Acting Up

This book did not get me hooked right away; I'm not going to lie and say that it did. After the third chapter however it was interesting enough to continue to read. I found that the humor parts were in the first few chapters which is what nearly made me turn away. Once there was a plotline worth following the story did get better. This book is worth a read if you want something entertaining but not too in-depth. This gets a 3/5 as I almost didn't finish reading it (but was advised to give it three chapters before deleting the book) It would have been 4/5 should the beginning be as entertaining at the rest.

I enjoyed every second of John Inman's Acting Up, as it's sweet and perfectly entertaining.

Malcolm has a fantastic sense of humor and kept me laughing throughout. He and his roommate Beth are just a great combination of great friends, banter, and wit. Then Cory moves in, and they were so much fun together.

This book has a whole of laughs and romance, mixed in with some serious moments. The combination is expertly executed. I mean seriously, the pets had me in stitches and the whole moment of the mattress had me giggling.

Cory's sexuality is handled in a charming, tender and genuine manner. It definitely has it's share of serious moments that are emotional.

Overall, Acting Up was the perfect mix of flirting, humor, and charm for me. It is a wonderful feel-good romance that I look forward to re-reading.

Reviewed by Meredith for Diverse Reader

John Inman has always been the type of writer to balance humor and seriousness well. Always great depth with perfect levity. Acting Up has those qualities that I love about this author.
This story is told in Malcolm’s POV. In the beginning he engages the reader by holding conversations with us. It’s funny because it reminded me of the show Malcolm in the Middle… And yes the fact that in both cases the MC is named Malcolm doesn’t go unnoticed. So, back to THIS Malcolm. He’s a struggling actor, he doesn’t know what being in love is because he’s never experienced it.
Cory Williams is Malcolm’s best friend and roommate Beth’s brother and he has moved in with them. He’s a hunky southern boy and of course Malcolm is attracted to him.
So we play this cat and mouse game. The buildup the burn. It was sweet to see the realization with Malcolm and the fall into love… It was sweet.
Malcolm and Cory do have it easy in the love department, maybe too easy. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say it was too effortless. I kept hoping for more drama maybe? I can’t place what was missing but I’d say that.
All the same it was a good, sweet read. It absolutely falls in the fluffy effortless love category for me.