Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Boys’ LOVE
SERIES: BOYS’ LOVE (Book 1)
AUTHOR: Rebecca James
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 167 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 21, 2021
BLURB:
Considering Rama’s ex-girlfriends nicknamed him “iceman,” fanservice with his male partner in a bl series might be a challenge.
Rama’s dream is to be an actor, so when he’s offered an audition for an upcoming Boys’ Love drama, he jumps at the chance. Due to the popularity of bl dramas, a lead part in one is considered the quickest route to fame for young male actors. Rama isn’t worried about playing opposite a man; he’s more concerned about the outward affection that fanservice in the bl industry demands from its actors–his past girlfriends didn’t dub him “iceman” for nothing.
Recently outed in an industry that prefers their actors to be straight, Pravat feels lucky when he wins a lead role in a new series. The phenomenal chemistry between him and his co-star launches them to top fan popularity. By the time Pravat realizes he’s falling for Rama, it’s too late to turn back.
REVIEW:
This book opened my eyes to a whole new film industry in Thailand. I had no idea the BL (how their film industry has referred to as the Boys Love film genre) even existed. And all the rules the actors have to adhere to. They are to continue playing their roles of a couple, referred to as a ship, off stage too. Being very affectionate and touchy-feely in public for their fans, predominately young women and gay men, to gush over. Yet they are not allowed to develop feeling for each other. And the producers want heterosexual males playing these roles.
When one of the main characters, Pravat Benjawan, was outed by his previous very toxic co-star Preed, who was jealous of his sudden rise to stardom over him, there were shockwaves through the BL film industry. When Hearts Productions takes a chance and casts him in the lead role of the new series My Doctor, My Love they cast a new beautiful fresh face to be his co-star and love interest, Rama Sathianthi. Rama is being forced to do an internship in his father’s company, as is traditional for the first born son. But Rama got a taste of the acting bug when visiting his cousin in New York and now has his chance at home in Thailand. His younger sister Chinda, a huge BL fan, is thrilled with his opportunity. However Rama is straight and is shocked to learn almost all BL actors are. Working with his co-star Pravat is much easier than he imagined and he soon finds that he is relaxed working with him. When the two become an instant hit with the fans and their Y-couple ship name is dubbed “Pravma” the rise to stardom hits fast. And immediately Pravat helps Rama adjust to the fans. But is the straight Rama catching feelings for his gay co-star?
I enjoyed watching both these men become friends, which isn’t always the case in this toxic environment where straight men are required to have intimacy both on and off screen for their fans to swoon over. I was as confused as Rama when his sister explained:
“Especially since it’s preferred that bl actors be straight. His co-star claimed Pravat came onto him, which makes Pravat sound like a troublemaker. I think the guy lied because he was jealous of Pravat’s popularity.”
My mind snags on the first thing she said. “Why do they prefer the actors to be straight? I would think gay actors would do better in a gay romance.”
Chinda shrugs. “Less drama, I guess. Easier if there’s no chance of feelings getting into the way. I think, too, that viewers like the idea of two men falling in love against their natural inclinations.”
But it was explicitly written in their contracts that they do not become romantically involved. Even Pravat thought at one moment “How fucked up is the bl industry? They throw us actors together, encourage intimacy beyond friendship, but they specify in our contracts that we’re not to become romantically involved.” What a way to mess with an actor’s head and heart for the all mighty money it generates for the Production Companies!
I understood the need to keep their blossoming feelings under-wrap. But it was obvious that both these men were more than friends. They supported, protected and cared deeply for each other. It was inevitable that those feelings grew into more. Especially after the series wrapped up and they were forced half way around the world from each other. Rama finally had someone that understood him and let him be himself. When things blew up in NYC, after an unexpected visit by a relative, Rama needed his Pravat.
I was worried when I realized that I was almost at the end of the book and major things still needed to be addressed. Thankfully I learned that book two picks right up where book one left off and I can go right into the rest of their story.
This book as been an eye opener to what actors endure to gain stardom and success. And the consequences they face to be able to keep that stardom. Because being a BL star isn’t just a 9 to 5 job to keep food on the table. It’s a 24/7 life controlled and orchestrated by a toxic and greedy film industry.
Note: if you are new to this genre be sure to read and understand the Terms Used in Series glossary at the beginning of the book. It was extremely helpful for me.
RATING: 
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