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Heartsville
Unscripted
Theater manager Teddy Carbone's life has gone pretty much according to script... until now.
To his surprise, Teddy finds himself co-owner of the Oasis Theater with Carter Monroe, a corporate shark who's looking at him like he's chum in the water. Being in charge of the theater is one thing, but having to deal with Carter and his demands is another. With Carter's proposed plan to sell the Oasis looming, Teddy must convince Carter the theater is worth saving. When he introduces the bright, bold world of the stage to Carter's cold, all-business lifestyle, though, Teddy soon comes to recognize that the Oasis might not be the only thing he has a chance to save.
To his surprise, Teddy finds himself co-owner of the Oasis Theater with Carter Monroe, a corporate shark who's looking at him like he's chum in the water. Being in charge of the theater is one thing, but having to deal with Carter and his demands is another. With Carter's proposed plan to sell the Oasis looming, Teddy must convince Carter the theater is worth saving. When he introduces the bright, bold world of the stage to Carter's cold, all-business lifestyle, though, Teddy soon comes to recognize that the Oasis might not be the only thing he has a chance to save.
76 pages, ebook
First published October 27, 2015
8 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Nico Jaye
21 books180 followersNico Jaye is a fan of all things HEA and has dragged her romance collection along for her moves from San Francisco to Los Angeles to Chicago to New York and back. She thinks reading is awesome and loves that she can hang out night after night with crinoline-wearing debutantes, brawny firemen in suspenders, and werewolf shifters with Scottish brogues. An overall feline enthusiast, Nico secretly (or not so secretly?) adores Hello Kitty, cat GIFs, spontaneous traveling, pretending to be crafty, emoticons, hot menfolk, and parenthetical statements (not necessarily in that order). Her favorite stories are those that marry smut and fluff (a.k.a. smuff) into a gooey ball of HEA and fuzzies.
You can find Nico chit chatting about cats, popcorn for dinner, impulse trips to Iceland, and crocheting four scarves in one night at any of the following:
Website: www.nicojaye.com
Twitter: @nicojaye
Facebook Profile: Nico Jaye
Facebook Page: Author Nico Jaye
Pinterest: NicoJaye
Tumblr (NSFW): nicojaye
Happy reading!
You can find Nico chit chatting about cats, popcorn for dinner, impulse trips to Iceland, and crocheting four scarves in one night at any of the following:
Website: www.nicojaye.com
Twitter: @nicojaye
Facebook Profile: Nico Jaye
Facebook Page: Author Nico Jaye
Pinterest: NicoJaye
Tumblr (NSFW): nicojaye
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 22, 2015
Teddy & Carter's story
This is the final book I read in the Heartsville series. All the stories can be read as standalones, in any order, but they are best read TOGETHER as a unit.
I recommend this entire series for some easy, fluffy reading: gayborhood, sexy boys, mild steam, friendship, sweetness, a promise of a HEA ... it's all there.
I so enjoy Nico's writing, and Unscripted is no exception.
What's Teddy to do when a numbers guy inherits half of his beloved theater, the one he's managed for nearly a decade?
The story is told from Teddy's POV, so I never got a good feel for Carter. One minute Carter wants to sell the theater. The next he wants to get into Teddy's pants (understandably so). And the one after that he's all about giving the theater a chance and heading to dinner with Teddy's boisterous Italian family.
That all felt a bit, well, rushed.
I don't expect a lot of character development in a novella, but Carter remained an enigma. I would have loved Carter's POV and a more definitive ending.
Don't get me wrong: the sexy times were sexy, and Teddy was such a good guy, I could only hope Carter's change of heart would last, and it did.
I wanted the enemies-to-lovers theme to be better developed. Teddy was only irritated with Carter for like a minute, and then Carter had him bent over a couch.
Which, OK. REASONS.
This is a little tasty treat with a tentative HFN.
This is the final book I read in the Heartsville series. All the stories can be read as standalones, in any order, but they are best read TOGETHER as a unit.
I recommend this entire series for some easy, fluffy reading: gayborhood, sexy boys, mild steam, friendship, sweetness, a promise of a HEA ... it's all there.
I so enjoy Nico's writing, and Unscripted is no exception.
What's Teddy to do when a numbers guy inherits half of his beloved theater, the one he's managed for nearly a decade?
