Never Hollowed By The Stare

boys love manga | MM romance | indie music | giveaways and more

Never Hollowed By The Stare
  • Home
  • REVIEWS+RECS
    • MANGA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • SOUNDTRACK
    • QUOTE
    • TRAILER
    • DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS
    • BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Reviews A-Z
    • MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MEMES+TAGS
    • MUSIC MONDAY
    • LAST YEAR I WAS READING
    • FLICKer FADE SUNDAY
    • TAGS
    • MISC POSTS
    • PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
    • FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56
  • TOURS & BLITZES
    • COVER REVEAL
    • GIVEAWAYS
  • About + Ratings
    • ABOUT + RATINGS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • Policy + Contact
  • Home
  • REVIEWS+RECS
    • MANGA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • SOUNDTRACK
    • QUOTE
    • TRAILER
    • DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS
    • BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Reviews A-Z
    • MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MEMES+TAGS
    • MUSIC MONDAY
    • LAST YEAR I WAS READING
    • FLICKer FADE SUNDAY
    • TAGS
    • MISC POSTS
    • PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
    • FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56
  • TOURS & BLITZES
    • COVER REVEAL
    • GIVEAWAYS
  • About + Ratings
    • ABOUT + RATINGS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • Policy + Contact

Archives

  • July 2025 (40)
  • June 2025 (82)
  • May 2025 (84)
  • April 2025 (71)
  • March 2025 (83)
  • February 2025 (72)
  • January 2025 (75)
  • December 2024 (90)
  • November 2024 (82)
  • October 2024 (96)
  • September 2024 (71)
  • August 2024 (99)
  • July 2024 (96)
  • June 2024 (94)
  • May 2024 (94)
  • April 2024 (93)
  • March 2024 (100)
  • February 2024 (94)
  • January 2024 (85)
  • December 2023 (85)
  • November 2023 (84)
  • October 2023 (97)
  • September 2023 (93)
  • August 2023 (100)
  • July 2023 (100)
  • June 2023 (97)
  • May 2023 (100)
  • April 2023 (76)
  • March 2023 (106)
  • February 2023 (104)
  • January 2023 (109)
  • December 2022 (118)
  • November 2022 (128)
  • October 2022 (122)
  • September 2022 (107)
  • August 2022 (118)
  • July 2022 (104)
  • June 2022 (112)
  • May 2022 (114)
  • April 2022 (61)
  • March 2022 (115)
  • February 2022 (88)
  • January 2022 (92)
  • December 2021 (90)
  • November 2021 (114)
  • October 2021 (118)
  • September 2021 (127)
  • August 2021 (84)
  • July 2021 (114)
  • June 2021 (113)
  • May 2021 (119)
  • April 2021 (112)
  • March 2021 (122)
  • February 2021 (101)
  • January 2021 (90)
  • December 2020 (121)
  • November 2020 (127)
  • October 2020 (129)
  • September 2020 (120)
  • August 2020 (131)
  • July 2020 (131)
  • June 2020 (138)
  • May 2020 (118)
  • April 2020 (109)
  • March 2020 (105)
  • February 2020 (99)
  • January 2020 (111)
  • December 2019 (112)
  • November 2019 (94)
  • October 2019 (74)
  • September 2019 (54)
  • August 2019 (51)
  • July 2019 (54)
  • June 2019 (47)
  • May 2019 (43)
  • April 2019 (53)
  • March 2019 (41)
  • February 2019 (41)
  • January 2019 (47)
  • December 2018 (52)
  • November 2018 (51)
  • October 2018 (56)
  • September 2018 (61)
  • August 2018 (55)
  • July 2018 (59)
  • June 2018 (90)
  • May 2018 (60)
  • April 2018 (60)
  • March 2018 (57)
  • February 2018 (51)
  • January 2018 (50)
  • December 2017 (45)
  • November 2017 (50)
  • October 2017 (52)
  • September 2017 (35)
  • August 2017 (50)
  • July 2017 (12)
  • June 2017 (12)
  • May 2017 (21)
  • April 2017 (87)
  • March 2017 (16)
  • January 2017 (5)
  • December 2016 (4)
  • November 2016 (25)
  • October 2014 (67)
  • September 2014 (109)
  • July 2011 (7)
  • June 2011 (14)
  • May 2011 (77)
  • April 2011 (25)
  • March 2011 (5)
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Lights, Camera, Passion by Isabel Lucero

    July 12, 2025 / 1 Comment

    Lights, Camera, Passion – Isabel Lucero

    Playing a lead role in a book-to-movie adaptation with a wild fan base? Sign me up! The only downside is that I’m cast alongside Jacoby “Heartthrob” Hart—Hollywood’s golden boy. If only they knew he was an uppity, pompous snob.

