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Second Act
Sometimes you have to go home again.
When Bryce Edwards left Minnesota for the bright lights of Hollywood ten years ago, he was determined not to look back. He's built a solid acting career through his own hard work and talent. But when he finds himself unemployed right before Christmas, the memories he's been ignoring start to rise up and annoy him.
Maybe it's time to take a different approach; maybe it's time to confront his past and not just use it as motivation for his next angsty scene. If he can make peace with what happened back then— the small-town bigots who drove him away, and his first boyfriend who refused to leave with him— maybe he'll be free to move on to something better. He's not sure what “something better” will look like, but he's finally ready to get on a plane, go home, and find out.
When Bryce Edwards left Minnesota for the bright lights of Hollywood ten years ago, he was determined not to look back. He's built a solid acting career through his own hard work and talent. But when he finds himself unemployed right before Christmas, the memories he's been ignoring start to rise up and annoy him.
Maybe it's time to take a different approach; maybe it's time to confront his past and not just use it as motivation for his next angsty scene. If he can make peace with what happened back then— the small-town bigots who drove him away, and his first boyfriend who refused to leave with him— maybe he'll be free to move on to something better. He's not sure what “something better” will look like, but he's finally ready to get on a plane, go home, and find out.
144 pages, ebook
First published December 27, 2014
22 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
91 books2,728 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 24, 2015
Not even the Hollywood theme and setting could sour me on this book, especially because an actor's life was so realistically portrayed in the story.
That's exactly what life is like for most actors in L.A.: scraping by, quitting real jobs for bit parts, running from casting call to casting call, living in shitty flats with multiple roommates, dressing and looking the part while living on noodles, peanut butter, and frozen yogurt.
I had friends "in the business" when I lived in the City of Angels, and only one ever made it "big" after years of waiting tables.
The juxtaposition of muscular, "action star" Bryce and sleek, blonde, artistic Dion was lovely. I liked the chemistry between them.
However, I think Bryce took too much responsibility for the lack of communication. Neither man was willing to say what was on his mind! They both played it off as if they didn't care, but that was not true.
I would have loved to see Dion's perspective, because from where I stood he was Really, Dion? Give the man longer than a couple days to breathe and collect his thoughts.
Also, I couldn't believe Bryce felt bad about
I loved the side story of Cory and Jacques, and I really liked how Cory and Bryce finally mended fences.
When Bryce returned home, he didn't find what he was looking for; he found more.
This was well written and lightly steamy. The one full sex scene was hella hot, but I wanted more, damn it. The secondary characters were great, and the story well paced and enjoyable.
The epilogue made me smile!
That's exactly what life is like for most actors in L.A.: scraping by, quitting real jobs for bit parts, running from casting call to casting call, living in shitty flats with multiple roommates, dressing and looking the part while living on noodles, peanut butter, and frozen yogurt.
I had friends "in the business" when I lived in the City of Angels, and only one ever made it "big" after years of waiting tables.
The juxtaposition of muscular, "action star" Bryce and sleek, blonde, artistic Dion was lovely. I liked the chemistry between them.
However, I think Bryce took too much responsibility for the lack of communication. Neither man was willing to say what was on his mind! They both played it off as if they didn't care, but that was not true.
I would have loved to see Dion's perspective, because from where I stood he was Really, Dion? Give the man longer than a couple days to breathe and collect his thoughts.
Also, I couldn't believe Bryce felt bad about
I loved the side story of Cory and Jacques, and I really liked how Cory and Bryce finally mended fences.
When Bryce returned home, he didn't find what he was looking for; he found more.
This was well written and lightly steamy. The one full sex scene was hella hot, but I wanted more, damn it. The secondary characters were great, and the story well paced and enjoyable.
The epilogue made me smile!
Read
January 5, 2015I put Dec 30th as an initial release date so no one is disappointed. I'm hoping for the 23rd or 24th. We shall see...
And... What we saw was a Table of Contents that acted like a cat playing in a Christmas tree, all random. So we're working on formatting and hope to release before the 30th after all.
Aaaand we managed to get the Amazon release for January 4th. Well, we all learned a lot in the process. Huge thanks to Jonathan Penn, Sara Winters and Deb McGowan, for the help.
And... What we saw was a Table of Contents that acted like a cat playing in a Christmas tree, all random. So we're working on formatting and hope to release before the 30th after all.
Aaaand we managed to get the Amazon release for January 4th. Well, we all learned a lot in the process. Huge thanks to Jonathan Penn, Sara Winters and Deb McGowan, for the help.
February 13, 2015
Bryce (28) left his small town in Minnesota 10 years ago with only just a dream, to become a famous Hollywood actor. Ten years ago he was practically forced to leave his town when he came out and everyone want him gone. He left his family and his boyfriend (or more exactly his friend with benefits, Cody who at that time was in the closet) determined, but a little hurt. When he finds himself unemployed, he decides to return to Minnesota to see Cody and to make peace with his past. He doesn’t expect to find Cody out and in a long, happy relationship with Jacques, a French-Canadian man who’s running the guest house Bryce is staying in. There he meets Dion (23) who is Jacques’s half-brother, a handsome young man, who admires him as an actor and is very attracted to him. They spend some hot time between the sheets and when after few days Bryce has to return to LA, Dion is willing to go with him.
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the Bryce and Dion, individually and as a couple. I loved how real they felt and I loved they weren’t perfect. They have flaws, they have insecurities and both of them are very well developed. At times I didn’t like their decisions, but in the end I was ok with them and I understood their choices. I really liked their characterization.
Bryce’s character was great and I liked that he’s not your typical Hollywood actor. He has self-confidence issues and he is quiet. He is a lonely guy who doesn’t have many friends. Like 10 years ago he’s still determined to make it big in Hollywood. He’s a good actor and he’s hardworking guy. I didn’t read many books with actors, but I thought the Hollywood world is portrayed very well. Dion is such an endearing character. He is adorable most of the time. He is confident and sassy and wealthy, and I liked he wasn’t arrogant. Also I liked he has his own baggage.
I really liked how naturally their relationship progressed. They are attracted immediately with each other, but I wasn't bothered at all. They really complement each other. While Dion is blonde and skinny, Bryce is dark and muscular. But I’m not talking only about this. They felt good together, perfect for each other. I enjoyed their banter and all their interactions.
I liked how Bryce made peace with his past, how he accepts that him and Cory were maybe too young to be together at that time and how he realizes that people are not perfect. The side characters, Dion’s brother Jacques and Bryce’s ex, Cory were likeable characters and I liked their role in Bryce and Dion’s story. Also, I liked Nancy, Bryce’s agent.
As always the writing was wonderful!
I would have liked Dion’s POV too ( 1st or 3rd person) and I would have liked to 'feel' a little more chesmitry between them.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
Want to read
January 5, 2015New Kaje Harper???