The story is told from Teddy's POV, so I never got a good feel for Carter. One minute Carter wants to sell the theater. The next he wants to get into Teddy's pants (understandably so). And the one after that he's all about giving the theater a chance and heading to dinner with Teddy's boisterous Italian family.
That all felt a bit, well, rushed.
I don't expect a lot of character development in a novella, but Carter remained an enigma. I would have loved Carter's POV and a more definitive ending.
Don't get me wrong: the sexy times were sexy, and Teddy was such a good guy, I could only hope Carter's change of heart would last, and it did.
I wanted the enemies-to-lovers theme to be better developed. Teddy was only irritated with Carter for like a minute, and then Carter had him bent over a couch.
Which, OK. REASONS.
This is a little tasty treat with a tentative HFN.
July 13, 2016
I know I'm in minority with this, but
After the death of his boss and friend, Teddy finds himself the co-owner of the Oasis Theater with Carter Monroe, who wants to sell the theatre. Teddy storms into his office to give him a piece of mind, and five minutes after they met, Teddy willingly bends over Carter's designer sofa, and lets him fuck him.
And Carter calls him PUP?? I really don’t know which one of them is more irritating.
DNF at 28%.
After the death of his boss and friend, Teddy finds himself the co-owner of the Oasis Theater with Carter Monroe, who wants to sell the theatre. Teddy storms into his office to give him a piece of mind, and five minutes after they met, Teddy willingly bends over Carter's designer sofa, and lets him fuck him.
And Carter calls him PUP?? I really don’t know which one of them is more irritating.
DNF at 28%.
wrote-it-o__o-gasp
November 23, 2015The Heartsville series is now available at your favorite ebook retailer! :D
November 13, 2015
After a sudden death of Richard, the owner of the Oasis Theater, Teddy Carbone finds himself in charge of the theater with Carter Monroe. The Oasis is an important place for Teddy. He has always loved it as though it was his own and he wants it to succeed. Carter, on the other hand, isn't interested in managing the theater, so he plans to sell it. If Teddy wants the Oasis to survive, he must convince Carter that it's worth keeping as fast as possible.
I liked Teddy's POV, though, I wished there was Carter's POV as well, so I could have connected with him a bit better. Overall, it's an enjoyable, smuffy novella.
November 8, 2015
*** 3.5 Stars ***
I love meet cutes. I love opposites attract tropes. I love storylines so sweet they practically give me a toothache – ones that hit me in the face with fluff and then wrap their sticky fingers around my spun sugar heart.
And Unscripted provides this in spades, y’all.
Full review to come.
I love meet cutes. I love opposites attract tropes. I love storylines so sweet they practically give me a toothache – ones that hit me in the face with fluff and then wrap their sticky fingers around my spun sugar heart.
And Unscripted provides this in spades, y’all.
Full review to come.
November 18, 2015
And last but by no means least, we get Teddy's story. My smuff addiction has been satisfied. I now have a few new phrases added to my vocabulary (hate boners, anyone?). I did notice though, that of all five stories in this series, Teddy is the only one that didn't have a speaking role in someone else's book. I would have liked to have seen him intermingle with the characters from the other stories a bit. Well, there's always round two!
Mini review of this and all the other stories in the series can be found at www.boymeetsboyreviews.com
June 10, 2017
Wow. Talk about fast. I mean buying the cart before the horse fast.
Teddy goes to talk to Carter about what to do with their new joint inheritance. With nary a buildup, they're undergoing some intense "negotiations".
Since this is part of a series and what I assume is intended to be fun fluff, I'm giving it a lot of leeway. Just don't expect much plot or character development. Instead, enjoy the easy, steamy way these two work out their differences and come together to forge a very nice partnership.
Teddy goes to talk to Carter about what to do with their new joint inheritance. With nary a buildup, they're undergoing some intense "negotiations".
Since this is part of a series and what I assume is intended to be fun fluff, I'm giving it a lot of leeway. Just don't expect much plot or character development. Instead, enjoy the easy, steamy way these two work out their differences and come together to forge a very nice partnership.
November 1, 2015
**4.25 stars** This is the third Heartsville story I've read and my favorite so far. The scene when Teddy and Carter first meet was so incredibly hot! Love them together :)
October 27, 2015
**3.5 stars**
Book 2 of the Heartsville series! Nice to be back at the gayborhood!