    We don’t get along, and if you’re reading the tabloids, you’d assume it was because I “stole” his girlfriend, but they have it all wrong. Jacoby and his cold shoulder started this, and now we’re set to play lovers. The only thing I’d love to do is strangle him, but I’m a professional.

    Behind the scenes, we’re either bickering or avoiding each other, but when the cameras start rolling, I can’t believe how much chemistry we have.

    One night, during a passionate argument, something happens that I never anticipated. The chemistry that started out as an act turns into much more behind closed doors, but we both have secrets, and Hollywood is a hard place to keep those.

    Contains mature themes.


    Lights, Camera, Passion is a Hollywood contemporary romance by Isabel Lucero, author of the intense and bloody Dysfunctional.

    The plot is life imitating art when two antagonistic actors, Jacoby Hart, and Roman Black, are paired in a live-action adaptation of In Another Life, a popular queer contemporary romance novel. The novel is a love story between the openly gay Andrew and the closeted Will, forced to keep their relationship a secret due to Will’s conservative religious background.

    The story hits so close to home that it’s right on Jacoby’s and Roman’s doorsteps. And we witness these two A-listers’s clandestine trysts while dodging friends and co-workers.

    The first part where the two actors were thrown in a cabin to get to know each other followed by the filming where they discovered their connection was the most fun! The author brilliantly captured the dynamics and the explosive chemistry between Jacoby and Rome. The long-time secret crushes and mutual pining made things even more delicious!

    The book is in their dual POVs and I loved the contrast between their public and private personalities.

    Jacoby is reserved and formal, a black-suit-only kind of guy. But when he can be himself, he snarks, likes to take charge, and has a romantic streak that makes Rome swoon.

    Rome is a cocky, outgoing, colorful-suits-and-lace-shirts kind of guy. When he’s alone with Jacoby, he’s surprisingly shy and likes to take orders.

    The succeeding parts were not necessarily boring, but they were not that exciting either. It was Jacoby and Rome going about their daily lives, meeting family, and doing actor things. The mundane everyday alternates with some intensely passionate alone time, and angstying about coming out.

    Most stories about closeted celebrities usually have their coming out moments wrenched out of them, typically through a scene where they’re discovered before they’re ready.

    Here, Jacoby and Rome came out on their own terms, prepared, confident, and just happy to let the world know they were together. I really liked how the author executed the coming-out scene. It was cute, sweet, and so ridiculously romantic. The lack of drama made it even more refreshing!

    Lights, Camera, Passion is a romance that when from reel to real. While there was a lull, it’s emotional, thrilling and heartfelt on the moments that matter most!

    Rating:
    3.5 Stars – that place between like and love

    Soundtrack: Another Life
    Artist: Dirty Nice
    Album: Planet Weekend


    If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Lights, Camera, Passion. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

    LIGHTS, CAMERA, PASSION: Kindle | Audiobook

    If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    FLICKer FADE SUNDAY: The One You Never Forget

    August 30, 2020

    RELEASE BLITZ: Future Goals by Genevive Chamblee (Giveaway)

    February 2, 2023

    12 TOUR DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin

    December 17, 2024
  • featured,  Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: Matched by Becca Steele

    July 10, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56: There’s A Name For This

    August 20, 2020

    BOOK TOUR: Mythical Desires by M.L. Eaden (Excerpt & Giveaway + Guest Post)

    December 31, 2022

    BLOG TOUR: Walk With Spirits by Edale Lane (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    April 20, 2022
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: Frat Around and Find Out by Devon McCormack

    June 26, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BOOK TOUR: Allmother Rising by Elexis Bell (Excerpt & Giveaway + Guest Post)

    May 22, 2021

    RELEASE TOUR: Dream a Little Dream by C.F. White (Excerpt)

    March 3, 2025

    PROMO BLITZ: Building Home by J. Mackenzie (Q&A with Author)

    April 7, 2025
  • Uncategorized

    PROMO BLITZ: Broken Silence by Felice Stevens

    June 26, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    PRE-ORDER BLITZ: Finley Embraces Heart And Home By Anyta Sunday (Teaser & Giveaway)

    August 31, 2021

    RELEASE TOUR: Pictures of You by Leta Blake (Giveaway)