Don't even have to read the blurb to know that I want it.
Don't even have to read the blurb to know that I want it.
January 7, 2015
3.5 stars
I have to admit, stories about actors are not my favorite. I think the reality of how few relationships actually work in "Hollywood" makes me jaded about reading them in my books. I'm a strict must-have-HEA romance reader and "ever after" means forever, yo!
So, this book probably already had a strike against it before I even began. BUT, it's Kaje Harper, whose words I eat up like a dynamite roll with eel sauce and extra wasabi (oh god, now I'm craving one!) And despite all my "but he's an actor" complaining in my head, I found I enjoyed it.
Bryce is the actor in question and his story has a lot of layers. 1) He grew up in small-town America and faced great hostility when he came out as gay. 2) His first love Cody rejected him when the town found out and they hadn't spoken in 10 years, leaving Bryce always wondering what coulda-been. 3) Bryce had a tragic situation take away his parents and left him financially bankrupt...which played with his head as much as it did his bank account. 4) Though not technically in the closet, as an actor in Hollywood, Bryce has never come "out" about his sexuality...and he's not certain he's willing to lose potential roles in order to do so. See? There's a lot to Bryce...and I found him to be a really interesting character.
And there's a lovely, restored B&B in small-town Minnesota...which is one of those idyllic scenes that I love.
I think what didn't entirely work for me, personally, was Bryce's love interest Dion. He confused me. He's young. We find out he's ridiculously rich. He's a fanboy of Bryce, the actor. And something about all of those things concerned me...heck, it concerned Bryce too. And I'm not sure I was able to get past it all to connect with Dion.
Despite this, there was a lot to like in the story. The side characters of Jacques (Dion's half-brother) and Cody (Bryce's childhood forbidden love) made for really interesting reading. And again, I loved the parts set in Minnesota. To be honest, I could do without all the Hollywood parts, but again, that's because I'm not really interested in that backdrop in my books.
So, there were some solid parts, mostly working through Bryce's own struggles. And all in all, I found this entertaining.
May 18, 2024
3.5 stars
I put reading this one off for a long time because I’m generally not interested in reading about an actor MC, until a few days ago I started craving a Kaje Harper book and I found this one on the bottom of my Kindle. As usual, Kaje didn’t disappoint.
As far as plot and character development go, this book didn’t do anything heart-shattering, but there’s something about this author’s writing that makes even the simplest things work on a different level. I especially appreciated the fact that at first it wasn’t clear who the love interest would turn out to be. The uncertainty didn’t last long, but it was still a nice novelty, among so many cookie-cut books.
I also liked the way the story focused
If I must find something to complain about, it would be that the MCs
All in all, it was the right book at the right time.
I put reading this one off for a long time because I’m generally not interested in reading about an actor MC, until a few days ago I started craving a Kaje Harper book and I found this one on the bottom of my Kindle. As usual, Kaje didn’t disappoint.
As far as plot and character development go, this book didn’t do anything heart-shattering, but there’s something about this author’s writing that makes even the simplest things work on a different level. I especially appreciated the fact that at first it wasn’t clear who the love interest would turn out to be. The uncertainty didn’t last long, but it was still a nice novelty, among so many cookie-cut books.
I also liked the way the story focused
If I must find something to complain about, it would be that the MCs
All in all, it was the right book at the right time.
January 12, 2015
3 STARS
Okay, so honestly, this was a good story. Some of my problems were maybe a bit because of my personal taste but I always tried to keep my thoughts unbiased. A little. I loved Kaje Haper's Life Lessons series so I was a bit disappointed with this one. I mean it wasn't even in the same genre but I expected it to be great.
First of all, this book wasn't really a Hollywood film. Maybe only 50% of it which worked really well for the story. This book was about Bryce trying to fix his career as an actor. The way Kaje portrayed a struggling (debatable) actor was really good. I was really liking the way Bryce's life was being told. Something happened that kind of halted his career for a little while so he decided to go back to Minnesota to find closure and maybe reconciliation. Well, he found something more.
I really liked how Dion and Bryce's relationship progressed. I kind of like Cody and Jacques' relationship although I was quite iffy on both individually. Anyway, there were some things that kind of bothered me reading this.
1. I kind of didn't like Jacques. I mean he did have redeeming qualities but it felt like he thought he was always right. I really couldn't explain it. Like whenever he talked to Bryce or Dion, it felt like what he's saying was the fact or something and it was non-negotiable. Even with Cody sometimes. This was one of the personal taste problems I had. Maybe it was because we had so much Jacques in the first quarter of the book.
2. I felt like Cody was the hypocrite one especially when he was lecturing Bryce when he went to Bryce's apartment. Why didn't Cody try to reach out? He was the one who was in the wrong.
3. Bryce was soooo quick on understanding. I knew it was easy to forgive because the ugly past was 10 years ago but he was so quick at understanding why Cody did those things. I thought some "I was hurt!" angst would have been useful in this. I mean he did want to find closure because he was bothered by it.
4. I couldn't believe Cody kind of blamed or placed the problem to Bryce for he and Jacques not moving forward. He was at fault for the ugly events then so why didn't he have the initiative to fix things? Why was it Bryce's? If he fucking wanted to move on years ago, he would have tried to reach out to Bryce but no.
5. I hated how Bryce was almost always ended up in the wrong in a conversation when he was always in the right. There would be a banter or an argument where he has the right to be a little mad then later he would be half-apologising or even understanding (eg. Cody's actions).
I just felt like Bryce was at a disadvantage. Anyway, the book was really good especially when Bryce and Dion were in LA. I thought the reconciliation with Dion was amazing. Bryce's speech/lines were perfect. The ending was great and I thought Bryce and Dion were perfect for each other. It was a HFN ending but I was fine with it.
I was very interested with the rich guy, the ex of Dion. I thought I wanted more from him. I actually want a story about him! Haha! Oh the secondary characters were great. I thought they added so much in the story.
Overall, a good read.
Okay, so honestly, this was a good story. Some of my problems were maybe a bit because of my personal taste but I always tried to keep my thoughts unbiased. A little. I loved Kaje Haper's Life Lessons series so I was a bit disappointed with this one. I mean it wasn't even in the same genre but I expected it to be great.
First of all, this book wasn't really a Hollywood film. Maybe only 50% of it which worked really well for the story. This book was about Bryce trying to fix his career as an actor. The way Kaje portrayed a struggling (debatable) actor was really good. I was really liking the way Bryce's life was being told. Something happened that kind of halted his career for a little while so he decided to go back to Minnesota to find closure and maybe reconciliation. Well, he found something more.
I really liked how Dion and Bryce's relationship progressed. I kind of like Cody and Jacques' relationship although I was quite iffy on both individually. Anyway, there were some things that kind of bothered me reading this.
