Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Ever since arriving in Hollywood, Skylar Murphy has been loving life. He’s starring in a hit television show and on the verge of grabbing the lead role in the most anticipated movie of the decade. Poised on the edge of superstardom, he doesn't want or need any complications to distract him from that goal. Whether he’s sleeping with a woman or a man, his noncommittal, no-strings-attached love life suits him perfectly, and despite his rep for playing gay roles, the world still thinks he’s straight.

At the launch party for his new show, Skylar meets Aiden Moore, an openly gay firefighter by day and cater waiter to the stars by night. Skylar is immediately attracted to him, but Aiden rejects him. When an arsonist appears to have targeted Skylar, their paths keep crossing. Always up for a challenge, Skylar works to win Aiden over, and he agrees to a date. Soon enough they can’t stay away from each other. Despite hiding their relationship away from the ever-present paparazzi, they’re happy together until a jilted fan joins forces with the arsonist to sabotage their future.

 

Book Review

“No, baby, this is not an illusion. I've really got my heart out on my sleeve... There's magic between you and me...You really got me lifted off my feet. So tell me you believe in love, ‘cause it’s not an illusion to me.” ~ One Direction

Skylar Murphy of 'Illusions' by S.A. Ozment, thinks he has everything he needs until he becomes involved with Aiden Moore. Skylar has never been in love and has no idea what it feels like, but Skylar can't explain the strong attachment for him or the sense of longing he feels when he is not with Aiden. The unfamiliar feeling scares Skylar who has never even contemplated being faithful to one person; but since meeting Aiden, he has no desire for anyone else at all. Skylar lives in a world of illusion; he can't recognize the real thing even though it's right in front of him.

Aiden Moore is a practical person who knows what he wants and it's not to be a notch on Skylar's arrogant actor's bedpost. When Skylar starts flirting with him at a premiere party, Aiden has no idea who he is. This intrigues Skylar who hits on him. Aiden politely turns him down. Skylar is shocked and leaves in a huff which leaves Aiden with a bad impression of him. The next time they meet, Aiden is in his job as firefighter, investigating a fire at the movie studio where Skylar is working. When Skylar spots him, he waits around, not something he'd usually do. Predictably, Skylar asks Aiden out for coffee. Aiden has conflicting feelings because of how he acted the last time they met, and turns him down again. Meanwhile Ryan, Aiden's best friend and a fan of Skylar's, tries to convince him he's crazy because most people would die to be with Skylar. Aiden thinks about it and decides he will give it a try. Surprisingly, he and Skylar have a wonderful time on their date, which leads to some very steamy sex and a lot more time together. Meanwhile, despite of his caution to himself, Aiden's feelings for Skylar are growing stronger all the time. Aiden knows he loves Skylar and is relatively sure Skylar feels the same way. Unfortunately, Skylar's occupation seriously interferes with their relationship when Skylar's reputation as being straight is threatened. Aiden is miserable having to endure watching Skylar pretend to be involved with a young woman. Finally, Aiden has had enough and issues Skylar an ultimatum—me or her. Hoping to get a big movie role, Skylar begs him to wait a little longer, but Aiden can't do that. Aiden is brokenhearted, Skylar has made his choice.

Skylar isn't a bad guy, in fact, he can be quite charming. The acting world is surreal at best and Skylar is content with the shallowness. He isn't cruel or unfeeling, he's oblivious. This unaccountability gets him in trouble when he goes home with an obsessed fan, then can't get rid of her. There are also mysterious fires around the set which seem connected to Skylar who can't understand why anyone would target him. When he becomes involved with Aiden, it's wonderful. They are extremely compatible in and out of bed. Skylar is really happy for the first time but doesn't recognize his warm and fuzzy feelings as love. Pretending to be involved with his assistant is just another form of acting to him so he can't understand why Aiden is so upset. Skylar can't believe how upset he is about losing Aiden and knows in order to win him back, he has to do something spectacular. He just has to figure out what that will be.

I'm especially delighted to find a new author who produces a good high quality story. For a first novel, this book is an excellent start. I can only see S.A. Ozment's work improving from this point on and I'll most certainly be reading more of it. If you enjoy reading about movie stars, firefighters, hot, steamy men, angst, suspense, and mystery, you may enjoy this book. Thanks, S.A., for a great story.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 210 pages/69636 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	13-February-2015
Price	$6.99 ebook, $14.99 paperback, $14.99 bundle
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/illusions-by-sa-ozment-15-b