| Title | : | Prince of the Playhouse (Love in Laguna, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1632169649 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781632169648 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 240 |
| Publication | : | First published April 4, 2016 |
Gray Anson has what most people only dream of—great wealth, huge fame, a job he loves. For that, he’s given up any semblance of privacy and the right to say no to the thousands of people who depend on him and the millions who love him. He sees everything he’s ever wanted just outside the bubble of his life, but how can he make the compromises needed to embrace it? When Ru’s shady past crashes into Gray’s paparazzi-haunted present, both men have to learn that sometimes the only acceptable compromise is the truth.
Prince of the Playhouse (Love in Laguna, #3) Reviews
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I have waited for Ru's story since the beginning...
Book one of this series was Shaz and Billy's story but it also introduced us to Ru Maitland designer extraordinaire and best friend to Shaz. So you know he's going to be over the top and he was...delightfully so for me.
One of the best things about this story was that everything was pretty much over the top and I not only expected it to be. I wanted it that way. The author has given me an over the top MC in the person of Ru so if he's over the top and bigger than life and maybe a little unrealistic then I want his story to match him and it did. While Ru isn't quite as flamboyant as Shaz, he can hold his own in the flame throwing department. I loved Ru's wardrobe...sorry I spent a lot of time visualizing what Ru was wearing and designing. And of course keeping in line with his design flare and his general image Ru was also over the top emotionally as well...about some things. Things like Hollywood's leading actor Gray Anson...he had a definite hard-on for this man...pun totally intended. Not really in a cray, cray stalkerish way more of a 'name your top 10 ideal men'...Gray Anson, Gray Anson...Gray Anson way.
Needless to say that it's because of his crush/fixation with Gray that in spite of the fact that he's getting his clothing line ready for Fashion Week in New York for the first time, a seriously important event in any designer's career much less someone just starting out...so of course Ru accepts the offer to be the costume designer for a charity production of an updated version of Hamlet, set in modern times and he's given carte blanche for his design creativity and the best part the star of the play is none other than...you guessed it...Gray Anson. The very famous, very sexy, very, very deeply closeted Gray Anson, who takes one look at Ru and wants him.
The relationship between Ru and Gray is neither easy nor simple. It's filled with twist and turns and more obstacles than an Olympic Show Jumping event and not just because of Gray's fame, Ru has a past that he can no longer outrun and it's waiting for him just over that next water trap all set to get him soaking wet no matter how hard he tries to avoid it.
There were a lot of interesting secondary characters in this story both old and new, who I really enjoyed. But it was Gray's mom who I loved the most and who for me made everything worth it. For her alone I was happy that I read this book. She was awesome.
Probably the thing I liked the least was the excessive use of endearments such as 'darling' and 'dear', however, if an author is giving me an over the top character such as Shaz or Ru, I need more than the occasional description of their clothing to keep me in that mindset I need things like speech patterns and mannerisms, unique responses to conversations and situations so for the most part even if at times I didn't think it was necessary for other people to be using these endearments when it came to Shaz or Ru to me it felt natural for them.
In short from start to finish this book was over the top just like Ru and just like Gray's career. I admit over the top doesn't always work for me but with this particular story and with these characters it worked, maybe because in a way I was expecting it and probably would have been disappointed if I'd gotten less or maybe just because I love Ru and I wanted to love his story. Another character, another time a lot of this might not have worked as well as it did this time, but this was Ru's story and for him it felt right from start to finish. -
The flamboyant clothes designer and the action movie star !
Book 3 in the fun series set in Laguna, but each can stand alone.
Ru, 25, works with hair stylist Shaz as a clothes designer
in the shop, who is working on his line for Fashion Week in NY. Short, sexy, sassy, snazzy Ru gets a chance to design costumes for an
upbeat version of Hamlet at the Playhouse.
Gray is a gorgeous, hunky movie star
who will be starring in the production. Ru is his biggest fan. Gray is in the closet, and they sneak around the reporters.
Meanwhile, Ru has secrets, and is in 2 attempts of robbery, by a real shady guy. The guys fall fast and hard after awhile, and then things get complicated.
Ru’s old gang ties come up, Gray’s folks come to visit, and we get action, a bad cop, and super sexy hot times for out men. I mean WOW !