1. I kind of didn't like Jacques. I mean he did have redeeming qualities but it felt like he thought he was always right. I really couldn't explain it. Like whenever he talked to Bryce or Dion, it felt like what he's saying was the fact or something and it was non-negotiable. Even with Cody sometimes. This was one of the personal taste problems I had. Maybe it was because we had so much Jacques in the first quarter of the book.
2. I felt like Cody was the hypocrite one especially when he was lecturing Bryce when he went to Bryce's apartment. Why didn't Cody try to reach out? He was the one who was in the wrong.
3. Bryce was soooo quick on understanding. I knew it was easy to forgive because the ugly past was 10 years ago but he was so quick at understanding why Cody did those things. I thought some "I was hurt!" angst would have been useful in this. I mean he did want to find closure because he was bothered by it.
4. I couldn't believe Cody kind of blamed or placed the problem to Bryce for he and Jacques not moving forward. He was at fault for the ugly events then so why didn't he have the initiative to fix things? Why was it Bryce's? If he fucking wanted to move on years ago, he would have tried to reach out to Bryce but no.
5. I hated how Bryce was almost always ended up in the wrong in a conversation when he was always in the right. There would be a banter or an argument where he has the right to be a little mad then later he would be half-apologising or even understanding (eg. Cody's actions).
I just felt like Bryce was at a disadvantage. Anyway, the book was really good especially when Bryce and Dion were in LA. I thought the reconciliation with Dion was amazing. Bryce's speech/lines were perfect. The ending was great and I thought Bryce and Dion were perfect for each other. It was a HFN ending but I was fine with it.
I was very interested with the rich guy, the ex of Dion. I thought I wanted more from him. I actually want a story about him! Haha! Oh the secondary characters were great. I thought they added so much in the story.
Overall, a good read.
January 7, 2022
Every now and then a book comes along that hits all my plus buttons, this was such a book. I loved it.
From the start I was sucked in, the big sucker punch I felt at the beginning really threw me, I guess I was expecting a more typical story line. But it was exactly the kind of punch I enjoy.
Bryce really drew me in. I felt deeply for him throughout the story. I could believe in his insecurities, and even understand his reactions.
Dion won me over very quickly. It was easy to see why Bryce fell for him.
The chemistry with these too was so strong, even I with my distaste for on page sex found these too hot. The sex is not full on in your face porn which was another plus.
This is a story full of feelings, one I was both eager to read yet not ready to finish. In all a pretty damn perfect read for me.
ETA Still stands the test of time
From the start I was sucked in, the big sucker punch I felt at the beginning really threw me, I guess I was expecting a more typical story line. But it was exactly the kind of punch I enjoy.
Bryce really drew me in. I felt deeply for him throughout the story. I could believe in his insecurities, and even understand his reactions.
Dion won me over very quickly. It was easy to see why Bryce fell for him.
The chemistry with these too was so strong, even I with my distaste for on page sex found these too hot. The sex is not full on in your face porn which was another plus.
This is a story full of feelings, one I was both eager to read yet not ready to finish. In all a pretty damn perfect read for me.
ETA Still stands the test of time
January 7, 2015
First try and I couldn't really get into it. Second try, it worked and I really liked it. Only then to drift away to some OTT development that got me to roll my eyes. Then I got a very nice, satisfying happy ending. Overall a nice read, but not my favorite by this author.
December 17, 2025
B+ / 4.5 stars
The final TBR Challenge prompt of the year usually has a holiday-related theme, and this year’s is Celebration! – but I confess I went with a book that, while set mostly during December, is probably more Christmas adjacent than Christmas-themed. But that’s fine – so many Christmas romances end up being a bit trite and predictable (and too fluffy for me) – and Kaje Harper’s Second Act is, fortunately, none of those things. It could have been – the synopsis tells of a fairly well-known actor going back to his home in small-town Minnesota over the Christmas period to ‘make peace’ with the boyfriend who refused to leave with him a decade earlier – and we all know how that one goes, right? Except it doesn’t, and Kaje Harper does something different, turning it into a story of forgiveness, healing and finding new love. A Second Act indeed.
Ten years before the story begins, eighteen-year-old Bryce Edwards caused something of a furore when he stood up in church and confronted the bigoted preacher during a service one Sunday, coming out in the process and blowing up his plans to go to college with his best friend (and first love), Cody. When he couldn’t persuade Cody to leave with him, a broken-hearted Bryce left for the bright lights of LA and has never looked back.
He’s worked hard to build himself a career, although like most actors, he’s had lean periods, but at twenty-nine he seems poised for a breakthrough into bigger and better parts, having landed a plum role in an upcoming, much talked-about paranormal thriller. Shooting has begun, but he’s only been on set a few days when he’s called in by the director and told that his role has been rewritten as a female character (there’s a love triangle and the producers don’t want to “push a gay agenda”), so he’ll be paid his full fee, but is no longer needed. Bryce isn’t out in Hollywood – he realised pretty quickly that he could be an out gay actor or play straight action heroes, but not both – so he’s not being fired for being queer, but it does remind him of why he made the decision to keep the closet door shut.
For reasons he doesn’t really understand, this disappointment hits really hard, harder than practically any other setback he’s ever faced. He needs something to ground him, some familiar sights and people, and decides to fly home to Minnesota for the holidays. He also admits to himself that he has never properly processed what happened with Cody, that he’d stuffed it all in a box in his head and hadn’t ever looked at it again – and now it’s all spilling out. He doesn’t even know if Cody got married and had kids the way his ultra-conservative parents wanted – but he thinks it’s time he found out. And perhaps, if he can confront his past and make peace with what happened back then, it will help him to move on to better things.
Bryce checks in at the newly restored Des Arbres B&B and after a short nap, he heads downstairs for dinner. Not sure where to go, he follows the sound of voices into the kitchen and finds the owner, Jacques LeClair, and his gorgeous younger half-brother Dion – and if Bryce had thought Jacques, with his perfect grooming and expensive clothes looked a bit out of place for rural Minnesota, Dion is much more so; tall and slim and stunning, with perfect, smooth skin, wide dark eyes and a shock of platinum blond hair. He’s bubbly, flirty, clearly out and proud and also, it seems, a fan of Bryce’s; the three men spend a pleasant evening, eating a wonderful meal and chatting easily together.
The next morning, Bryce is walking along the lane to Cody’s farm when Jacques drives past him, stops and offers to take him to his destination. As Bryce exits the car, Cody comes out of the barn – then they’re hugging fiercely and as Cody invites Bryce into the house, he tells Jacques to come in, too – and to Bryce’s astonishment, leans in and kisses Jacques hard on the mouth.
