I loved the detailed descriptions of the places!

Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted the AUDIO file of this book.

There comes along, once in a while, a book that challenges my need for the smexy times, for lots of smexy times. This is such a book.

Oh don't get me wrong, there is passion and steam a-plenty, and some much romance. But once Martin and Robbie get down to it, it all fades to grey and I LOVED that it did! I really did enjoy NOT getting down and dirty with these men, and it made a wonderful change.

I loved that Robbie's history takes a bit longer to be revealed than Martin's. While there are many more clues about Martin's, Robbie's is a little vague.

I loved the research that obviously went into this book! I did indeed Google Mr Arbuckle and whether he was charged as he was in this book and he was! 3 times, twice with hung juries and the third time he was acquitted. I Googled the morality clause too. Ms Russell went to a good deal of trouble to get things right! Even the murder that occurs (off screen, minor named character)

I loved the supporting cast. Dottie, Evie and Sid all played a part to keep Robbie and Martin together, even if Martin ran away.

I loved the detailed descriptions of the places they were filming, and the things they had to do!

And finally, I loved the narration. Greg Boudreaux is a firm favourite of mine, and he never lets me down. His voices for Martin now, and then, were spot on. Robbie's voice was young at the beginning but he soon grows up! Boudreaux gets over all of the instant attraction between Robbie and Martin, and the ever growing friendship, that turns into a relationship. He gets over all that smexy time we do NOT get, in a few words, with a certain tone and I loved that!

I only read one other book by this author, and that was a 4 star read but this? This far surpasses that one, so...

5 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

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A Sweet Historical Romance with Hollywood Glam

This is the first fictional book I’ve ever read set within the glam and lights of early Hollywood. E.J. Russell put a lot of care and effort in getting historical details right which only enriched the story further. The plot was focused on the obstacles the two main characters faced in achieving their happy ending within a world hostile to their love. Although the couple was never directly threatened, the stress and feeling of dread of being found out creates a heavy atmosphere at times. This really helps to grow and develop the characters, and really endeared them to me. This is a fascinating book with a well earned happy ending.

The audiobook was narrated by Greg Boudreaux who gives a fabulous performance. The audiobook production was well done and I enjoyed listening to the book immensely.

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Loved it!

Historical isn't a genre to grab my attention, but this book sure had it and kept it. I love the dynamic between an older, experienced man and a younger, smart, and mature man. This was just perfectly written, with all of the pining looks and under-the-table touches. I definitely recommend this listen. And Greg Boudreaux was brilliant as always!

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Silent Sin

Good, original story that was well narrated. I enjoyed the listening experience. It was a tad slow to start for me, but I get in those moods sometimes, so I’m pretty sure that it's a me thing—overall, a good read.

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A triumph!

Mystery, thrill, intrigue, innocence, the forbidden...I was hooked from the start and surprisingly couldn't put the book down.

I loved the innocence and pure goodness that encapsulates Robbie. From hard times to being thrown into the whirlwind and deception that was Hollywood he still keeps his good heart.

I like the hints, trials and tribulations with references to real 1920s Hollywood and the intrigue of Roscoe and Haines and what effect it could have had on those in the industry.

I loved Dottie and her sass, drive, boldness and quirky ways. I like to think she could have been based on a real person (woman) who made her dreams come true through pure grit and determination.

I'm not really one for historical romance but this one enthralled me and I love the golden age if Hollywood as the backdrop. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to any romance reader or Hollywood lover. While the passion and desire is there, with chemistry and build up; there is very little on page s3x, it's mentioned and alluded to but not as much as other romances I've read which surprised me but was still so sweet and endearing to read.

I'm honestly surprised just how much I loved this book. It's given me a great interest in historical Hollywood, unsolved murders and a new interest in historical romance I look forward to exploring. Fantastic!

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Enjoyable Story

Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building. The narration is very good as well.

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So Atmospheric

Original book review below, but I definitely recommend picking up the audio on this one! Greg Boudreaux is one of those narrators that you just know is gonna knock it out of the park, and this was no exception. I absolutely felt like it was back in old Hollywood and was easily able to differentiate between characters and scenes.

Original Book Review:
3.5 Stars.

This book is extremely atmospheric. You’re transported back to silent movie era Hollywood, and Russell definitely did her research and created a wonderful story. It’s more of a historical novel than a romance, very low steam and fade to black, and it’s still a very good story.

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A Forbidden Love

MM, Historical, Romance. A great story based in 1920's Hollywood, a difficult time to be gay. A thought provoking story with lots of emotion, love and heat. Some angst, a true love story brilliantly written with great narration by Greg Boudreaux. Difficult subjects covered . Thoroughly enjoyed.

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A really enjoyable listen

Lovely characters,,some sad.and. Some happy events. A great portrayal of the times. I felt that I was able to picture this time in history as I was a fan of the era in cinema .

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Amazing!

I absolutely loved this sweet opposites attract romance

Such a great book with a solid storyline and great characters.

I loved the storyline and its so well written.

The narration was enjoyable and engaging as well

Definitely recommend

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2 people found this helpful