Teddy lives and breathes theater. Suddenly, he finds himself co-owner of the Oasis Theater with Carter Monroe. Carter, though, doesn't seem to share the same feelings and soon he presents him with plans to sell the theatre. Teddy will have to make him change his mind.
I wouldn't really label this as an "enemies to lovers" story. After their first meeting, Carter is very willing to negotiate, discuss things and see the theatre and its people in person.
I loved Teddy's voice. Sometimes impulsive, self sarcastic, snarky but adorably flustered and bashful as well. (especially when called Teodoro *wink*)
Now Carter...I can't say I connected with him all that well and not having his POV didn't help. Although it was obvious he really liked Teddy, he always seemed cold and stiff to me. But things between them somehow worked!
I would have liked more slow burn, though. The first scene happened very fast and it really came out of nowhere. Granted, it was really hot and set the tone for the rest of the story, but it really was out of the left field.
I have mixed feelings about the ending. There is a HFN but It felt quite abrubt. BUT, there is a scortcing hot sex scene that includes fishnets and gold shorts! This is important!
Overall, this was a lovely addition to the series and I do recommend it. I 'm starting to really love the sense of community and camaraderie among the residents of Heartsville.
Amazing covers too! Can't wait for the next book;)
*Also posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
Book 2 of the Heartsville series! Nice to be back at the gayborhood!
Teddy lives and breathes theater. Suddenly, he finds himself co-owner of the Oasis Theater with Carter Monroe. Carter, though, doesn't seem to share the same feelings and soon he presents him with plans to sell the theatre. Teddy will have to make him change his mind.
I wouldn't really label this as an "enemies to lovers" story. After their first meeting, Carter is very willing to negotiate, discuss things and see the theatre and its people in person.
I loved Teddy's voice. Sometimes impulsive, self sarcastic, snarky but adorably flustered and bashful as well. (especially when called Teodoro *wink*)
Now Carter...I can't say I connected with him all that well and not having his POV didn't help. Although it was obvious he really liked Teddy, he always seemed cold and stiff to me. But things between them somehow worked!
I would have liked more slow burn, though. The first scene happened very fast and it really came out of nowhere. Granted, it was really hot and set the tone for the rest of the story, but it really was out of the left field.
I have mixed feelings about the ending. There is a HFN but It felt quite abrubt. BUT, there is a scortcing hot sex scene that includes fishnets and gold shorts! This is important!
Overall, this was a lovely addition to the series and I do recommend it. I 'm starting to really love the sense of community and camaraderie among the residents of Heartsville.
Amazing covers too! Can't wait for the next book;)
*Also posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
October 28, 2015
So ... I was strolling along nicely, enjoying the set-up of what I expected to be some sort of enemies-to-lovers novella, and then BAM, about 20% into the story, when Teddy was confronting Carter in their first meeting (Carter was planning to sell the theater that Teddy loved so much, and they were both co-owners, per the will of Carter's Uncle) ... Carter just did it to Teddy. Right then. Calling Teddy "pup" even.
URGH!! *crunched nose in disgust*
Sorry, my mood just dropped below zero. I skimmed the rest because for me it was the point of no return. Everything afterwards just going downhill. DON'T LIKE.
Done with it. Delete it from my Kindle. NEXT!
PS: I sincerely hope that the rest of the novellas in this series are better for me. Oh, and I don't give rating below 2* unless I hated the story. I disliked this but not to the point where I hated it. So there you go.
URGH!! *crunched nose in disgust*
Sorry, my mood just dropped below zero. I skimmed the rest because for me it was the point of no return. Everything afterwards just going downhill. DON'T LIKE.
Done with it. Delete it from my Kindle. NEXT!
PS: I sincerely hope that the rest of the novellas in this series are better for me. Oh, and I don't give rating below 2* unless I hated the story. I disliked this but not to the point where I hated it. So there you go.
November 20, 2015
NICO SMUFFFFF! Such a great love story and kudos for the Rocky Horror mentions!
My only problem with this story was that I wanted more. I also wanted a visual for Rocky Horror Nite at the Oasis. While at first I thought this was an enemies to lovers, or at least an opposites attract story, I don’t really think it was either and that’s good. The length of the story was conducive to what it was, a love story about two guys who were much more alike than appearances would seem, Carter just needed to be reminded about what was important. It made the story very sweet, perfectly dirty in all the right places and hopeful for the future between Teddy and Carter.