A wonderful story from Tara Lain with humor, sexiness, action, caring and a smoothly paced tale.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
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*** 2.5 Stars ***
Not a bad book, but I found the near constant talk of boners incredibly irritating and the ending WAY too over the top for my personal tastes. -
3.5 stars. When I started reading
Prince of the Playhouse, I loved the set-up. A fashion designer madly in love with an action hero actor, who just happens to be stretching his artistic wings by doing a week in the role of Hamlet at the Laguna Playhouse. There are hints that Gray Anson may not be all he is cracked up to be, while there are a few tantalizing glimpses into Ru’s background – he does seem to know his way around a knife …
But as the book progressed, I found the story just didn’t do it for me, for a couple of reasons. While we get POVs from both Gray and Ru, it’s hard to get a fix on either of their characters. Ru loved the idea of Gray Anson long before he actually met him, but once Ru got to know Gray, it sometimes felt that Ru still didn’t see much beyond that movie star image. Also, we don’t get a deep understanding of Ru – he’s a with an amazing fashion sense. Yet, we don’t ever really get much insight into Ru, other than his lust for Gray, his adoration of Gray’s movies, his fashion sense and his craft. The sex scenes between the two are hot, but I didn’t feel the chemistry. When they first meet in person: He just kept staring at Ru. “Do you know your eyes are almost the color of a cat’s?” “And yours are like the sky before a storm.” Really? Do people talk like this?
While I liked the idea of updating
Hamlet (Hamlet with a wife-beater tee and leather), it seemed so unlikely that the director of the Laguna Playhouse would allow the costume designer so much input in the direction of the play, as well as suggesting how a character should be portrayed. Finally, I thought the whole police subplot was too over the top. For these reasons, I had difficulty in getting past that implausibility and into a willful suspension of disbelief in order to fully buy into the story.
I read (and enjoyed) the first two books in the Love in Laguna series, but felt this third book was not as focused on the two main characters and the various subplots (and plot holes) were distracting.
I received a galley copy from Dreamspinner Press, via Gay Book Reviews, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews -
3 Hearts!
Audiobook review
This book was better than I was expecting. Celebrities are a pretty tricky sub-genre to make work, especially ones where the main character isn’t able/doesn’t want to come out. After hearing a few other people's opinions on the book, I thought all the ‘expected’ drama was handled much better than I was expecting, however it definitely wasn’t one of the best celebrity stories I’ve read.
First let me touch on the narration, as this is meant to be an audiobook review :-P. K.C Kelly’s narration took some time for me to get used to, but it worked and i started to hear the characters in his voice. He certainly had an impressive range of character voices.
One aspect that I really struggled with was Ru’s inner-monologue. I’m assuming this would have been written in italics so it was easy to define what was spoken out loud or in his head. There are obviously no italics in audiobooks and I really struggled to figure out what Ru was actually saying out loud a lot of the time. The thing is while his narration worked, I had no desire to find reasons to continue to listen to this. It's hard to tell whether that was the story, or I just wasn’t captivated by the narration (I’m leaning towards the story), but it just wasn’t as good as other audiobooks I’ve listened too.
Ru, fabulous fashion designer and ex gang member, is obsessed with action star Grey Anson. Grey comes to Laguna Beach to perform a modernised stage play of Hamlet and there's an instant attraction between the two (well going on 3 years for Ru). Of course Grey can’t come out as gay man because it’ll ruin his career.
This had everything you think it’ll have: annoying managers, pretend girlfriends, press cover ups and hurt feelings. Like I said though, it wasn’t as dramatic as I was expecting. Both Grey and Ru were honest with each other and were both willing to do what it took to be together. This story didn’t contain bitterness on Ru’s part, which usually comes with being told to be a secret boyfriend. He thought about it, made the decision that he wanted to be with Grey regardless, and didn’t hold a grudge against Grey for that decision. While I still felt like Grey was too much of a doormat, he was constantly reassuring Ru he was most important and was continually trying to get rid of the ‘girlfriends’, and he never once kissed anyone other than Ru.
There was some ‘action’ drama with Ru and his gang connections which was OTT, but overall it was less than I was expecting, which I really appreciated. I guess this is a 3 heart and not 3.5 because it took me a month to listen to this story. It just didn’t grab me. It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t anything particularly special.
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"In one move Ru stepped forward, wrapped an arm around the guy’s throat, and pressed the edge of the blade against it. “Drop it or you’re going to bleed, esé.”"
I really don't know how to feel about this book. I enjoyed it even though I've come to realize this author has a bit of a theme with her writing. BUT one thing's for damn sure- this part was so unnecessarily sexy to me and overshadowed everything else😂 -
Sometimes Tara Lain's books work for me and sometimes they don't because of something in the tone that makes me not like the leads or trust the love story. The love seems rushed and shallow here so this one didn't work for me.
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Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: K.C. Kelly (Narrator) 4
Book Cover: 3.5
A little on the drawn out side with Grey and his situation. But understanding all and all. Not my favourite of the series but a good read. -
3.25 stars
I've been looking forward to Ru's story ever since I first met him, because I have a certain weakness for flaming, artistic types and Ru is definitely that. One thing I can say with 100% certainty is that Ru didn't disappoint at all! The other main character, Gray Anson, is who I had big problems with; his behavior was disappointing and infuriating, and I wanted someone else for Ru because Ru deserved better than being someone's dirty little secret.
