Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Second Act

AUTHOR:  Alexa Land

SERIES:  His Chance

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH: 2587 KB

RELEASE DATE:  May 5, 2020

BLURB:

After pursuing my big break in Hollywood for more than a decade, I’ve
finally landed the role of a lifetime. The only downside–it happened
just as sweet, gorgeous Lorenzo and I were taking the first tentative
steps from friendship to so much more. Our brand-new relationship barely
had a chance to get off the ground, and now the pressures of my
new-found success are coming at us from every angle.

Can I really have it all? Or will chasing fame and fortune end up
costing me the man of my dreams?

REVIEW:

Second Act is a very enjoyable book that I easily could’ve read for another hundred pages. Lighthearted. Great characters. No angst. Lovely romance. Everything I need to put Second Act on my “Sweet Reads For Quarantine” shelf.  

Friends Will and Lorenzo reside at the Seahorse Ranch on Catalina Island, California. It’s New Year’s Eve and Will has decided to give up his dream of acting after a decade of hard work but never getting a break. He also decides to plant a kiss on Lorenzo at the stroke of midnight. Will desires more than friendship but Lorenzo is still mourning the death of his partner, and with his own life up in the air, the timing couldn’t be worse. They decide on a friends with benefits arrangement for now. 

Then Will gets his big break, the title role in a major Hollywood film, and he’s off to northern California for a month on location. At this point there are numerous directions the plot could go and it keeps me guessing. There is so much potential for drama, jealousy, and misunderstanding: Will Lorenzo be jealous of Will’s co–stars? Will another actor try to sabotage their happiness? Will their careers take them in different directions? Will one or both of them move back to Catalina? Will this role catapult Will to fame? And so much more. The uncertainty of the future drives the plot and keeps the pace moving nicely. 

I’m pleased to report these characters behave like adults and communicate; their maturity is refreshing. No Big Misunderstandings here. They have a deep and warm connection with each other bred from friendship. Lorenzo, in particular, is very nurturing. In fact, they seem much more caring and loving with each other than a friends with benefits situation would dictate. Hmm. 

One of Alexa Land’s strengths is her character development. She creates a plethora of dynamic and comedic characters (Nana Dombruso, I’m talking to you!) that enrich her books greatly. While Second Act is sweeter in tone than funny, it certainly has fantastic characters from those familiar faces living and working at Seahorse Ranch, to new friends on the film crew, and memorable family members.  

Land is also a pro at world building. I know Seahorse Ranch so well by now I’m convinced it really exists, just like I now feel like a frequent visitor to San Francisco from her Firsts and Forever series. Now we’re treated to new locales, including the film set and an amusing visit to a small town in Louisiana. We are provided with a thorough sense of place wherever her characters are. 

Speaking of the film set, a lot of time is spent on the acting aspect, which I found very interesting. I would happily read about any upcoming acting gigs. In fact, in the author’s notes, she states the second book in the series, Second Nature, will be released mid-2020 and Will and Lorenzo will have supporting roles. Yay! 

Second Act has the kind of happy ending Land is known for – really wonderful ones! I should mention that this is a standalone book. Even though I have referenced 0 familiar faces, it will in no way detract from your enjoyment if you have not read any of Land’s previous books. (But really, you should go back and read them!) If you’re looking for a light, fun read, look no further.  

RATING: 

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