Beautiful Liar

Book Title: Beautiful Liar
Author: J.M. Snyder
Publisher: Amber Quill Press, LLC
Publisher URL: http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/
ISBN: 978-1-60272-351-1
Genre: Gay Romance
Nymph Rating: 3 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs reviewer: Callisto Nymph

At fifteen, JT Pierce was the star of a hit TV show and had the world in his hands. Every teenybopper magazine had his face on it; every teenage girl had his poster on her wall. But then the show went on hiatus, and JT wouldn’t lower himself to bit parts or commercials. Slowly, his star faded from view.

Seven years later, JT is Johnny Thomas, who hopes to jumpstart his career by hiring his former manager, Lou Merrin. He wants to do serious movies, a huge blockbuster or two, and claim one of those coveted Oscars for himself. But Lou cautions Johnny about the paparazzi, who can make or break a star, and he’s heard rumors of Johnny’s sexuality that might prevent him from landing those desired leading roles. Still, Johnny’s nothing if not persistent, and he swears he’ll play it straight. Until he meets Brett, a photographer who turns his life—and his heart—upside down.

Beautiful Liar is the story of former child star Johnny Thomas who, like many out-of-work stars, wants to get back in the limelight. And like many stars, Johnny is a diva. At least at first. We’re given glimpses into Johnny as he goes to his ex-manager, going from demanding another chance to being chastised like a little boy for doing nothing with his life since his earlier stardom. It should have been an insightful moment to the insecure young man beneath the sulk. Except, I just didn’t see him. It’s not to say that that young man wasn’t there, no. But it was that Johnny himself was so annoying in his ‘I deserve to be a star’ mentality, I just couldn’t like him.

He is redeemed somewhat when he meets and falls for Brett Cary, a freelance photographer with an addiction to his camera and racy shots, which gives us a glimpse into the possible that Johnny is a little deeper than he first comes off. Unfortunately, I wasn’t too much of a fan of Brett either. He was a cute flirt but there didn’t seem much else to him. They tumble into a whirlwind romance. And it was very sweet and tender…until the racy photos started. Actually, the photos begin before the romance, which baffled me, especially with Johnny’s sort of off tepid reaction to them. But the plot thickens as we’re given two things that do not mix: up-and-coming star and nude photos. To J.M.’s credit, for a short story, it was very well-written. The buds of love aren’t put out there like most romantic shorts tend to do but built at a satisfying pace.

Wonderful, Snyder-style sex scenes and a decent plot that is driven by Hollywood’s need to humanize its celebrities that I could have enjoyed…if I’d liked the characters more. And honestly…I found the ending to be a bit of a cop out, like that old saying ‘Love conquers all’. It didn’t connect with the rest of the story, which, even with my disdain for the characters, was still good.

In this reviewer’s opinion, the plot was better developed than the characters. Still, I do recommend this for those looking for a quick, somewhat satisfying read and give it a solid three Nymphs.