The writing was great, I can't complain about that at all, and while some parts were totally ridiculous, they blended perfectly with the overall sense of silliness and amusement this series as a whole has. I really loved the complexity of Ru's character, because what you see is a flaming, effeminate, in-your-face clothing designer, but what you get is a former gangbanger, slightly domineering guy who likes to give orders in the bedroom and who's definitely a top. I just love the contradictions and the fact that they all fit together perfectly to make Ru a character who's charming and who makes a lasting impression.
Ru has been fantasizing about actor Gray Anson for a few years now, and he couldn't believe his luck when fate puts them in each other's path. Gray Anson has taken the opportunity to expand his acting repertoire by accepting a role as Hamlet in a modern-day Shakespeare production. The instant attraction between them is obvious (to them at least), but Gray is so deeply closeted, his closet has a zip code of its own and Gray can't imagine ever finding his way out; Gray is an action hero and we all know that gay men can't play action heroes....do you detect a hint of sarcasm? Well maybe this is a real issue but I can't imagine that people would refuse to watch a spectacular action movie just because the main character is gay; unless the actor has no talent for acting and is mediocre at best, which comes back to talent and not sexuality. But let's suppose I'm that naive and have no clue what I'm really talking about.
There were a few plot problems that I couldn't really believe no matter how much I wanted to. One of them is the reason Gray and Ru started spending so much time together; Gray couldn't understand his character in the play and therefore completely sucked at acting. Let's say that could possibly happen and nobody on Gray's staff made sure Gray knew what he was getting into to start with. On what planet is Ru a professional acting coach? I get that there needed to be a reason for Gray and Ru to spend time together, but why couldn't it be due to an inexplicable need to be around each other? Or the fact that they maybe enjoyed spending time together?
Also, I wanted to tell Ru numerous times that he should seek emergency medical services because an erection that lasts more than a few hours is extremely dangerous. Ru got so many erections that the current one didn't even go completely away before the next one popped up again, that I became bored with his erections. That never happened before, but there's always an opportunity to experience new things I guess. All these things I've been complaining about weren't really all that bad considering I've started this book prepared for this level of silliness.
What I wasn't prepared for and couldn't really get past was Gray's constant struggle with hiding his sexuality. I thought that Ru deserved better than having to see Gray with women all the time and being denied his true status. And the denial went all the way until the last chapter or so, and it really was disappointing and frustrating. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes I thing two characters are not well suited together. This was one of those cases where I wanted someone else for Ru, and I believe Bernardo would've been a much better fit.
Overall a nice story, humorous and even a little fluffy, but despite Ru being my favorite character in this series, this was my least favorite book. -
4.25 stars
Loved this one -- the only thing I'd like more would be to see Ru's creations on the runway or Gray's Hamlet in the Playhouse! -
This is the third book in the Laguna serie, and i loved it.
It has everything you want, the romance between Ru and Gray is the main focus but the crime-story in this book is great and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.
Ru is an up and coming fashion designer and he has a bit of a dark past but he has left that past behing him (or so he thinks), he also has a big crush on the biggest action movie star Gray Anson. When Ru is asked to design the clothes for a Hamlet performance he meets his longtime fantasy and crush Gray and things become complicated because although Gray is straight (yeah right) there is an instant attraction and Gray is definitely sending mixed signals to Ru.
Gray is afraid to show the world who he really is because lets face it the world maybe slowly changing but coming out as a gay man and still being a big action movie star is not going to happen. Gray has some thinking to do and he has to ask himself what he wants in life.
In the mean time while Ru and Gray are starting to get to know each other there is also the story about Ru's past that is catching up on him and although this is a very important part of the story it didnt take away the enjoyment of the romance.
I really enjoy this serie and i highly recommend it. -
3.9 Stars
Wow, that was packed full of some OTT action there at the end! I mean, I know we're teased with hints about Ru's gang background but I didn't expect it to explode that like, in the public eye, when we already have such an angsty, down-low actor hiding his sexuality plot.
BUT I did love Gray's parents; his mom is one of those characters that you expect to be a stereotype and she so very, very much is not...and that's a welcome relief. Sometimes you just want a mom that really does love unconditionally, even if she's well-entrenched in religious beliefs. After all, there ARE true Christian churches & members that don't preach hate. (It's just nice to see it in print.)
