Nick is an actor that works with a troupe that use to be quite popular but has fallen on hard times due one entitled jerk. Nick doesn't let that get in his way and together with the founder, Walter, comes up with a plan to kickstart the success of the troupe. The first part of his plan kicks into place when he has a run in with Clay on the train. He quickly recruits him for the troupes upcoming play. The two hit it off quite spectacularly and also they spend time together, Nick starts to realize that he may not be as straight as he once thought he was. The second part of the plan seems to come along quite nicely. But when a jerk from the past shows up to meddle in the affairs of the troupe and blackmails Nick to do his bidding everything goes to hell. Nick finds himself cornered like an animal and nothing is going as planned anymore.
This was an interesting story don't let my 3 stars fool you. I'm just a bit on the fence as whether or not I truly enjoyed it. The story was intriguing but at the same time I just couldn't connect to it and really get into it. Nick was a cool character and his friendship with Clay was nice to read about. I just couldn't find it believable that Nick and Clay who were written as straight would just come to the realization that they were gay. I did like that Nick decided to experiment and explore to figure out if he did have an attraction for men but Clay just seemed to fall into it after pining away for that magazine reporter.
I also felt there was a lack of chemistry throughout the story. Yes, Clay and Nick had some friendly tussling when they spent some time together but it just came off as awkwardness between them since Nick was the only one who seemed to feel an attraction for Clay. I felt there would have been a better story between Nick and Damien. Which is another issue I take up with. I don't remember reading about Nick and Damien connecting about the troupe which made his decision to help a surprise and a tad weird.
Eric was a jerkwad. I wish worst things had happened for him and his father when the plan had been carried out. I thought the setup was a very nice touch to the story. I realy enjoyed that part of the story.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an unbiased review.