It seems Bryce has got a lot to catch up on, and part of this story is dedicated to exactly that. As Bryce gets to know more about Cody’s life over the last ten years, he comes to realise that he’d been looking at the past through rose-tinted glasses and holding Cody up as some kind of ideal when in reality, neither of them was ready to be together back then. I liked that the author doesn’t make this a one-sided thing, showing that Cody, too, needs closure and has things he needs to talk about and work through with Bryce.
Bryce starts spending more time with Dion, whose offer of fun, no strings sex is exactly what he needs. Their chemistry is electric, and Dion is hot, funny, great in bed and genuinely interested in Bryce as a person – and while sex is all it’s supposed to be, when Bryce gets a call from his agent telling him to hoot-foot it back to L.A., he realises he isn’t ready to leave Dion and asks him to go with him. Bryce knows he’s falling for Dion, but also knows he can’t offer Dion the kind of relationship he deserves, so he tries to play it cool, to show Dion that he’s totally down with the casual thing and that Dion should feel free to do his own thing while they’re in L.A.
But that isn’t what Dion wants. We don’t get his perspective as the story is told entirely from Bryce’s PoV, but the author makes it clear that Dion is falling hard for Bryce and is confused by his attempts to put a bit of distance between them (other than in bed) – which leads to heartache for both of them.
Bryce is a superbly-written character and I liked that he’s not your typical Hollywood actor. His self-esteem isn’t great (he genuinely doesn’t think he’s a big deal, often reminding Dion he isn’t a ‘star’ when he’s obviously more highly thought of than he realises) and he’s quiet and more than a bit lonely – probably due to the fact that he feels he can’t be openly himself because it could damage the career he’s worked so hard to build. The author describes his life as a jobbing actor in (what seems to me) a very realistic way; years of random minimim wage jobs, running from casting call to casting call, quitting real jobs for bit parts, and living in crappy, cramped apartments.
Dion is warm, outgoing, funny, unapologetically himself – and very wealthy. He’s not a dick about money, but it does bring some tension to the story because Bryce is sure he’s way out of his league. Bryce has spent many years just scraping by and had to declare himself bankrupt when he couldn’t pay his parents’ medical bills; and even though he’s making decent money now, he’s understandably cautious and sensitive to any suggestion that Dion might want to help him out.
Yet despite their differences, Bryce and Dion make a good couple. Meeting Dion encourages Bryce to expand his horizons outside his single-minded focus on his career, and Bryce is good for Dion because he wants nothing from him except himself - and he (eventually) makes sure Dion knows it.
I really liked that the story focuses on more than the central romance (although that’s still the most important part). Cody and Jacques play a key role in Bryce and Dion’s story, and I liked the exploration of Bryce and Cody’s friendship and the glimpses we’re given into Jacques and Cody’s relationship.
Second Act is a fairly quick read, but well worth it if you’re looking for something seasonal but not schmalzy that features a wonderfully-written romance between multi-layered, flawed characters who experience significant personal growth. I’ve had a pretty good run of TBR Challenge reads this year – mostly good with the odd dud - and I’m happy to have completed the 2025 challenge with such a great read.
The final TBR Challenge prompt of the year usually has a holiday-related theme, and this year’s is Celebration! – but I confess I went with a book that, while set mostly during December, is probably more Christmas adjacent than Christmas-themed. But that’s fine – so many Christmas romances end up being a bit trite and predictable (and too fluffy for me) – and Kaje Harper’s Second Act is, fortunately, none of those things. It could have been – the synopsis tells of a fairly well-known actor going back to his home in small-town Minnesota over the Christmas period to ‘make peace’ with the boyfriend who refused to leave with him a decade earlier – and we all know how that one goes, right? Except it doesn’t, and Kaje Harper does something different, turning it into a story of forgiveness, healing and finding new love. A Second Act indeed.
Ten years before the story begins, eighteen-year-old Bryce Edwards caused something of a furore when he stood up in church and confronted the bigoted preacher during a service one Sunday, coming out in the process and blowing up his plans to go to college with his best friend (and first love), Cody. When he couldn’t persuade Cody to leave with him, a broken-hearted Bryce left for the bright lights of LA and has never looked back.
He’s worked hard to build himself a career, although like most actors, he’s had lean periods, but at twenty-nine he seems poised for a breakthrough into bigger and better parts, having landed a plum role in an upcoming, much talked-about paranormal thriller. Shooting has begun, but he’s only been on set a few days when he’s called in by the director and told that his role has been rewritten as a female character (there’s a love triangle and the producers don’t want to “push a gay agenda”), so he’ll be paid his full fee, but is no longer needed. Bryce isn’t out in Hollywood – he realised pretty quickly that he could be an out gay actor or play straight action heroes, but not both – so he’s not being fired for being queer, but it does remind him of why he made the decision to keep the closet door shut.
For reasons he doesn’t really understand, this disappointment hits really hard, harder than practically any other setback he’s ever faced. He needs something to ground him, some familiar sights and people, and decides to fly home to Minnesota for the holidays. He also admits to himself that he has never properly processed what happened with Cody, that he’d stuffed it all in a box in his head and hadn’t ever looked at it again – and now it’s all spilling out. He doesn’t even know if Cody got married and had kids the way his ultra-conservative parents wanted – but he thinks it’s time he found out. And perhaps, if he can confront his past and make peace with what happened back then, it will help him to move on to better things.
Bryce checks in at the newly restored Des Arbres B&B and after a short nap, he heads downstairs for dinner. Not sure where to go, he follows the sound of voices into the kitchen and finds the owner, Jacques LeClair, and his gorgeous younger half-brother Dion – and if Bryce had thought Jacques, with his perfect grooming and expensive clothes looked a bit out of place for rural Minnesota, Dion is much more so; tall and slim and stunning, with perfect, smooth skin, wide dark eyes and a shock of platinum blond hair. He’s bubbly, flirty, clearly out and proud and also, it seems, a fan of Bryce’s; the three men spend a pleasant evening, eating a wonderful meal and chatting easily together.
The next morning, Bryce is walking along the lane to Cody’s farm when Jacques drives past him, stops and offers to take him to his destination. As Bryce exits the car, Cody comes out of the barn – then they’re hugging fiercely and as Cody invites Bryce into the house, he tells Jacques to come in, too – and to Bryce’s astonishment, leans in and kisses Jacques hard on the mouth.
It seems Bryce has got a lot to catch up on, and part of this story is dedicated to exactly that. As Bryce gets to know more about Cody’s life over the last ten years, he comes to realise that he’d been looking at the past through rose-tinted glasses and holding Cody up as some kind of ideal when in reality, neither of them was ready to be together back then. I liked that the author doesn’t make this a one-sided thing, showing that Cody, too, needs closure and has things he needs to talk about and work through with Bryce.