Also, I'd TOTALLY go see that play AND movie version of Hamlet. I mean, it wasn't all that popular but I actually liked the modernized look of
Romeo + Juliet with it's ruling Mafia family infighting and whatnot. *shrug* Ru's involvement here with the play reminds me of
The Fifth Element with Jean Paul Gaultier designing some amazing costumes for the movie. Which, come to think of it...Prada designed for R+J, too. (Probably positively influenced my rating for this but IIWII.) -
3.5 stars
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I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 highly anticipated stars
I've been on the lookout for Prince of the Playhouse since I finished Knave of Broken Hearts, and was ecstatic to be offered the opportunity to review. Prince of the Playhouse didn't disappoint- instead of devouring it, I savored it over the course of several days.
We finally get Laguna's resident fashion designer's story. We readers thought we knew Ru Maitland, but we hadn't even scratched the surface. Ru wears his secrets on his back, refusing to take off his shirt to expose his past. Ru's a little bit self-deprecating when it come to his nonexistent love life, a whole lot confident in his designing abilities, and 100% a queen who wants to be in charge.
For several years, Ru has been obsessed with the country's biggest blockbuster action star, watching the movies like a drug addict takes a hit of their favorite drug. Busy with trying to get ready for fashion week, Ru is offered the chance to design for the modern day version of Hamlet. He's more than ready to pass on the opportunity, fearing spreading himself too thin professionally. But then he learns Gray Anson- his celebrity crush -will be starring in the production.
Every breath Gray takes is stalked, then filmed and released to the public at large. Maintaining his image is more than just a job. All of those who work for him, are employed because of him, he holds the weight of their livelihoods on his conscience. Unable to be who he truly is, he has to watch every step he takes. No secrets are safe, real friends are impossible to come by, and everything is released to the public.
Gray truly is self-deprecating in all things. He's unsure of his acting chops, thinking all he's good for is to be blown up in action scenes. Stressed, he's bombing as Hamlet, and not in a good way. He asks Ru to help him understand the script, and what Ru gives him in return is priceless- confidence and friendship, along with a healthy dose of lust.
Prince of the Playhouse surrounds the production of Hamlet, Ru dealing with new-found fame while trying to survive the criminal element, and Gray coming to terms with who he is while trying not to let those in his life down. Proof that size doesn't dictate your personality, Ru is a take-charge person, and larger than life Gray likes others to take over for him. The perfect balance between the main characters, if only Gray would stop others from dictating his every decision.
The side cast was entertaining as always, setting up the next book for sure. There was a singular scene where I hadn't laughed that hard before. Hamlet & Horatio get drunk together, stagger to Ru's home, and make total fools of themselves. The dialogue during the scene was priceless and quote-worthy.
Why not 5 stars? I'm not sure why, but I never had the sensation where I had to click to turn the page and find out what happens next. The voracity never hit me. Instead, I found Prince of the Playhouse to be more of a comfort read I could enjoy at leisure. I read it over the course of 4 days, not eager to finish it, but not entirely because I didn't want it to end. I don't know if it was because I've never been a fan of celebrity plots, or just how the story flowed.
I will say I felt the celebrity storyline was written with more maturity than those I've read previously. It was less about how much money a person has in their bank account, and the fancy clothes and expensive cars, and more about the emotional impact of fame. The stalking by the paparazzi, right down to drones buzzing overhead, and the loneliness of never truly connecting with someone in fear they will use whatever you said against you, was perfectly portrayed. Gray was an open book for the reader, a fully fleshed out character.
Ru, whom I adored, was more closed off, and not as a personality trait. Even with his past popping up, I felt I barely got a taste of who he is, which means I didn't connect to Ru as much as I wish I had.
Overall, Prince of the Playhouse fits perfectly in the Love in Laguna series, and I can't wait to get my hands on the 4th book.
Highly recommended to fans of MM contemporary romance. -
Listen, guys…this review is a tough one to write. If I were to focus only on the things I liked about this book, my assessment would be woefully short. While there were a handful of positives, the issues I had with the story almost entirely eclipsed the things that did work for me. So even though it’s difficult, as always, I’m gonna give it to you straight.
I loved Ru in Knight of Ocean Avenue, the first of the Love in Laguna books. He was charming and fiercely loyal as Shaz’s best friend, and I was definitely excited to read his story. For the most part, the character that so many fell in love with in that book remains intact. However, the “questionable past” (or “shady past”) as described by the blurb, that Tara Lain lays out for Ru definitely shakes things up in Prince of the Playhouse—and not entirely in a good way. I love that she tried to give Ru a completely surprising background, but for me, the two sides of him were just too incongruous to be credible.
Another part of Ru’s character—and Gray’s as well—that kept throwing me was how he acted with respect to his age. These guys are twenty-four and twenty-five years old respectively, but we really get no true sense of that. In my opinion they both seemed/acted about ten years older. They simply did not speak like guys that age. Regardless of their current stations in life, neither came from money, or went to boarding school, or have any other reason that they wouldn’t talk like ‘normal’ guys in their early to mid-twenties, but instead would have their language so overwhelmingly peppered with ‘darlings’ and ‘dears’ and words like ‘lascivious.’ I realize Ru created this ‘persona’ for himself when he moved to Laguna with dreams of becoming a high-end fashion designer…but we’re also supposed to believe that he comes from a world that is almost the polar opposite of the one he inhabits now.
