Alexander Young is a handsome actor playing the popular villain Simon in the daytime soap Hearts Crossing, in his twenties, and doing very well until a national tabloid prints a picture of him kissing his boyfriend. The fall-out affects his relationship with his lover, pretty boy model and upcoming TV star Trevor, and his role in Hearts Crossing. Shortly after Alex’s outing in the press the producers of the Hearts Crossing reveal his character Simon as gay, and turn him into an even more bizarre villain. He has to deal with irate as well as over enthusiastic fans, a vociferous and mixed press and the enraged Gay movement. However the loss of his lover is not so much of a problem for Alex, after all he has never gotten over Nick, his first love from college; not that ever had him exclusively in the first place; but he always lives in hope.
As Alex narrates his story of his role in Hearts Crossing and subsequent events, he gradually fills us in on the history of his frustratingly unrequited relationship from his very first chance encounter with Nick, who stubbornly remains faithful to his dorky partner. While Alex and Nick maintain a casual relationship, will Alex ever realise his dream and have Nick to himself?
Don’t be misled by the cover picture, while there is plenty of lust and desire, this is no sordid story. Christian McLaughlin has produced a lovely romantic tale, while at the same time sending up showbiz and soap operas with wit and plenty of humour. ( )