    May 1, 2023

    BOOK TOUR: Jacqui the Cat Mysteries by Alexis Duran (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 11, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    PROMO BLITZ: Fanboy in the Falls by J.E. Birk

    June 25, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    FLICKer: Out

    January 2, 2021

    BLOG TOUR: Our Radiant Embers by Zarah Detand (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    June 21, 2024

    MUSIC MONDAY: I Don’t Live Here Anymore by The War On Drugs feat Lucius

    October 18, 2021
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: Wicked Games by Willow Dixon (Giveaway)

    June 19, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    NEW RELEASE: OBO: Or Best Offer by Sundae Leighton

    September 23, 2024

    BOOK TOUR: Kidnapped Killer by Nina R. Schlunz (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 23, 2022

    COVER REVEAL: Calling Your Bluff by Saxon Bluff (Giveaway)

    May 7, 2020
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE BLITZ: The Marriage Policy by Riley Hart

    June 11, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    BOOK TOUR: The Pizza Chronicles by Andy V. Roamer (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 18, 2020

    RELEASE BLITZ: Matched By My Rival by D.J. Jamison (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    July 8, 2021

    NEW RELEASE: Terror by Crea Reitan

    February 25, 2023
  • Uncategorized

    BOOK TOUR: Lovesick Falls by Julia Drake

    June 9, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Keeping Casey by Amy Aislin (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    February 24, 2021

    MUSIC MONDAY: A Handful Of Dust by Late Runner

    July 5, 2021

    RELEASE BLITZ: The Alpha’s Mate by Beth Laycock (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    September 16, 2020
  • book,  Uncategorized

    REVIEW: Sweet by Howl Avery

    June 7, 2025 / 1 Comment

    Sweet – Howl Avery

    Will wants to meet the perfect man, but it’s easier said than done in such a small town. His crush of over a year has no idea he even exists, and ignoring his best friend’s advice has only made the problem worse. Rather than limiting himself only to who’s available locally, Will turns to the digital world.

    Cas is ready to move on after his last relationship ended in death. Right away, he meets the perfect candidate through a new anonymous chatting app, with only one problem—he quickly learns his new friend’s identity in the real world. If this budding relationship continues, it’ll only be a matter of time before Cas is recognized for who he is as well.

    As Will and Cas steadily become closer, their attraction cannot be denied. Nor their similarities. Cas embraces the darkness in Will like no one ever has, creating a mutual obsession that needs to be satisfied in the real world. Maybe Will has finally found the perfect man for him—if he can look past Cas’s homicidal tendencies.


    Sweet, a dark romantic thriller by Howl Avery, might change how you see honey. Needless to say, it comes with a long list of TWs, including rough sex, toxic codependencies, humiliation and degradation, consensual non-con, sounding, fisting, and murders.

    Will has been crushing on Bailey, a fellow Farmer’s Market vendor, for a long time now. He and his best friend Jesse manage the store for the farm they both work for. Will also just started talking anonymously to a guy on a dating app. Later, he learned his name was Cas.

    Will felt an instant chemistry with Cas right away, and he’s tentatively exploring their connection to see if Cas wants to take it further. Meanwhile, Jesse confessed he has feelings for Will, and they begun sleeping together. Will is still crushing hard on Bailey, whom he started stalking, and also pining like hell for Cas.

    The love geometry should make this a DNF for me but strangely enough, it didn’t bother me. Will’s connections to these men worked their magic, holding the plot together and fueling the mystery.

    In a typical MM romance, the MC would only be sleeping with the love interest, which is a dead giveaway. So even if I figured out Cas’s identity early on, the red herrings effectively had me second-guessing, especially since Will had on-page sex with all three.

    Both Will’s and Cas’s POVs were shown.

    Cas is a psychopath who uses a convenient, if novel, way of cleaning up evidence. He’s a demisexual who had his awakening because of Will. Cas couldn’t find it in him to kill the man, nor could he get him out of his mind. In other words, he’s obsessing and stalking.

    And that’s all we know about Cas because he’s an enigma till the very end.

    Will’s characterization was confusing. The opening chapters showed him with crippling social anxiety, barely able to say a word to Bailey. My image of him was that of a short, skinny guy who’s a bit geeky. With Jesse, he was hella toppy and dominant, and I was surprised to learn he’s actually taller than Jesse.

    I don’t mind a shy character who likes to take charge in the bedroom. However, Will’s personality was all over the place, sometimes acting like a different person entirely. I chalk this up to the writing. Cas wore different masks depending on who he was talking to, but it still felt cohesive.