And, speaking of the use of ‘darling’ and ‘dear,’ or overuse as it were… It was not only Ru and Shaz who used the terms liberally, it was everyone. And, I’m sorry but I just can’t ignore how unrealistic that is. ‘Darling’ is used in dialogue in this book sixty-nine times, and ‘dear’ forty-six. People from all walks of life just don’t talk like that. Period.
I don’t want to just continue beating the horse. Let me get to the things I liked…
First, the cover (and some of the promo artwork I have seen) is gooooorgeous. Serious cover love. Second, the characters are mostly very likeable. Even though I didn’t love how Gray treated Ru throughout much of the book, I could appreciate the tough position he was in. I loved the scenes where he showed his vulnerability and we got to really see him. Chapter seven was lovely. It too was littered with the over-the-top dialogue and actions, but it felt honest and had some very real moments between Ru and Gray. Also, Merle was wonderful, Gray’s parents were really wonderful, and I dug Gray’s bodyguard, Chris, a lot. Finally, the play stuff was very good. The author’s vision for the updated version of Hamlet, along with having Ru design the fantastically original costumes, was very cool.
I wish I could recommend this one. I really wanted to love Ru’s story. But, the delivery was just so over the top, and there were so many moments that I couldn’t wrap my mind around, I just couldn’t overcome my incredulity. Ru deserved better.
All of that being said, I can also appreciate that there will be people who will be totally on board with this book. Different strokes for different folks, and all that. And, I have to believe that the plan is for Merle to get his own book—maybe next?—which fans of the series will undoubtedly be ecstatic about. So, while for me neither of the last two books have managed to capture the charm of the first, I know that some folks will be looking forward to more Love in Laguna.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co... -
*4.5 Stars*
Prince of the Playhouse may be my favorite of this series so far! I've always been fond of Ru and getting to know his backstory was enlightening. Watching him get his man...exciting! Those two things mixed with a hunky action-movie hero, some suspense, and Shakespeare made for an excellent read!
I first met Ru in Knight of Ocean Avenue. His creativity was apparent as was his love and loyalty towards his friends. But we didn't get a deeper understanding until now - where it's obvious Ru's habit of keeping most people at arm's length is intentional. With what I learned, I realized Ru is smart, strong, and incredibly lucky. The life he's leading is somewhat charmed and he works hard, very hard, not only in crafting his life but also in keeping his past at bay.
Gray Anson made it big his first time off the block, so to speak. Now, the biggest action star in Hollywood, he has everything money can buy. But he wants more. He wants to test himself, t be taken seriously as an actor...and he wants love. However, due to his action hero status, Gray lives in the closet. Little did he know his decision to play the lead role in Laguna's little production of Hamlet would give him everything he's desiring. Gray is such a lovable guy. He's famous yet vulnerable. And the misery he felt at being forced to live his real private life in secret was palpable. My heart hurt for him.
Watching Ru and Gray get to know one another, seeing their attraction grow into something more as hey worked on Hamlet was fascinating. I'm a nerdy Shakespeare fan, so having Hamlet as the backdrop, having Ru explain different scenes and the meaning behind them and Hamlet's lines - well, that really appealed to me and increased my enjoyment. That Ru kept his secret from Gray for so long broke my heart. But it also showed me his insecure and vulnerable side as well. I understood Ru's indecision over his relationship with Gray just as I understood Gray's indecision over making possibly career-changing decisions.
Another pleasure in Prince of the Playhouse was meeting some new secondary characters who were delightful. I certainly hope to see more of Merle but I also quite liked Gray's bodyguard, Chris, and Gray's mom! I also enjoyed getting to see more of Shaz.
Prince of the Playhouse had so much goodness and depth and - well, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I really look forward to Ms. Lain's next offering in this series.
**I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.** -
This series is my favorite of Tara Lain’s. I always look forward to a new book in this series. Prince of the Playhouse is outstanding. Ru is so much more than he seems just by looking at him… and it turns out Gray Anson is too. These are two men hiding from the things that made them. Both running from something and while they are running the crash into each other and fall in love. There’s some mystery to this tale of star crossed lovers. Both have to come to terms with their own pasts and realities and just move forward knowing that what they have is fierce and can last because they are unstoppable.
I had all the feels reading this. Seeing Shaz again always makes me smile and the pleasant surprise that is Ru was stunning to me. I “THINK” Meryl might be in her next story *crosses fingers* because he deserves his own story. He was such a fabulous secondary character.