Bryce starts spending more time with Dion, whose offer of fun, no strings sex is exactly what he needs. Their chemistry is electric, and Dion is hot, funny, great in bed and genuinely interested in Bryce as a person – and while sex is all it’s supposed to be, when Bryce gets a call from his agent telling him to hoot-foot it back to L.A., he realises he isn’t ready to leave Dion and asks him to go with him. Bryce knows he’s falling for Dion, but also knows he can’t offer Dion the kind of relationship he deserves, so he tries to play it cool, to show Dion that he’s totally down with the casual thing and that Dion should feel free to do his own thing while they’re in L.A.
But that isn’t what Dion wants. We don’t get his perspective as the story is told entirely from Bryce’s PoV, but the author makes it clear that Dion is falling hard for Bryce and is confused by his attempts to put a bit of distance between them (other than in bed) – which leads to heartache for both of them.
Bryce is a superbly-written character and I liked that he’s not your typical Hollywood actor. His self-esteem isn’t great (he genuinely doesn’t think he’s a big deal, often reminding Dion he isn’t a ‘star’ when he’s obviously more highly thought of than he realises) and he’s quiet and more than a bit lonely – probably due to the fact that he feels he can’t be openly himself because it could damage the career he’s worked so hard to build. The author describes his life as a jobbing actor in (what seems to me) a very realistic way; years of random minimim wage jobs, running from casting call to casting call, quitting real jobs for bit parts, and living in crappy, cramped apartments.
Dion is warm, outgoing, funny, unapologetically himself – and very wealthy. He’s not a dick about money, but it does bring some tension to the story because Bryce is sure he’s way out of his league. Bryce has spent many years just scraping by and had to declare himself bankrupt when he couldn’t pay his parents’ medical bills; and even though he’s making decent money now, he’s understandably cautious and sensitive to any suggestion that Dion might want to help him out.
Yet despite their differences, Bryce and Dion make a good couple. Meeting Dion encourages Bryce to expand his horizons outside his single-minded focus on his career, and Bryce is good for Dion because he wants nothing from him except himself - and he (eventually) makes sure Dion knows it.
I really liked that the story focuses on more than the central romance (although that’s still the most important part). Cody and Jacques play a key role in Bryce and Dion’s story, and I liked the exploration of Bryce and Cody’s friendship and the glimpses we’re given into Jacques and Cody’s relationship.
Second Act is a fairly quick read, but well worth it if you’re looking for something seasonal but not schmalzy that features a wonderfully-written romance between multi-layered, flawed characters who experience significant personal growth. I’ve had a pretty good run of TBR Challenge reads this year – mostly good with the odd dud - and I’m happy to have completed the 2025 challenge with such a great read.
July 22, 2017
3.5
Me ha gustado bastante, sobre todo cómo retrata la vida de los actores en HW, es muy realista, sin caer (del todo) en pintarnos un cuento de hadas, sin embargo admito que no me ha acabado de gustar Dion, no sé porqué me parece muy MarieSue, no he acabado de creerme su relación, sin embargo es una novela muy entretenida y bien escrita. Muy recomendable si te va el rollo del famoseo y los fanboys.
Me ha gustado bastante, sobre todo cómo retrata la vida de los actores en HW, es muy realista, sin caer (del todo) en pintarnos un cuento de hadas, sin embargo admito que no me ha acabado de gustar Dion, no sé porqué me parece muy MarieSue, no he acabado de creerme su relación, sin embargo es una novela muy entretenida y bien escrita. Muy recomendable si te va el rollo del famoseo y los fanboys.
January 11, 2015
There are already so many reviews for this one -- so go read them. My review is short because this time I really have not much to say (and I feel like I'm running out of words). I love Kaje Harper's stories. I thought hers are always solid -- even the ones I rated 3* or 3.5*.
I don't usually enjoy reading romance in Hollywood because it has so many stereotypes. This one felt different because Bryce (despite being an actor and closeted) was the one having money issue while Dion (that pushy, determined, little hurricane) was the one loaded. So I loved the reversal of the role. There was drama over money issue (and Bryce being too prideful for his own sake) and I didn't know whether the "running to Vail" was necessary, plus I did feel a bit concerned when it came to Bryce and his 'ex' storyline because there were times I thought Bryce hadn't been able to truly let it go.
But overall, I still really loved the story. It was satisfying read for me.
I don't usually enjoy reading romance in Hollywood because it has so many stereotypes. This one felt different because Bryce (despite being an actor and closeted) was the one having money issue while Dion (that pushy, determined, little hurricane) was the one loaded. So I loved the reversal of the role. There was drama over money issue (and Bryce being too prideful for his own sake) and I didn't know whether the "running to Vail" was necessary, plus I did feel a bit concerned when it came to Bryce and his 'ex' storyline because there were times I thought Bryce hadn't been able to truly let it go.
But overall, I still really loved the story. It was satisfying read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2015
Loved it <3. I wanted to hug Bryce, be besties with Dion, and throttle Cody tho I totally was won over in the end and was happy for him and Jacques. Lovely, simple story with a lot of heart.
January 8, 2015
Kind of an inconsistent story, at times melancholic and sad, at times funny, but it was good, especially for a holiday story. Dion stole the show.
December 2, 2015
Lots of depth to the characters, they felt real, flawed yet strong in their own way. This is not the second chance story I expected, but I loved it!
The story appealed to me right away since I live in California and have a family member in the movie industry. The author painted a very realistic picture of what its like trying to make it in acting. It’s not easy, even when you’re doing well enough to have a few credits to your name. I found it interesting that Bryce was out in Minnesota but mostly in the closet in ultra-liberal California. I can see how that could feel necessary, but was glad that his agent was not pressuring him into the closet but was instead quite supportive and caring. Bryce’s acting scenes, and his thoughts as he went through them, seemed so real.
I found the contrasts between Bryce and Dion irresistible: Bryce all pumped and manly, frugal, mostly closeted and very career focused, and Dion all sleek and beautiful with his family money, out and proud, and temporarily helping out his half brother. What an excellent mix.
Unfortunately, communication between the two was at a premium from the start.
Bryce was always taking responsibility for their misunderstandings. I tend to be like Bryce, never thinking that I have the right to be upset. I found myself wanting to see him just get mad at some point instead of always being so damn understanding all the time. Didn’t seem to me that Bryce was the only one responsible for their misunderstandings–far from it in most cases.
I adored Bryce. How could you not love a big, sweet guy who doesn’t even know that others see him as a star? And it felt so right how despite being an excellent actor, he had trouble sometimes with expressing himself using his own words. The way he sometimes searched in his head for past roles to bolster himself through difficult real life situations pulled at my heart.
The very out and proud Dion nearly stole the show with his humor and in-your-face carefree lifestyle. But I very much wished for some bits from his POV as I was often wondering what the heck he was thinking when he said and did some things. The fun epilogue highlighted Dion wonderfully and left me all smiles.