My only problem with this story was that I wanted more. I also wanted a visual for Rocky Horror Nite at the Oasis. While at first I thought this was an enemies to lovers, or at least an opposites attract story, I don’t really think it was either and that’s good. The length of the story was conducive to what it was, a love story about two guys who were much more alike than appearances would seem, Carter just needed to be reminded about what was important. It made the story very sweet, perfectly dirty in all the right places and hopeful for the future between Teddy and Carter.
November 2, 2015
This is part of the Heartsville series, currently five novella-length stories set around the fictional town of Heartsville. Each one is written by a different author, and I enjoyed every single one. Sometimes all you want is to sit back and read a quirky, sweet romance with no angst and minimal obstacles. These stories definitely fit the bill.
October 31, 2015
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this sweet, sexy, somewhat insta-loveish story. I warmed to Teddy immediately and Carter was enough of an enigma to keep me interested in their pairing.
Where a few readers have been perturbed by the impulsive and speedy nature of their “interactions”, I simply found it hot and alluring. I figure this is a short story, so a little incredulous behaviour can transpire without me putting up too much of a fuss.
I enjoyed this sweet, sexy, somewhat insta-loveish story. I warmed to Teddy immediately and Carter was enough of an enigma to keep me interested in their pairing.
Where a few readers have been perturbed by the impulsive and speedy nature of their “interactions”, I simply found it hot and alluring. I figure this is a short story, so a little incredulous behaviour can transpire without me putting up too much of a fuss.
November 13, 2015
This series of five books was a pure delight to read. I've read (and loved) work by Nico Jaye, Piper Vaughn and JH Knight before, but Jayden Brookes and Cate Ashwood were new to me. I'm going to review the series as a whole, although each book is standalone and could be read that way.
What can I say? I LOVED the gayborhood. It is a series of pure delight. Easy to read, sweet without being sugary and just a teeny tiny bit of angst to add a bit of bite. This series is the pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate combo of the book world. Pure comfort. The kind that leaves you snug and happy. I adored all of the couples and their stories and would be really hard pressed to choose a favourite!
Milo Hart of Bloom Box had a soft spot in my heart. His generosity of time and spirit warmed me and made me grin.Cate Ashwood is definitely an author I need to check out.
I loved the rocky Horror references in Unscripted, but mostly in this book I adored the brand of smuff (smut+fluff) that Nico Jaye has made her own.
What bibliophile can resist a bookshop setting? Not this one, I love stories set in book shops and a reclusive novelist. PERFECT. Piper Vaughn write romance from the soul and I love it!
Adam and Brandon in Clique, by Jayden Brookes, were adorable. Nearly as adorable as Brandon's dogs...
And JH Knight told a tale of fear and forgiveness that was just beautiful. They were all beautiful. They were exactly the kind of stories you expect them to be when you look at the gorgeous covers.
Lastly I want to say how much I loved the interaction of characters between books. Though each book focused on one couple, there are cameos from the other stories. Though subtly done so that each book can be read completely independently.
A wonderful, happy series. I cannot wait for more from Heartsville.
Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this story was given in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say? I LOVED the gayborhood. It is a series of pure delight. Easy to read, sweet without being sugary and just a teeny tiny bit of angst to add a bit of bite. This series is the pyjamas, slippers, hot chocolate combo of the book world. Pure comfort. The kind that leaves you snug and happy. I adored all of the couples and their stories and would be really hard pressed to choose a favourite!
Milo Hart of Bloom Box had a soft spot in my heart. His generosity of time and spirit warmed me and made me grin.Cate Ashwood is definitely an author I need to check out.
I loved the rocky Horror references in Unscripted, but mostly in this book I adored the brand of smuff (smut+fluff) that Nico Jaye has made her own.
What bibliophile can resist a bookshop setting? Not this one, I love stories set in book shops and a reclusive novelist. PERFECT. Piper Vaughn write romance from the soul and I love it!
Adam and Brandon in Clique, by Jayden Brookes, were adorable. Nearly as adorable as Brandon's dogs...
And JH Knight told a tale of fear and forgiveness that was just beautiful. They were all beautiful. They were exactly the kind of stories you expect them to be when you look at the gorgeous covers.