Tara Lain has written another amazing winner! -
This is another great story from Tara. Love her stories and her writing style. This one is book 3 in her Laguana series. It is Ru's story. Loved it. Ru is a great character , he had a hard life but rose above it and is trying to become a fashion designer. Enter his ultimate crush Gray , a famous and as far as Ru knows straight action hero. Grey isnt as straight as everyone thinks. these two men thru some trails come together and some funny and tension filed moments fall in love. Grey has to come to terms with his new life and Ru's hopes he chooses him. In the end all works out and they get there HEA...Loved this story and cant wait for the next book in this series. Reviewed by Jodi Marinich from Alpha Book Club .
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I'm sorry, but this book is a NO for me :( When you already assume that is a bit surreal you get another big nonsense in the plot so *rolleyes* again and again.
Ru is a cute character, except that really hard obsession for an actor… but Gray? Mmm, I think is very difficult to like him. Is a billionaire closeted actor and when he founds the love (instalove alert) he ask him to be his dirty secret… yeah while he continues dating women that he didn't like :/
As I say not my cup of tea ~ -
Recensione in ANTEPRIMA
.
«Tesoro, stai bene?»
«Perché non dovrei star bene?» ribatté Ru stringendo i pugni.
«Mhmm. Perché sembri pronto ad attaccare il primo umano che ti capiterà a tiro, e al momento tale umano sarei moi.»
Ru si girò di scattò verso Shaz. «Mi suona come un cazzo di violino. È fidanzato, con una donna, maledizione! Ma flirta con me fino a quando non sono pronto a credere che sia gay e sul punto di prendermi in braccio e portarmi via come Billy ha fatto con te. E io non è che vorrei che lo facesse, dato che non sono un traditore o uno sfasciafamiglie, ma…»
Oh merda, da dove arrivava tutta l’acqua che aveva in faccia? Ru si strofinò una mano sulla guancia. «Tesoro, posso avvicinarmi?»
Lui annuì. Shaz si avvicinò lentamente e lo prese tra le braccia. «Tu flirti con lui con altrettanta intensità.»
«Davvero?»
«Sì. E so che è un terribile bastardo ingiusto che non si merita alcuna difesa, ma forse, a sua discolpa, ritiene che sia questo che vuoi da lui.»”
Ritroviamo qui i protagonisti de Il cavaliere di Ocean Avenue: Shaz e Billy, ormai sposati e felici, sono proprio loro che stanno aiutando Ru a farsi un nome come stilista, organizzando la presentazione della prima collezione firmata da Ru, che si terrà alla settimana della moda. Per il giovane stilista è la grande occasione, il suo lavoro è la cosa più importante della sua vita, assieme alla sua grande ossessione, Gray Anson. L’attore di film d’azione infatti è il suo sogno segreto, ed è per questo che lo stilista, nonostante sia il periodo peggiore per avere distrazioni, accetta la proposta di lavorare per il teatro di Laguna come costumista. Dovrà ideare gli abiti di scena per una rappresentazione di Amleto davvero insolita e original, in cui reciterà, nelle vesti di Amleto, proprio Gray. Estroso e solare, anche se meno esagerato dell’amico Shaz, Ru è sicuramente un ragazzo che non passa inosservato sia per il suo modo di fare che per come si veste. Eppure, mentre lo osserviamo ritornare a casa passando in una strada poco trafficata, e qualcuno lo aggredisce, ci rendiamo conto che questo personaggio non è esattamente ciò che crediamo. È forte, risoluto, soprattutto molto bravo nel maneggiare un’arma, e ben poco spaventato.
Gray esternamente sembra avere ogni cosa, ma sotto tutta quella notorietà c’è un ragazzo che giovanissimo si è trovato improvvisamente sbattuto in prima pagina, diventando una macchina per far soldi. Da allora è sempre sotto gli occhi dei riflettori, tentando di non far trapelare i suoi veri desideri, manovrato da manager e agenti che non possono farsi scappare la gallina dalle uova d’oro. Sono stati spesi milioni per dargli una certa immagine: da un attore di film d’azione, che gira personalmente gran parte delle scene pericolose, ci si aspetta determinati comportamenti. Ma se è semplice fingere e negare se stessi quando il cuore è libero, nel momento in cui i suoi occhi si posano sul suo costumista le cose cambiano. Entrambi però hanno segreti che vorrebbero mantenere, Ru si trova nel mirino di un nemico nascosto che sembra conoscere molte cose del suo passato non limpidissimo. Frequentare un attore, che viene seguito persino dai droni quando si sposta, sembra davvero una cattiva idea. Gray ha centinaia di persone che lavorano per lui, un pubblico che forse non potrebbe mai accettare la verità, e soprattutto si nasconde ormai da molto tempo, forse da troppo, per trovare il coraggio di tendere la mano e afferrare ciò che vuole veramente.
