Very nicely done standard romance. I like the author's humorous style of writing. ( )

Well written romance in a Broadway/film industry setting which was fun to read about! ( )

It started out so stiff in places that I did wonder at the beginning of the book if I was going to regret picking it up. I should have known better though. I've read a couple of other Brayden novels and they were quite good. And this one, once it got its feet under it was quite good as well.

It's the story of Jenna and Adrienne. Jenna is just out of college and she gets cast as a supporting role (non-chorus) in a touring production of a musical called Clean Slate. Adrienne is the former teen star who is also the star of Clean Slate (and rightly so). They click immediately, both on stage and off and the story is away and galloping from there. There is quite a time jump a little ways into the book, but it made total sense and when we the readers got to the few years later it was very obvious that the characters had changed even with the '...years later...' subtitle of the chapter.

As I said, it was a very cool book. I liked (or disliked if that was the point of the character) all the characters very much. Although one little nitpick, on occasion in the first part of the book Jenna and Adrienne seemed to be written very alike, their town was so alike that if there were no overt indicators of who was talking, then sometimes I couldn't tell.

Still, I really liked the book, especially how Brayden used the musical to bring even more focus on Adrienne and Jenna's relationship. Oh, plus I'm a sucker for almost any book that has a musical in it. ( )

For one reason or another I either ramble/babble or 'leave a few notes' in Brayden books I've read. This'll be one of those 'leave a few notes' thingies.

This is a good solid book about two actresses/singers/dancers in the entertainment industry. A much better book than that other entertainment industry book featuring lesbians I read the other day by a different author.

Jenna McGovern is both the lead character and the only character with their point of view being expressed. She's something l like 24 when the book opens (based on a comment somewhere about her being 27, after a '3 years later' note), and just graduated from 'one of the most prestigious musical theater programs in the nation.' Her path to fame and fortune goes a rather unexpected path. She graduates, gets a call to go to an audition, and not only does she get the part, she gets a part she didn't even know she was applying for (instead of an ensemble role, she's going to be one of the main characters for the stage musical). A completely abnormal career path. Most struggle at least a little bit before some form of success. The only way she could have succeeded more is if she had gotten this role for the Broadway stage, not for the touring company of a Broadway show (that or be cast as the headliner, but that'd be going a step too far).

As they say, lucky in cards, unlucky in love. Well, acting isn't cards, and she isn't unlucky in love. For she, right out of the gate - so to speak, meets the love of her life (potentially, hey, she really dug her when she saw her on that teen show, so . . .) in the form of her costar and the lead of the show - Adrienne Kenyon. Adrienne & Jenna hit it off. Both (or was it just Adrienne? Oh, right, it was, because Jenna was disappointed when Adrienne used the phrase) wanted something more causal. Neither, though, could suppress the feelings their togetherness created. So, feelings started up.

Life is grand. Good role in a play. Lover. Friends. The only tough spot is that Jenna doesn't get along with Adrienne's friend (and ex) Sienna. But hey, that's okay. Life can't be all roses and puppy kisses. Then the book ended with no problems or issues.

Yeah. Right. This is where that 'lucky in [insert thing here]' 'unlucky in [insert thing here]' fits in.

Adrienne and Jenna are first separated for months when Adrienne is kicked off the show. What, she busted her knee (I believe the actual damage was a torn ACL or something like that) and it’s a song and dance show. If she can’t dance, she’s not needed. So, the two lovers are separated by many miles. But they try to keep up their relationship. Jenna continues on tour. Adrienne rehabilitates her knee. Time passes. They know they’ll be together again soon, for they have plans to live in New York (not necessarily in the same place, but both in New York) when the play ends.

Then Jenna gets a great job offer in Los Angeles. She’s torn. What should she do?

I’ve forgotten what the point of me doing a recap of the plot was for. I know there was a reason. And this appeared to be a good breaking off point. But now I don’t remember what my original point in doing that was. Hmms. Well, I’ll just pretend I know, and did whatever I wanted to do next, and then move on to:

So, Adrienne Kenyon is a big deal in this book. Former teen star (on a television show). Current stage star. Doesn’t have her own point of view in this book, though, so all of her thoughts and feelings have to be interpreted and revealed through others. Well, through Jenna, since she’s the one whose point of view appears. For the most part, I was okay with that issue – that one POV thingie. There was only one occasion I really wanted to be inside Adrienne’s head, but I suppose I, after all has been read, know why she made the decisions she did at the time she made them. I’m being vague on purpose.

A good solid book. Mostly good solid plot. Romance part had a few issues here or there. I actually liked Adrienne and Jenna. And the story. And stuff. So, why only 4 stars? Well, I didn’t love it so . . ..

February 26 2016
( )