Lastly I want to say how much I loved the interaction of characters between books. Though each book focused on one couple, there are cameos from the other stories. Though subtly done so that each book can be read completely independently.
A wonderful, happy series. I cannot wait for more from Heartsville.
Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this story was given in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2015
Ok with these shorts the first thing I have to get comfortable with is the speed in which “relationships” develop. The instant attraction/office banging that occurred in chapter 2 seriously threw me for a loop initially. Once I thought about it though and saw how things progressed I realized that with a mere 75 pages time to casually develop was not something the author could do. Overall a cute, if not wildly believable, story. I think the end won me over because Carter wasn’t someone I meshed with but had to take it at face value as he did appear to be a guy who was making an effort. So maybe it was a right person right time kind of thing. 2.5 rounded up…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2016
3.25 Stars
February 26, 2017
The RHPS scene at the end made this a 4 star for me. I love RHPS!
June 25, 2017
.
What I've really enjoyed about the books in the Heartsville series I've read so far is the opposites-attract aspect of the stories. They've all been so different, yet somehow they all just seem to work. Of the 3, the characters in Unscripted seem the most unlikely of the couples- you can't get much different than a theater geek (although I don't know if geek's the right description for Teddy) and a businessman you can just picture wheeling and dealing on Wall Street. The stories have all been about the insta-lust/love as well, because really, in a novella, you need to get to the good stuff quickly, but this one was a little too insta for me.
I liked Teddy, a lot, I think he's a great character and Carter grew on me as the story went on, but that first meeting could have gone a little differently. It was just a little much- I like a little build up to the good stuff. But other than that this was an enjoyable read. I've loved spending time in the gayborhood and could see a tv series being based on all these books!
***Borrowed through KU.
What I've really enjoyed about the books in the Heartsville series I've read so far is the opposites-attract aspect of the stories. They've all been so different, yet somehow they all just seem to work. Of the 3, the characters in Unscripted seem the most unlikely of the couples- you can't get much different than a theater geek (although I don't know if geek's the right description for Teddy) and a businessman you can just picture wheeling and dealing on Wall Street. The stories have all been about the insta-lust/love as well, because really, in a novella, you need to get to the good stuff quickly, but this one was a little too insta for me.
I liked Teddy, a lot, I think he's a great character and Carter grew on me as the story went on, but that first meeting could have gone a little differently. It was just a little much- I like a little build up to the good stuff. But other than that this was an enjoyable read. I've loved spending time in the gayborhood and could see a tv series being based on all these books!
***Borrowed through KU.
August 12, 2017
Unscripted is by far the sexiest entry into the series. I love the details of the theater and Teddy is wonderful.,
Carter is not. He changes and that is good but because we are only in Teddy's head we don't get to really see his arc and he doesn't talk much.
So, for me, he stays pretty cold. We get a HEA but I am not attached to Carter though it is clear he adores Teddy.
Carter is not. He changes and that is good but because we are only in Teddy's head we don't get to really see his arc and he doesn't talk much.
So, for me, he stays pretty cold. We get a HEA but I am not attached to Carter though it is clear he adores Teddy.
December 13, 2015
4.5 SMUFFTASTIC stars
The Queen of Smuff has done it again. This is sweet & hot, just the way I like em.
The Queen of Smuff has done it again. This is sweet & hot, just the way I like em.
October 27, 2015
Super sweet sugary goodness.
November 4, 2015
Cute.
October 28, 2015
First—I'm loving the covers of these books. They actually make sense and represent the characters! ♥
This was very nearly a DNF for me at 30%. I didn't like the MCs' first interaction at all. Ugh, it totally killed it for me. I know they can't all be delicious slow-burn (see: Bookmarked from this series), and part of the point of a series like this is exploring different types of relationships, etc, so maybe Nico drew the "lust at first sight" card, but still. Maybe it was how Carter came across that made it not work for me. I just couldn't see what the big deal was, and that made me mad at the whole situation.
But I soldiered on, and I'm glad enough that I did. This won't be my favorite in the series, but it was a satisfying enough read once I got past the beginning.
I really would have liked to have gotten to know Carter better—I feel like we barely saw anything of who he really was (and there are plenty of ways to get to know a character without having to be in his POV; I was totally fine with it being 100% Teddy POV)—we do see more as the story goes on, but... I don't feel like we found out what makes him tick.