Due personaggi estremamente ben caratterizzati, anche se ci si accorge ben presto che le loro personalità sono all’opposto di ciò che inizialmente si percepisce. Il Ru appariscente e con sempre in bocca un mio “Caro” rivolto a chiunque, si scontra con il Ru capace di mettere a tappeto un uomo in meno di qualche attimo, e con il suo essere attivo e predominante in camera da letto. Ciò che poi scopriamo del suo passato, e di come era la sua vita, rende davvero inusuale la sua capacità di aiutare Gray a capire Shakespeare, riuscendo in questo modo a rendere migliore la sua recitazione. Allo stesso modo, scopriamo che Gray, che non esita un istante a fare una scena in cui sembra bruciare vivo, è stato incapace di dire la verità ai suoi genitori, nascondendosi dietro lo sport prima, e la sua carriera dopo. Accetta di farsi manipolare, vivendo così nella menzogna, senza amici per paura di essere tradito, seguito costantemente dai fotografi che non esitano neppure a usare dei droni, rendendo la sua, una vita in vetrina. Insomma ben lontano dall’eroe senza paura che presenta lo schermo.
Tutto nella trama, specie la parte un po’ suspense del libro, è portata all’eccesso, rendendo il tutto, sì, molto piacevole da leggere, ma lasciando abbastanza increduli sulla possibilità che possa essere reale. Dubito davvero molto che un ragazzo dei nostri tempi possa essere così innamorato perso di una celebrità mai vista, al punto tale da non avere una vita vera, a meno che naturalmente non abbia forti problemi a livello mentale o sia uno stalker. Anche il costante inseguimento da parte di fotografi e giornalisti provvisti di droni ad alta tecnologia mi sembra quanto mai esagerato, anche per una grande star, eppure si sposa benissimo con questi protagonisti un po’ sopra le righe, che l’autrice ha ideato. La storia riesce a essere interessante, i personaggi di contorno convincono, e la trama, pur con le sue esagerazioni, è varia e piacevole. Non è il capitolo migliore della serie, ma è una lettura simpatica, che conquista e regala ore piacevoli in sua compagnia. -
3.5. Loved Ru but I never really warmed up to Gray. It was much much better overall than the second book of the series, however.
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I really liked Gray and so glad that him and Ru finally got it right.
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2.5 stars
I can't say I really enjoyed this book, nor that I particularly hated it.
I had trouble feeling the MCs relationship. Seems like the only explanation we got for how they insta-fell in love was "I'm not sure how, I'm not sure when, but it happened", and I wasn't feeling the chemistry at all. Consequentially I was just mildly annoyed (and at times slightly bored) by the drama and the lying and the angst. -
I liked this one a lot. Ru and Gray were interesting and likable characters. I like that Ru stood up for himself even if he occasionally gave in. I also understood where Gray was coming from and why it was harder for him to come out. There was just enough of an interesting plot to keep me wondering what would happen next. This is definitely a series I am enjoying.
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Darling
Why a really good book! How can you not like Rue. He was the total package. I loved this couple. What started out as a teen age idol crush turning into everything. I’m so Glad G did what he did when he did. Really good wringing, hawt smexy time and I adored many others the characters. -
Love this series. I read this slightly out of order (4 before 3) but other than knowing they sure a sure deal didn't affect my enjoyment.
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Quattro stelline e mezzo
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Un parere a caldo su quanto mi è piaciuto ‘sto libro? Da matti!
Penso che questo terzo volume della serie sia, al momento, il mio preferito, anche se mi hanno conquistato tantissimo pure i precedenti.
Abbiamo già avuto modo di conoscere la sfavillante gaytudine di Ru, migliore amico e socio/dipendente di Shaz, precedente protagonista e qui importante spalla e consigliere.
Rupert è un po’ meno appariscente di lui, ma siamo sulla stessa lunghezza d’onda: tutti gli stilisti sono un po’ regine del dramma e sopra le righe, prendere o lasciare.
Dal mio punto di vista, la sua caratterizzazione è perfetta: accattivante, ironica, melodrammatica, sognatrice e realistica al punto giusto. Ru sa regalare al lettore lati insospettati di sé, a partire dal suo passato tormentato, dall’infanzia povera e dalle mosse di karate che non gli rovinano la manicure impeccabile.
Ru, come molti di noi comuni mortali, è segretamente e follemente innamorato del suo principe azzur- pardon, attore preferito, anche se sa che non ha nessuna speranza… A meno che non ci metta lo zampino il destino, e suddetto attore (il più famoso e ricercato, al momento) non voglia sperimentare un ruolo diverso e non finisca per indossare degli abiti originali cuciti da Ru stesso.