Overall, the sex was hot, especially the frotting scene. I find that very sexy and don’t see enough of in m/m. My only disappointment was that Bryce’s stray thought about whether Dion would be open to topping never made it into reality. I’d really like to read that scene.
On another note, Cody and Jacques provided an unexpected, sweet bonus romance. Adored those two together. The proposal scene was one of my favorites in the book. Loved seeing the self-assured Jacques’ vulnerable side.
For being on the short side, the author brought plenty of depth to all the characters in this story. Each felt real, flawed yet strong in their own way.
While this book took an entirely different track than what I’d initially expected, I was in no way disappointed. Not a reunion or second chance story at all. True to the title, it’s the opening curtain on the second act in Bryce Edward’s life. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
The story appealed to me right away since I live in California and have a family member in the movie industry. The author painted a very realistic picture of what its like trying to make it in acting. It’s not easy, even when you’re doing well enough to have a few credits to your name. I found it interesting that Bryce was out in Minnesota but mostly in the closet in ultra-liberal California. I can see how that could feel necessary, but was glad that his agent was not pressuring him into the closet but was instead quite supportive and caring. Bryce’s acting scenes, and his thoughts as he went through them, seemed so real.
I found the contrasts between Bryce and Dion irresistible: Bryce all pumped and manly, frugal, mostly closeted and very career focused, and Dion all sleek and beautiful with his family money, out and proud, and temporarily helping out his half brother. What an excellent mix.
Unfortunately, communication between the two was at a premium from the start.
Bryce was always taking responsibility for their misunderstandings. I tend to be like Bryce, never thinking that I have the right to be upset. I found myself wanting to see him just get mad at some point instead of always being so damn understanding all the time. Didn’t seem to me that Bryce was the only one responsible for their misunderstandings–far from it in most cases.
I adored Bryce. How could you not love a big, sweet guy who doesn’t even know that others see him as a star? And it felt so right how despite being an excellent actor, he had trouble sometimes with expressing himself using his own words. The way he sometimes searched in his head for past roles to bolster himself through difficult real life situations pulled at my heart.
The very out and proud Dion nearly stole the show with his humor and in-your-face carefree lifestyle. But I very much wished for some bits from his POV as I was often wondering what the heck he was thinking when he said and did some things. The fun epilogue highlighted Dion wonderfully and left me all smiles.
Overall, the sex was hot, especially the frotting scene. I find that very sexy and don’t see enough of in m/m. My only disappointment was that Bryce’s stray thought about whether Dion would be open to topping never made it into reality. I’d really like to read that scene.
On another note, Cody and Jacques provided an unexpected, sweet bonus romance. Adored those two together. The proposal scene was one of my favorites in the book. Loved seeing the self-assured Jacques’ vulnerable side.
For being on the short side, the author brought plenty of depth to all the characters in this story. Each felt real, flawed yet strong in their own way.
While this book took an entirely different track than what I’d initially expected, I was in no way disappointed. Not a reunion or second chance story at all. True to the title, it’s the opening curtain on the second act in Bryce Edward’s life. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 31, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up
This is a fairly light, low angst, longish novella with a roughly Christmassy theme.
10 years before the story opens, Bryce burnt all his bridges in the small rural Minnesota town where he lived, by in doing so he lost the college life he'd planned with his friend (with benefits) Cody. Since then he's moved to LA to act and whilst he's never hit the big time he's done okay. Having been let go from a part that could have been a big hit, just before Christmas, he decides to return to Minnesota to see Cody -
While there, he meets Dion, the younger brother of the owner of the guest house. Dion is gay, out and whilst not flamboyant he's not hiding his sexuality - something that Bryce has done ever since his initial coming out as he's worried how it will impact on his career. What starts as some sexy-times fun between Bryce and Dion develops into something more when Bryce invites him to return to LA with him. There are some misunderstandings, particularly surrounding the difference in their financial statuses and I did get a little cross about their lack of communication (and the ability to just charter a private jet - even if it is a favour from a friend...) but pair do overcome their misunderstandings and get a nice satisfying happy ending though.
This is a fairly light, low angst, longish novella with a roughly Christmassy theme.
10 years before the story opens, Bryce burnt all his bridges in the small rural Minnesota town where he lived, by in doing so he lost the college life he'd planned with his friend (with benefits) Cody. Since then he's moved to LA to act and whilst he's never hit the big time he's done okay. Having been let go from a part that could have been a big hit, just before Christmas, he decides to return to Minnesota to see Cody -
While there, he meets Dion, the younger brother of the owner of the guest house. Dion is gay, out and whilst not flamboyant he's not hiding his sexuality - something that Bryce has done ever since his initial coming out as he's worried how it will impact on his career. What starts as some sexy-times fun between Bryce and Dion develops into something more when Bryce invites him to return to LA with him. There are some misunderstandings, particularly surrounding the difference in their financial statuses and I did get a little cross about their lack of communication (and the ability to just charter a private jet - even if it is a favour from a friend...) but pair do overcome their misunderstandings and get a nice satisfying happy ending though.
March 5, 2015
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance****
4.5 Stars -
Kaje Harper gives us another emotional tale of heartache and personal growth interspersed with love, lust and friendship. Now, don’t be afraid – this is not an angst fest, but my heartstrings were tugged more than once and a few tears were spilled.
I fell in love with Bryce and Dion. Although I thought this was going to be a second chance type story, and was surprised with the direction it took, everything made sense and worked out the best way possible.
It was interesting to see the snippets of Bryce acting, the thoughts that went through his head as he did so. Usually those details are skipped, but it gave us more information on who Bryce was as a person.
The thing I love about Ms Harper’s books is that they feel down to earth with real people, even when dealing with up and coming movies stars and the wealthy (or even a shifter or two – but that’s a different book!).
I definitely recommend this book to fans of Kaje Harper as well as people new to the author!
4.5 Stars -
Kaje Harper gives us another emotional tale of heartache and personal growth interspersed with love, lust and friendship. Now, don’t be afraid – this is not an angst fest, but my heartstrings were tugged more than once and a few tears were spilled.
I fell in love with Bryce and Dion. Although I thought this was going to be a second chance type story, and was surprised with the direction it took, everything made sense and worked out the best way possible.
It was interesting to see the snippets of Bryce acting, the thoughts that went through his head as he did so. Usually those details are skipped, but it gave us more information on who Bryce was as a person.
The thing I love about Ms Harper’s books is that they feel down to earth with real people, even when dealing with up and coming movies stars and the wealthy (or even a shifter or two – but that’s a different book!).
I definitely recommend this book to fans of Kaje Harper as well as people new to the author!