But I liked Teddy, his job, his attitude, his family. The scene with Carter meeting Gia was hilarious.
I could have done without Carter calling Teddy "pup" during sex; this isn't shifter fiction. And Teddy's interchangeable use of "nonprofit" and "not-for-profit" bugged me, but that's mostly because I'm a picky bitch about precision in language.
It was nice to see more of Adam. And I hope Bryce the cute yoga instructor shows up again. And Milo! It was nice to see him, too. Overall a nice addition to Heartsville; I'm having fun getting to know the town. Gia indirectly mentions Aaron, so maybe when we get Aaron's story, we'll get more of her.
Oh, and the pumpkin-scone craving I developed during Bookmarked continued strong in this. Huff!
This was very nearly a DNF for me at 30%. I didn't like the MCs' first interaction at all. Ugh, it totally killed it for me. I know they can't all be delicious slow-burn (see: Bookmarked from this series), and part of the point of a series like this is exploring different types of relationships, etc, so maybe Nico drew the "lust at first sight" card, but still. Maybe it was how Carter came across that made it not work for me. I just couldn't see what the big deal was, and that made me mad at the whole situation.
But I soldiered on, and I'm glad enough that I did. This won't be my favorite in the series, but it was a satisfying enough read once I got past the beginning.
I really would have liked to have gotten to know Carter better—I feel like we barely saw anything of who he really was (and there are plenty of ways to get to know a character without having to be in his POV; I was totally fine with it being 100% Teddy POV)—we do see more as the story goes on, but... I don't feel like we found out what makes him tick.
But I liked Teddy, his job, his attitude, his family. The scene with Carter meeting Gia was hilarious.
I could have done without Carter calling Teddy "pup" during sex; this isn't shifter fiction. And Teddy's interchangeable use of "nonprofit" and "not-for-profit" bugged me, but that's mostly because I'm a picky bitch about precision in language.
It was nice to see more of Adam. And I hope Bryce the cute yoga instructor shows up again. And Milo! It was nice to see him, too. Overall a nice addition to Heartsville; I'm having fun getting to know the town. Gia indirectly mentions Aaron, so maybe when we get Aaron's story, we'll get more of her.
Oh, and the pumpkin-scone craving I developed during Bookmarked continued strong in this. Huff!
October 30, 2015
4.5 Heart Review by Amber
This one was so stinkin’ cute!!!! It starts off with a fairly sad premise so I thought it was going to go one way but early on you know it’s not going to be how you expect and I really liked that I was surprised.
Teddy Carbone’s life abruptly changed when his boss and friend died unexpectedly. Thinking he couldn’t feel anymore off kilter he learns he not only owns the theater he’s been managing but he shares it with his boss nephew. Knowing they need to meet and get on the same page he’s unprepared for Carter Monroe.
Carter is 150% all about making money. Business is all he knows so he doesn’t get working for passion and not just a bottom line. When he meets his new co-owner he surprised that Teddy is making him see things differently.
The attraction is immediate and volcano hot!!! I really enjoyed watching them develop. Teddy was absolutely adorable and real, loved this character and Carter was so incredibly endearing. Even though he’s this shark like business man you can really get a feel for how his attraction to Teddy is affecting him. I really enjoyed them as a couple.
This is my first book by this author and I have to say that I am a fan. I enjoyed the writing style and even though this is a pretty short story the character development was substantial. I really cared about these two men.
Shout out to the Rocky Horror Picture Show….totally tickled me….!
A great addition to the Heartsville series. Another must read…!!!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
This one was so stinkin’ cute!!!! It starts off with a fairly sad premise so I thought it was going to go one way but early on you know it’s not going to be how you expect and I really liked that I was surprised.
Teddy Carbone’s life abruptly changed when his boss and friend died unexpectedly. Thinking he couldn’t feel anymore off kilter he learns he not only owns the theater he’s been managing but he shares it with his boss nephew. Knowing they need to meet and get on the same page he’s unprepared for Carter Monroe.
Carter is 150% all about making money. Business is all he knows so he doesn’t get working for passion and not just a bottom line. When he meets his new co-owner he surprised that Teddy is making him see things differently.