Gray Anson è un miraggio erotico ambulante e un attore sulla cresta del successo, specializzato nei film di esplosioni e adrenalina. È ricchissimo, bellissimo, carismatico e, purtroppo, palesemente etero.
Eppure, standogli accanto, Ru impara a comprendere aspetti dell’uomo che pochi conoscono e i due si lanciano messaggi contraddittori e tentativi di flirt che, se attuati, darebbero un grosso scossone alle loro vite.
La storia d’amore di Ru e Gray è tutt’altro che semplice o scontata. I nostri protagonisti devono affrontare un sacco di cose che remano loro contro, devono risolvere problemi e imprevisti, devono capire quali siano le loro priorità – come singolo e come coppia – e se valga la pena o no stravolgere le loro vite così come le conoscono.
La trama offre spunti interessanti su cui riflettere: sulla vita dei personaggi famosi, sulle rinunce in nome della notorietà, sulla mancanza di privacy, sull’omofobia nel mondo dello spettacolo e fra le persone comuni, e molto altro ancora.
È stato piacevole ritrovare vecchi personaggi già conosciuti e trovarne di nuovi, sia positivi sia negativi.
La mamma di Gray merita una menzione tutta per sé; ho stimato tantissimo il suo personaggio, ma lascio il piacere di scoprire da voi il perché.
Ho apprezzato tutta l’ambientazione del libro, sia la parte legata alla moda (dalle passerelle alla costruzione dei costumi), sia la parte del teatro, del recitare, delle controfigure, delle scene da imparare e i problemi connessi a quel mondo.
L’autrice ha uno stile piacevole, ricco di descrizioni che fanno cogliere significati e sfumature con immediatezza, sia che si tratti di un costume di scena sia che si parli di sentimenti, e il testo è piacevolmente tradotto con cura.
L’unica piccola lamentela personale è l’uso frequente dei vezzeggiativi come ‘caro’ o ‘tesoro’, ma non è una critica, perché questa scelta è coerente col personaggio di Ru e con quello di Shaz, quindi ha un suo senso usarli.
Come dicevo all’inizio, tutta la trama sa un po’ di fiaba moderna, dove il protagonista incontra il suo idolo inarrivabile e, dopo parecchio patire, come in ogni buon romance, l’amore trionfa.
Il mio consiglio è di godervi il libro, senza pensare che certe parti siano un po’ esagerate o poco realistiche, e spero possa piacervi quanto l’ho adorato io. -
Loved this so much!
This is book three in the series Love in Laguna and I highly recommend reading all three in order to really appreciate this book – though technically it can be read as a standalone.
Ru is Shaz’ BFF and assistant. Now that Shaz is moving up in the world, Ru is taking his turn to really shine his own light.
Ru has never been shy about his willingness and desire for sex – without strings – but he’s not a player. In fact, he’s more of a homebody than anything else.
He’s had a terrible crush on actor Gray Anson and though he knows nothing will ever come of it – he still longs for the guy he sees up on the screen. So… he’s shocked out of his socks when the guy ends up doing a play at his very own playhouse in town and Ru ends up being his costumer.
Gray is hiding his secret gayness with a pretty but ruthless beard. Nobody – including his family – knows he’s gay and it’s been a huge stress for him.
When Gray needs some help with his lines, Ru steps in and the two have an instant connection. The problem is keeping their hands off one another in public because the paparazzi is literally everywhere and nobody thinks Gray could be “out” and keep his action/adventure hero status in the box office.
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This book ties closely with book one as my favorite in the series! I love, love, love Ru! He’s so unexpected! Nothing he does is without plotting or planning and yet you’d never guess his history or what he does behind closed doors.
He’s totally unique and wonderful! Gray is the sweet side to Ru’s tough-as-nails attitude and they make a great couple.
I was glad to see the “coming out” part finally reach it’s conclusion as that was getting to be a big strain – but adding in the ghosts from Ru’s past kept the story vibrant and on it’s toes!
Though it felt a little OTT, I liked the scene in the church with Gray’s family and thought they were very sweet.
I highly recommend this book and this series.
4.5 of 5 stars
Here on day of release
http://openskyebookreviews.com/prince... -
I think Ms Lain is a mistress of the pen. She knows how to inject just enough drama and angst into her stories without weighing them down. Here, you have two men with secrets. Both have potential to damage their careers, but Ru's could go even further and ruin his life. Gray confesses his secret to Ru, but Ru is scared to admit his. Unfortunately, his comes out in the worst way - Exposed by a dirty cop. Fortunately, Gray ends up being supportive and the men come out even stronger in the end.
I just loved this, as I have the two previous novels. Shaz lovers will be happy, as he plays a big supportive role in this, but I did miss Billy.