January 5, 2015
Kaje Harper knows that life is messy and complicated. It's a strong theme running through all her books. Her characters make mistakes, they hide their insecurities and they are proud and stubborn.
So sometimes, we want to smack them. For not talking more, for not listening better, for taking the easier road. But we also cheer for them. And know that when they get their chance at happiness, we urge them to take it.
They deserve it.
The four boys here all deserve their chance at happy ever after. I loved them all for their flaws and their strength and their determination.
I am not saying anything about the plot. But it's Kaje. You all know the story will be grounded in realism, the characters will make us laugh and the smexy is hot and tender.
So sometimes, we want to smack them. For not talking more, for not listening better, for taking the easier road. But we also cheer for them. And know that when they get their chance at happiness, we urge them to take it.
They deserve it.
The four boys here all deserve their chance at happy ever after. I loved them all for their flaws and their strength and their determination.
I am not saying anything about the plot. But it's Kaje. You all know the story will be grounded in realism, the characters will make us laugh and the smexy is hot and tender.
January 19, 2015
Reviewed soon at bmbr, then here.
January 23, 2015
I had high expectations for this book. The blurb sounded exactly like my kind of thing:
Aspiring Hollwood-Star Bryce Edwards feels the need to return to his Minnesota hometown to face the (lost, but never forgotten) first love of his life, Cody. After 10 years in L.A. trying to make it in the business, he's not sure what to find when he returns to the town of his youth, hoping to find some kind of closure, after all Cody must surely be married by now, running his parent's farm as he had always dreamed of.
Silly me, who thought this book would be about Bryce returning to Minnesota, finding his lost love Cody and realizing how much he missed him, overcoming obstacles to be together once more - and maybe even Bryce realizing that his Hollywood life was shallow and meaningless compared to a life of work in the countryside with his lover.
Okay, I'm probably channelling former actor Steve Sandvoss who did a stellar job playing a gay Mormon in 'Latter Days', but who is now running a dairy farm to produce organic goat cheese.
That's a story that only life can come up with ;-)
Anyway, I had assumed this would be more or less what this book was about, but then I met Dion...
But let me start at the beginning:
Anyway, the writing is superb as usual for a Kaje Harper book, but the couple left me rather cold, even though Bryce did have his moments. In the end it was Cody that I really enjoyed, even though he doesn't get too many scenes.
Would I recommend it? To romance readers, for sure. Is it among the list of my favorite Kaje Harper books? Certainly not.
Aspiring Hollwood-Star Bryce Edwards feels the need to return to his Minnesota hometown to face the (lost, but never forgotten) first love of his life, Cody. After 10 years in L.A. trying to make it in the business, he's not sure what to find when he returns to the town of his youth, hoping to find some kind of closure, after all Cody must surely be married by now, running his parent's farm as he had always dreamed of.
Silly me, who thought this book would be about Bryce returning to Minnesota, finding his lost love Cody and realizing how much he missed him, overcoming obstacles to be together once more - and maybe even Bryce realizing that his Hollywood life was shallow and meaningless compared to a life of work in the countryside with his lover.
Okay, I'm probably channelling former actor Steve Sandvoss who did a stellar job playing a gay Mormon in 'Latter Days', but who is now running a dairy farm to produce organic goat cheese.
That's a story that only life can come up with ;-)
Anyway, I had assumed this would be more or less what this book was about, but then I met Dion...
But let me start at the beginning:
Anyway, the writing is superb as usual for a Kaje Harper book, but the couple left me rather cold, even though Bryce did have his moments. In the end it was Cody that I really enjoyed, even though he doesn't get too many scenes.
Would I recommend it? To romance readers, for sure. Is it among the list of my favorite Kaje Harper books? Certainly not.
January 10, 2015
3.5 stars
This was a sweet read, no real over the top angst. I liked Dion and Bryce. Would have liked a little more build up/tension before they jump in bed together, but that seems very common in books lately. While the story was good and entertaining in parts, I really don't enjoy books that have a mc always think they are not good enough, and go down the push you away for your own good theme. However, I like this author and her writing, so I overlook some of the things that I may normally roll my eyes at. Overall, this was a nice read with likeable characters and all worked out in the end for everyone.
This was a sweet read, no real over the top angst. I liked Dion and Bryce. Would have liked a little more build up/tension before they jump in bed together, but that seems very common in books lately. While the story was good and entertaining in parts, I really don't enjoy books that have a mc always think they are not good enough, and go down the push you away for your own good theme. However, I like this author and her writing, so I overlook some of the things that I may normally roll my eyes at. Overall, this was a nice read with likeable characters and all worked out in the end for everyone.
December 30, 2014
4.5 stars
Kaje Harper is one of those Author's that really knows how to weave a story. At the beginning of this book I saw it going in one direction...my heart ached when it took a different turn. But then I found myself caring about other characters and seeing them in a different light. That was Mrs. Harper's skill at story telling. She pulled me through this story. Great Book.
Kaje Harper is one of those Author's that really knows how to weave a story. At the beginning of this book I saw it going in one direction...my heart ached when it took a different turn. But then I found myself caring about other characters and seeing them in a different light. That was Mrs. Harper's skill at story telling. She pulled me through this story. Great Book.
June 19, 2018
What a pleasant surprise this story was. I had thought it would be typical boy leaves best friend/lover for the lights of Hollywood and returns 10 years later to find the man is still pining for him. Not so. His lover has moved on and it turns out it's for the best as his new lover's brother is exactly what he needs. Using names -- Bryce, a now well-known actor, returns to Cody, a farmer, but meets Dion, a cute and wealthy 23-year-old stepbrother to Jacques, owner of a B&B, who is now Cody's lover.
Not really so complex as it may sound, but certainly not typical and very interesting, this story explores Bryce's evolution from single-minded focus on his career to expanding his world and his thinking as he meets the more freewheeling Dion.
Very enjoyable and definitely worth recommending to those who enjoy reunion stories and those that feature character-building and all round sweet MM romance.
Not really so complex as it may sound, but certainly not typical and very interesting, this story explores Bryce's evolution from single-minded focus on his career to expanding his world and his thinking as he meets the more freewheeling Dion.
Very enjoyable and definitely worth recommending to those who enjoy reunion stories and those that feature character-building and all round sweet MM romance.
November 21, 2020
I really love Kaje Harper and I love a good Christmas story but this one left me a bit disappointed. Now part of that is probably my own fault for having certain expectations for this book after reading the synopsis. It went in a totally different direction than I expected which could be a good thing but for me it just didn't work that well. My favorite character was Cody and he ended up being a secondary character and not the love interest for Bryce. The whole Hollywood piece just wasn't my jam - too many superficial people and choices. I didn't dislike Bryce but I wasn't a big fan either - Dion seemed to be a nice guy and I liked him but we didn't get a lot of depth for his character. Instant love that just didn't seem to work for me especially when I wanted it to go a different way.
