Author: Amy Lane
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Pages/Word Count: 400 Pages
At a Glance: The closeted actor story certainly isn’t anything new. Nor, probably, is the story of the actor falling in love with his or her PA. But, Lane put her own spin on it, as always, and made it fantastic.
Reviewed By: Jules
Blurb: One year ago, actor Connor Montgomery lost the love of his life to a drunk driver. But what’s worse for Connor is what he still has: a lifetime of secrets born of hiding his relationship from the glare of Hollywood. Unable to let go of the world he and Vinnie shared, Connor films a drunken YouTube confession on the anniversary of Vinnie’s death.
Thankfully, the video was silent—a familiar state for Connor—so his secret is still safe. He needs a fresh start, and a new role on the hit TV show Wolf’s Landing might be just that.
The move to Bluewater Bay may also mean a second chance in the form of his studio-assigned assistant. Noah Dakers sees through Connor’s facades more quickly than Connor could imagine. Noah’s quiet strength and sarcastic companionship offers Connor a chance at love that Hollywood’s closet has never allowed. But to accept it, Connor must let Vinnie go and learn to live again.
Review: When we meet Connor Montgomery, he is basically at rock bottom. Having woken up with a helluva hangover, AND discovering that he filmed himself in a drunken stupor—raging, crying, and…singing over the anniversary of the loss of his best friend and love, Vinnie—it seems he couldn’t really sink any lower. With the help of his agent, he picks himself up (read: his agent drags his ass out and does everything that needs to be done), and takes a part on the hit TV show Wolf’s Landing. I truly did love Con. He was broken. So, so broken. But, he was also much stronger than he ever allowed himself to believe, and was incredibly vulnerable and in need of being loved.
Upon arriving in the gooorgeous Pacific Northwest (ok, I’m biased) to get settled before his work begins on the show, he meets his new driver and personal assistant, Noah Dakers. You guys are going to fall immediately in love with Noah, as I did. I’m telling you, he is perfection. He is excellent at reading Connor, and at figuring out early on exactly what it is that Connor needs. Noah is also insanely sexy, and their chemistry will melt your brain. And probably your e-reader.
Sometimes reading an Amy Lane book is just like…coming home. Reading Selfie was one of those times. I adored these characters. The story was intense, funny, and incredibly moving. I cried several times and, of course, I laughed many times—I mean, it’s Amy Lane—even snorting a time or two. Like here, for example:
“Jillian…did I post a video last night?”
“Oh, honey.” I heard a shaky draw on the cigarette. “That’s like asking if the Washington Monument is a little bit of an erection.”
Which makes a perfect segue to talk about the secondary characters…The above quote is from Connor’s agent, Jillian, affectionately called Jilly. She was also Vinnie’s agent, and loved her boys fiercely. She is a take-no-shit, protective, passionate woman, and I don’t know what Connor would ever do without her. Her presence in Connor’s life was necessary on much more than a professional level; I loved their relationship. In fact, all of the supporting characters were fantastic. I loved seeing some of the Wolf’s Landing gang, especially the hilarious cameo by Cal and Avery from Lane’s last Bluewater Bay offering, The Deep of the Sound. The families of the major players, of which I definitely consider Vinnie one, also had significant roles, and some great moments.
I loved where the author took these guys. Ascending and getting over the mountain of your grief can seem like an impossible task sometimes, and can be really scary for those closest to you to watch. But, as rough as Connor’s journey got, I knew the people in his corner were going to get him through it. I also have to acknowledge the writing talent of Amy Lane in making this story fresh and unique. The closeted actor story certainly isn’t anything new. Nor, probably, is the story of the actor falling in love with his or her PA. But, Lane put her own spin on it, as always, and made it fantastic. The setting and storyline were both so enjoyable, and the Bluewater Bay universe is charming each time I visit.
You can buy Selfie here:
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