    One thing’s for sure: Will falls hard for his mystery man and wants to be the end-all and be-all for Cas. Will is the farthest from vanilla, systematically testing Cas’s limits, hence the trigger warnings. Their relationship is a fuck-up codependency of crazy meets insanity, so better get out of their way or burn! It was fanfuckingtastic!

    Some aspects, especially the latter parts, were rushed, which is unfortunate because this is a story worth savoring. The ending was so abrupt I was left with my mouth hanging open. This book badly needed an epilogue. It is not perfect, but I was completely hooked and finished it in one sitting.

    Sweet explores the complexities of human connection, and the interplay of sweet personalities and darker desires. Overall, a thrilling story of mutual obsession, depraved, alluring, inescapable.

    Rating:
    4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

    Soundtrack: Got You (Where I Want You)
    Artist: The Flys
    Album: Holiday Man


    If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of Sweet. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

    SWEET: Kindle | Audiobook

    If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!

    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: Twisted Tome by Vanora Lawless (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    October 29, 2023

    BLOG TOUR: Sainted Love: A Time to Fight by Steve Orlando & Giopota (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 25, 2024

    SERIES TOUR: Vendetta Series by Leigh Kenzie (Excerpt)

    August 13, 2023
  • Uncategorized

    RELEASE TOUR: Finance Bros by August Jones

    June 6, 2025 / No Comments
    Read More
    neverhollowed

    You May Also Like

    RELEASE BLITZ: His Secret by Isabel Lucero

    October 7, 2024

    BLOG TOUR: Mage of the Dragon Prince by Ariella Zoelle Writing as Zarina Aston (Excerpt & Giveaway)

    August 11, 2024

    END OF THE YEAR BOOK TAG

    December 28, 2019
Load More

You can never have too much MM romance or indie music. Welcome and enjoy your stay!

FOLLOW NEVER HOLLOWED BY THE STARE

Follow Never Hollowed By The Stare on WordPress.com

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Me

July 2025
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Jun    

If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links to get a copy of your favorite MM romance & yaoi manga. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

As a more ethical alternative, you can also use Bookshop.org to buy paperbacks and MP3 CD audiobooks and help support independent bookstores.

Rakuten Kobo UK
Alibris: Books, Music, & Movies

DISCLAIMER

Book images and promotional materials are from Goodreads or media kits provided for blog tours, cover reveals and release blitzes. Manga covers and other images are sourced through Google image search. The two dorks in the header image is from a manga by TogaQ & Kikuchi Neko. The cat logo is my own design. Reviews and other writings found in the blog are mine unless otherwise stated. All Buy Links to Amazon and Bookshop in my posts contain affiliate links.

Support This Site

If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!

Never Hollowed By The Stare Follow

🌈boy's love manga | MM romance | music | giveaways and more 🐾

neverhollowed
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
16 Jul

Sometimes what happens anonymously in a dingy, pay by the hour motel room shows up a month later to reveal himself as your new coach…

RELEASE TOUR: Pucked Up by E.M. Lindsey (Excerpt)



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/07/16/release-tour-pucked-up-by-e-m-lindsey-excerpt/

Reply on Twitter 1945570538266513841 Retweet on Twitter 1945570538266513841 Like on Twitter 1945570538266513841 Twitter 1945570538266513841
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
16 Jul

The Gravity Series is an unforgettable whirlwind romance chronicling the love of two men over three decades.

RELEASE BLITZ: Gravity: The Complete Series by Kindle Alexander



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/07/16/release-blitz-gravity-the-complete-series-by-kindle-alexander/

Reply on Twitter 1945570131964231754 Retweet on Twitter 1945570131964231754 Like on Twitter 1945570131964231754 Twitter 1945570131964231754
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
16 Jul

PREORDER BLITZ: Black Leather Night and Other Tales by Will Okati (Excerpt)



https://neverhollowed.com/2025/07/16/preorder-blitz-black-leather-night-and-other-tales-by-will-okati-excerpt/

Reply on Twitter 1945569590987157790 Retweet on Twitter 1945569590987157790 Like on Twitter 1945569590987157790 Twitter 1945569590987157790
neverhollowed Never Hollowed By The Stare @neverhollowed ·
15 Jul

How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone is finally here! Sneak a peek and enter to win!

Reply on Twitter 1945196245611405349 Retweet on Twitter 1945196245611405349 Like on Twitter 1945196245611405349 Twitter 1945196245611405349
Load More
Rakuten Kobo UK
SEARCH NOW:
by title
by author
2025©Never Hollowed By The Stare