movie. They meet there, and sparks fly from the time they first have to kiss there.

After the first chapter, which is situated at the time of the movie's premire, I wasn't sure if I was going to l...more

1 like · like · see review

May 18, 2012 Lady*M rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, m-m-romance

Lovely sequel to No Apologies. The protagonists are two young actors - one famous (Kit), the other beginner (Jeremy) - who play Greg and Aaron from the first book in the movie.

I loved seeing Greg and Aaron again. Greg in particularly was awesome in all his bastard glory. It was interesting to watch Greg interact with the boys, especially his animosity towards Kit who seemed to mirror his own mistakes with Aaron. The chemistry between Kit and Jeremy was great though not as scorching as between t...more

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 18, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-them, favorites

4.5 stars. Dang, this was just as good as No Apologies, if not better. I loved the chemistry between Kit and Jeremy, just as much as I loved Aaron and Greg's chemistry. I loved the epilogue, especially the end of it, great wrap up for both books. These two books are definitely going into my favorites shelf. Thank you Tibby, for writing two awesome books!!

1 like · like · see review

Sep 13, 2012 Lily rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance, contemporary

As with 'No Apologies', I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed the complex characterisations, the straightforward yet interesting plot, the pleasant writing style. On the other hand, I still feel uncomfortable about how the climax (introduced in the first pages) and too rushed ending were constructed.

From the very beginning, I entered the story with Kit's extremely hurtful words and attitude towards Jeremy, making me intensely dislike the former. Then I gradually chan...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 17, 2013 Vivien rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, m-m, part-of-series

I have to say the cover is not up to par to the visualized image i have of Jeremy and Kit. The twist that Kit was to say what bothers him and that Jeremy could shed a light as to what was to stop the two in exposing their preference it is just as romantic that they would resolve that problem in spite how much i want to put down and the book and just start reading another for the stupid shit Kit plunges to that head of his. Well the nose bleeding Amber have got what she deserves when she got that...more

1 like · like · see review

May 15, 2012 Heather♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars

The angst in the opening chapter did a great job in snagging my interest. I was dying to find out what happened next but much to my chagrin the story then switched to the flashback of when Jeremy and Kit first met. I wasn't sure I could be patient enough to read their history when what I really wanted to know was are they going to be OK? But Kit and Jeremy had so much chemistry together that it didn't take long for me to just sit back and enjoy the ride. There were so many underlying emotions in...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 05, 2012 Carey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

Another great read. I was a little upset at first to find out I would be reading about the actors who played Greg and Aaron in No Apologies, as opposed to reading about Greg and Aaron. I felt like I was missing a lot at the end of No Apologies so I wanted to continue to read about those characters. It turns out that this book sucked me in from page one, the scene at the premiere through Kit and Jeremy's eyes was intense and I wanted to find out how they got to that point. I really enjoyed this s...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: challenge-finished

Well Goddamned!! That was an amazing book. After a disappointing read earlier, I really needed this hot, sexy book. A little bit of angst, but not enough to make me sob. Kit and Jeremy were such a great couple, I feel like I got sucked right into their sometimes screwed up, sometimes wonderful life. I like this one better than the first one probably because not only did we meet these guys, but the couple from the first book was in here also. A perfect combo. I know it's a winner when I stay up s...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 16, 2013 Kukko rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-az-character-challenge, 1-app-nook, a-celebrity, a-contemporary, a-erotic, a-romance, character-actor, sex-mix-m-m, z-homeless, z-abuse, z-2013

This was so much fun to read.

Kit is a jaded A-lister and Jeremy is a broke (think homeless) wannabe actor. Kit has been in Hollywood so long he has forgotten how to relate to people. Jeremy on the other hand, despite all that he has been through, is open and accepting of others. Jeremy gets the lead part in a movie opposite Kit.

This is Book 2 of the Hollywood series. I suggest reading the books in order because I think that I missed some of the context in this book - not having read the first...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 20, 2013 Plainbrownwrapper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

This is an unabashedly romantic romance. It makes no bones about its focus, its romantic sentiment, or its general style. I like Armstrong's writing, so I had no objection to any of it. If it was badly written I might have complained about things like the sudden appearance of Jeremy's abuser, or the cliche of the vengeful girlfriend, or the suspiciously artificial coincidence of Jeremy getting evicted just when Kit happens to be driving him home -- but Armstrong's writing chops, and possibly my...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 05, 2013 SueM rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, in-the-closet, gfy-ofy, coming-out, film-tv-stage-stars, first-time, bingo-challenge, ipad-stanza

Oh boy, I had put this one aside for a challenge, and at last, the right category was called, giving me a chance to read it - and it was definitely worth the wait!

Having read the first book in the series, I am aware that a lot, if not most, of this story happens in the same time frame as No Apologies, which covers the problems facing Greg and Aaron's relationship. While Aaron, and in particular, Greg, play a role in this novel, knowledge of the previous novel doesn't really affect Kit and Jeremy...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Andrea Wenger rated it 5 of 5 stars

This novel is a masterpiece, the best I've read since "The Help." Featuring the budding romance and personal struggles of a former child star confused over his sexuality and a Hollywood newcomer working to put his history of poverty and abuse behind him, it is a powerful story with brilliantly drawn characters and a gripping plot. Touching on the inequities and intolerance of a society that hasn't yet given homosexuals the full rights of citizenship, it is never preachy, just real. It is a book...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 07, 2012 Mandie *Foxylutely* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, series, clever-plot, reviewed-2012, angst, absorbfest

This book continues the story of Aaron and Greg but is focused on the two actors Jeremy and Kit who portray them in the film of their relationship – No Apologies. It centres on the making of this film and the relationship development of Jeremy and Kit.

Jeremy is in his first acting role and is openly (but quietly) gay. Kit is a former child actor hoping for a break to leap him onto the next level of his career. He has a reputation with the ladies and is a constant feed for the paparazzi. Kit tak...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Kaje Harper rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: intense, m-m, favorites

4.5 stars. This companion book to No Apologies tells the parallel story of the two young actors who play the characters from the first book in the movies about their lives. I actually enjoyed the relationship between Kit and Jeremy even more than the original between Greg and Aaron (and there where moments with the older Greg and Aaron that helped me gain a better picture of who they had become.)

Jeremy is a sweet guy, more naive than most, and completely on his own after leaving home. Kit is the...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 08, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was really surprised with this book. At first I wasn't entirely sure but the more I read, the more I got into the plot and ended up loving the relationship between Kit and Jeremy. The whole basis of shooting the movie to me was really heart felt and brillant, the telling of a story of a man who was fighting against his peers and family as he came to terms with his sexuality. I am considering on re-reading it even after just finishing it, I enjoyed it that much!

1 like · like · see review

May 18, 2012 Erticchic378 rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the best written stories I have read in years. Everything felt so real. The characters, the story, the resolution of the issues. I could go on forever. By the end I actually felt like I knew the characters, and when Steph knocked the bricks off Amber....I actually cheered...out loud ..LOL. Tibby Armstrong is most certainly on my must buy list from this point on!

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: Acting Out
avg rating	preview: Acting Out Goodreads rating: 4.09 (234 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13530038-acting-out?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331492382l/13530038.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13530038-acting-out?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Acting Out by Tibby Armstrong[/url]

Acting Out (Hollywood #2)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Tibby Armstrong

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Acting Out

Quotes from Acting Out