January 28, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Guys, let me start by saying you should go buy this book. Yep, I liked it that much. The writing was fantastic, the characters wonderfully drawn and well developed, and the story moved along at the perfect pace. It was, ultimately, a feel good read and I ended the book with that satisfied sigh of a story well done.
Bryce is our narrator here, and it’s his journey we’re on. This guy had a hell of a time when he came out to practically the whole town, and he ran away to pursue his dream right afterwards. What I particularly loved about him was that though he had done well for himself, he wasn’t some big headed, arrogant actor. He’s serious about his craft, still having trouble making ends meet, and he’s got a sensible head on his shoulders. He’s mostly hiding his sexuality because he doesn’t have a choice; being out in Hollywood would not get him all the parts he wants or is good for, and that’s a real concern. But his reasoning behind it is sound. I loved this guy. He was a dichotomy at times, but it really gave us a good sense of who he was and what he was thinking. I liked that he was, in turns, confident and scared out of his mind. His layers made him feel real.
His attraction to Dion is pretty instant, and it’s easy to see why. Dion is a confident, bubbly, shiny guy, and he goes after what he wants. But he’s got layers too, a soft heart and a real solid core. He was perfect for Bryce and they fit together so well. It was clear why Bryce was shaky about them being together for the long term, and why he was so willing to let Dion go. But these guys just work, and seeing them together was incredibly satisfying.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Guys, let me start by saying you should go buy this book. Yep, I liked it that much. The writing was fantastic, the characters wonderfully drawn and well developed, and the story moved along at the perfect pace. It was, ultimately, a feel good read and I ended the book with that satisfied sigh of a story well done.
Bryce is our narrator here, and it’s his journey we’re on. This guy had a hell of a time when he came out to practically the whole town, and he ran away to pursue his dream right afterwards. What I particularly loved about him was that though he had done well for himself, he wasn’t some big headed, arrogant actor. He’s serious about his craft, still having trouble making ends meet, and he’s got a sensible head on his shoulders. He’s mostly hiding his sexuality because he doesn’t have a choice; being out in Hollywood would not get him all the parts he wants or is good for, and that’s a real concern. But his reasoning behind it is sound. I loved this guy. He was a dichotomy at times, but it really gave us a good sense of who he was and what he was thinking. I liked that he was, in turns, confident and scared out of his mind. His layers made him feel real.
His attraction to Dion is pretty instant, and it’s easy to see why. Dion is a confident, bubbly, shiny guy, and he goes after what he wants. But he’s got layers too, a soft heart and a real solid core. He was perfect for Bryce and they fit together so well. It was clear why Bryce was shaky about them being together for the long term, and why he was so willing to let Dion go. But these guys just work, and seeing them together was incredibly satisfying.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
January 8, 2015
This was superb. Did not want to put it down. There was not one thing about Bryce that I didn't love. He seriously had my heart. And Kaje Harper throws us a major curve ball within the first 20%. I will admit that I was pissed when I found out that But I loved where she went with it. Bryce and Dion were really a lot of fun together. I liked watching their sexual chemistry burn into something much brighter and longer lasting. the subtle angst was just perfect. I liked having Bryce's back story weaved throughout the present. I ached for him that he had been so brave back then, only to have to come full circle and hide who he truly was in Hollywood. I cried for his loneliness and monetary despair for the last 2 years and the reason behind it. And I loved Nancy and her supportive words. Overall, just a great story told exceptionally well. 4.5 stars.
March 26, 2021
This was a really down-to-earth story about Bryce, 29 year old actor who's struggling to make it big in Hollywood. He's singlemindedly working toward that goal, always giving 100%, but when the one role he thought will help make him really famous gets taken away from him, he decides he needs a break and goes to visit his hometown for Christmas. There he meets Dion, who slowly fills a space in his life that was empty.
Bryce is fiercely independent and has a hard time accepting help from anyone, and he has to figure some things out before he and Dion can make a relationship work.
I liked that Bryce's career seemed so realistic. There's no easy way to fame. You work hard, you give your all, and if you're lucky, and you get noticed by the right people you might succeed. I really felt for him and the struggles he went through. He didn't give up when almost anyone else would have, and that makes him a true professional and it shows how much acting really meant to him.
I would have liked Dion's perspective too, because I couldn't get him sometimes.
Bryce is fiercely independent and has a hard time accepting help from anyone, and he has to figure some things out before he and Dion can make a relationship work.
I liked that Bryce's career seemed so realistic. There's no easy way to fame. You work hard, you give your all, and if you're lucky, and you get noticed by the right people you might succeed. I really felt for him and the struggles he went through. He didn't give up when almost anyone else would have, and that makes him a true professional and it shows how much acting really meant to him.
I would have liked Dion's perspective too, because I couldn't get him sometimes.
January 6, 2015
Well, this was a bit of an emotional ride. I've been through being annoyed with the snippy remarks and thoughts the characters make, to frustrated with their inability to say and do the right things, to sobbing like a toppled toddler, with a touch of giggling and awwing thrown in for good measure.
There are two main main characters and two secondary characters who are so integral to the story that there are really four main chracters, but the story focuses on Bryce, a Hollywood actor trying to keep hold of his scruples, and Dion, a beautiful young man from a very different background.
It's a story set at Christmastime, but it's not really a Christmas story as such, which means, awesomely, you can read it any time of year.
A great read. Thanks, Kaje. :)
There are two main main characters and two secondary characters who are so integral to the story that there are really four main chracters, but the story focuses on Bryce, a Hollywood actor trying to keep hold of his scruples, and Dion, a beautiful young man from a very different background.
It's a story set at Christmastime, but it's not really a Christmas story as such, which means, awesomely, you can read it any time of year.
A great read. Thanks, Kaje. :)
January 11, 2015
A rather lovely romance with a few interesting twists. I loved Bryce, it took a while for him to get his act together *cough* but I was cheering for him all the way. So this story ticked a lot of boxes for me; hurt comfort, slow burn and I'd have to disagree with some reviewers and say that there is some angst--not a lot, but it's goooood.
Great writing, wonderful dialogue, a great cast of characters and a thoroughly heart warming story.
Great writing, wonderful dialogue, a great cast of characters and a thoroughly heart warming story.
November 3, 2016
I can always count on Kaje Harper to deliver a solid, well-written story. As much as I dislike the Hollywood theme, I really enjoyed reading this. It was even better than I expected because there was that twist to the usual "the-one-that-got-away" trope...it was a nice surprise when Bryce's return to his hometown didn't result in him getting back his ex-boyfriend)) Instead there was a young fan-boy there, all gorgeous and adorable and totally available for loving.
Recommended.
Recommended.
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