The attraction is immediate and volcano hot!!! I really enjoyed watching them develop. Teddy was absolutely adorable and real, loved this character and Carter was so incredibly endearing. Even though he’s this shark like business man you can really get a feel for how his attraction to Teddy is affecting him. I really enjoyed them as a couple.
This is my first book by this author and I have to say that I am a fan. I enjoyed the writing style and even though this is a pretty short story the character development was substantial. I really cared about these two men.
Shout out to the Rocky Horror Picture Show….totally tickled me….!
A great addition to the Heartsville series. Another must read…!!!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
March 10, 2016
An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Teddy Carbone runs the Oasis, a community theater in Heartsville. When the owner dies, Teddy learns he is now part owner, along with Carter Monroe, the deceased owner's nephew. When Carter mentions selling the Oasis, Teddy realizes he has to do everything he can to show Carter that the Oasis is worth keeping.
Of course, they hook up. Right out of the gate in this book. It's a bit sudden and unexpected. And I wasn't really thrilled about it. The story is told solely from Teddy's POV. Teddy was sweet, somewhat shy and just a lovable guy. And he had a great family. I didn't really connect with Carter, probably because of the lack of his POV. At times, it felt like he found Teddy charming, in a slightly condescending way, but I don't think he was meant to be seen that way. He was a bit standoffish, even though it was obvious he liked Teddy.
But it all somehow worked. I enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the rest of the series. Heartsville has a warm sense of community and I love stories like that. This book seems to take place around the same time (Fall season/Halloween) as Bookmarked, which I thought was fun. It kind of tied the books together, in a loose way.
This review cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
Teddy Carbone runs the Oasis, a community theater in Heartsville. When the owner dies, Teddy learns he is now part owner, along with Carter Monroe, the deceased owner's nephew. When Carter mentions selling the Oasis, Teddy realizes he has to do everything he can to show Carter that the Oasis is worth keeping.
Of course, they hook up. Right out of the gate in this book. It's a bit sudden and unexpected. And I wasn't really thrilled about it. The story is told solely from Teddy's POV. Teddy was sweet, somewhat shy and just a lovable guy. And he had a great family. I didn't really connect with Carter, probably because of the lack of his POV. At times, it felt like he found Teddy charming, in a slightly condescending way, but I don't think he was meant to be seen that way. He was a bit standoffish, even though it was obvious he liked Teddy.
But it all somehow worked. I enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the rest of the series. Heartsville has a warm sense of community and I love stories like that. This book seems to take place around the same time (Fall season/Halloween) as Bookmarked, which I thought was fun. It kind of tied the books together, in a loose way.
This review cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
October 29, 2015
This seemed so much shorter than 'Bookmarked', but it's probably not. The action is much more condensed.
These boys get hot and heavy only minutes (hours?) after they meet. It's a bit unrealistic, but so hot.
Teddy's family are terrific, especially sister Gia. I liked all the community theatre talk, and catching up with other characters, like Aaron and Adam.
Again, the love interest, (in this case, Carter) remains fairly enigmatic and distant.
But the smex here is much more steamy.
These boys get hot and heavy only minutes (hours?) after they meet. It's a bit unrealistic, but so hot.
Teddy's family are terrific, especially sister Gia. I liked all the community theatre talk, and catching up with other characters, like Aaron and Adam.
Again, the love interest, (in this case, Carter) remains fairly enigmatic and distant.
But the smex here is much more steamy.
November 8, 2015
lovely story
but that could be expected from this author
Love this man and their town :)
but that could be expected from this author
Love this man and their town :)
March 27, 2018
A sexy addition to the Heartsville novellas. Teddy was very easy to love. It took a little longer with Carter and I wish the author had done some more backstory on him, but I warmed up to him by the end. The ending was wonderful and funny - just the right tone!
April 5, 2017
KU
Great when you want a light read, quick and fluffy
Great when you want a light read, quick and fluffy
November 4, 2015
“Objects we ardently pursue bring little happiness when gained; most of our pleasures come from unexpected sources.” ~ Herbert Spencer
As everyone knows, life does not follow a script. Unexpected events occur all the time. Teddy Carbone, of 'Unscripted' by Nico Jaye, becomes painfully aware of this when his friend, and owner of the Oasis theater he works at, suddenly dies. As if his death isn't enough of a shock, he discovers that Richard has left Teddy half of the Oasis Theater. The only catch is, the other half is left to his alienated nephew, Carter, who, to say the least, does not share their affinity for theater. Dealing with Carter is going to be more of a challenge than Teddy can even imagine.
Teddy has worked at the Oasis for nine years; it's a huge part of his life. It's not just a job, the people are not employees, they are one big family. Teddy's loyalty to the theater and to Richard's legacy is completely understandable. When he's contacted by Carter, he immediately sees him not as a partner, but as an adversary. Carter has no interest in continuing the theater's work. In fact, he can't wait to sell and be rid of it. Knowing he'd never be able to buy him out, if Carter decides to sell, Teddy is desperate to find a way to persuade Carter that the Oasis is too important to the community to just throw away. Regrettably, Carter doesn't seem to have an altruistic bone in his body. If it doesn't profit him, then Carter doesn't want it. Teddy is beginning to foster a great dislike for this man who could so easily ruin his life. He eventually has had enough of his condescending attitude and tells him off.
When Teddy gets official word that Carter is selling, he goes over to Carter's building to confront him and marches straight in without waiting to be announced. Instead of being angry, this makes Teddy even more attractive to Carter. He comes on to Teddy and he becomes flustered, but, in spite of his feelings for the man, he's also turned on. They have explosive sex which throws Teddy completely off the track. Carter obviously enjoys Teddy, but leaves him with a condescending pat on the ass and walks away. Teddy tries to be philosophical about their “one-afternoon stand” and continues his quest to win Carter over. To Teddy's dismay, the fate of the Oasis still hangs precariously in the balance.
Besides the fact that the stories are so enjoyable, this series is hitting all my buttons. The first story is about a bookstore, one of my favorite places to be, and this second book involves a theater; also somewhere near and dear to my heart. Reading these stories makes me want to visit Heartsville and meet these amazing people in person. If you like a great, but hard-earned love between two hot guys having even steamier sex, the theater, and a happy ending, you may enjoy this enemies-to-lovers story. Thanks, Nico. It's my first book by you, but definitely not my last.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
As everyone knows, life does not follow a script. Unexpected events occur all the time. Teddy Carbone, of 'Unscripted' by Nico Jaye, becomes painfully aware of this when his friend, and owner of the Oasis theater he works at, suddenly dies. As if his death isn't enough of a shock, he discovers that Richard has left Teddy half of the Oasis Theater. The only catch is, the other half is left to his alienated nephew, Carter, who, to say the least, does not share their affinity for theater. Dealing with Carter is going to be more of a challenge than Teddy can even imagine.
Teddy has worked at the Oasis for nine years; it's a huge part of his life. It's not just a job, the people are not employees, they are one big family. Teddy's loyalty to the theater and to Richard's legacy is completely understandable. When he's contacted by Carter, he immediately sees him not as a partner, but as an adversary. Carter has no interest in continuing the theater's work. In fact, he can't wait to sell and be rid of it. Knowing he'd never be able to buy him out, if Carter decides to sell, Teddy is desperate to find a way to persuade Carter that the Oasis is too important to the community to just throw away. Regrettably, Carter doesn't seem to have an altruistic bone in his body. If it doesn't profit him, then Carter doesn't want it. Teddy is beginning to foster a great dislike for this man who could so easily ruin his life. He eventually has had enough of his condescending attitude and tells him off.
When Teddy gets official word that Carter is selling, he goes over to Carter's building to confront him and marches straight in without waiting to be announced. Instead of being angry, this makes Teddy even more attractive to Carter. He comes on to Teddy and he becomes flustered, but, in spite of his feelings for the man, he's also turned on. They have explosive sex which throws Teddy completely off the track. Carter obviously enjoys Teddy, but leaves him with a condescending pat on the ass and walks away. Teddy tries to be philosophical about their “one-afternoon stand” and continues his quest to win Carter over. To Teddy's dismay, the fate of the Oasis still hangs precariously in the balance.
Besides the fact that the stories are so enjoyable, this series is hitting all my buttons. The first story is about a bookstore, one of my favorite places to be, and this second book involves a theater; also somewhere near and dear to my heart. Reading these stories makes me want to visit Heartsville and meet these amazing people in person. If you like a great, but hard-earned love between two hot guys having even steamier sex, the theater, and a happy ending, you may enjoy this enemies-to-lovers story. Thanks, Nico. It's my first book by you, but definitely not my last.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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