Dimi Weston has always loved the theater—just not as much as loves managing things. His job at Joy Universe lets him manage to his heart’s content, and he fills his free time with community theater. Now, though, he’s being offered a promotion to his dream job: managing Joy Universe’s brand-new theater production company. JU really does make dreams come true—or so he thinks until he meets the … ex-Broadway director he’ll have to work with.
Jason Philips is shocked to discover the hot younger guy he was trying to impress at a community theater is going to be managing the production company that just hired him. Scarred by the bad breakup of a long-term relationship, Jase is already nervous about getting back into dating… and now he’s accidentally offended the first guy he tried to flirt with and now has to work with.
As Dimi and Jason get stuck into the craziness of the theater, they have to contend with family, exes, and the nosiness of their colleagues, but nothing will stop them from making this venture a success.
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A lovely tale of love, drama and nosy family and friends. A fascinating view on the workings behind a theatrical production which brings two men together in many ways. An enjoyable read with fun and diverse characters.
I’ve read this author before. This is a mm romance story set in the USA. Book 2 in th3 series with main characters Dimi and Jason. Age gap and set around musical theatre in a huge theme park. Some updates of characters in book 1. This is an enjoyable read.
I loved Dimi in the first book and couldn’t wait for his story. I wasn’t disappointed! I liked this book as much as the first, maybe more. I adore that it’s age gap, but you only notice when somebody mentions it. Dimi and Jason just work together.
I love love love the way Louisa writes romance. It’s so natural and organic and lovely. The characters have their moments of self doubt and the like, but the relationship itself is always solid. Plus, they actually share and talk through things rather than ignore them and letting them fester.
I look forward to reading more of Louisa’s books!
This is the second book in the Joy Universe series. I read book one and thoroughly enjoyed it and this book lives up to the standards set by the first. I am really looking forward to more books I this franchise.
Dimi and Jason are the MCs in this book. We met Dimi in book one as Derek’s assistant. He has now been promoted and is the producer of the new Joy Village Theatre Company. Jason is the big shot director from NY. A famous Broadway director and Tony winner who has just gotten out of a bad relationship and is looking for changes in his life. Things do not start out well as when they first meet Jason sticks his foot in his mouth big time.
The story arc moves well and there is good character development as the story progresses. There are some interesting dynamics thrown in to cause issues for the MCs and they are not the typical ones. Though towards the end we do get one of the typical ones and I kind of expected that to play out differently. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I really enjoyed the book. Both MCs are likeable. The angst is low level. The writing is sharp and the story is clever. It was a quick, entertaining read. It’s clear what franchise readers are supposed to envision as Joy Universe and Joy Inc are discussed and I think that gives readers a frame of reference. I remember reading another review when the first book came out that implied the setting was unrealistic as no company has the kind of reach Joy Universe has! That is someone who is completely ignorant of today’s entertainment/media landscape! I found this book even more embedded in that realm as it discusses the overlap with the theme parks, theatre, movies etc.
I will most definitely read the next book when it comes out and I will be anxiously awaiting it.
*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *
Set in a theme park in southern Georgia, a theater producer and a director work together to start a new production for the park. They both have a lot to prove, if they are going to keep their jobs, and help the park recover from some bad publicity. The last thing they need is to bring more scandal!
Dimi has been a community theater volunteer as well as an assistant to one of the park directors. This is his first management position. He’s got lots of great ideas and definite ideas of what shows need to be presented.
Jason has received Tony awards on Broadway and has been hired, in large part, for his success in the past. He’s looking for a fresh start away from NYC.
Though they had a rough start with some misconceptions, they reach a ‘very amicable relationship,’ both at work and in their personal lives. Things are going great until an ex shows up and Dimi’s mom becomes aware of just how close they’ve become.
Family is great…until it’s too close. Assistants are necessary until they bring personal baggage.
A sweet romance with some tension, difficult conversations and great friends to help move everything in the best direction possible!
4 stars for book 2 in this series because Dimi is awesome . I like him and Jason, the story had angst but not between the MCs bit family and exes. This was a good follow up in tthe JU series
Follow My Lead is book two in the Joy Universe series by Louisa Masters..
I loved book one. Follow My Lead is equally well-written. We see the same set of characters once again. And I adore them all.
This time around. It’s Demi getting to find love and lust in equal measure. And the path of love isn’t smooth at all.
Jason’s ex and Demi’s mom irritated for very different reasons. Though, I think that just speaks to the brilliantly written characters. Jason and Demi were far more forgiving than I would be.
5 stars.
Highly recommend.
4 CRANKY STARS
I can only give this book 4 stars. This is a second book in the Joy Universe series, but it is about Dimi Weston. Again, with the same stereotypes that are found in the first book. I can’t believe that people really act like this. Maybe I’m just out of touch. At least in this story, there doesn’t seem to be the overinflated ego’s.
Dimi gets promoted to Director/Producer of the brand-new theater company at Joy Universe. He was originally, an administrative assistant to one of the Assistant Directors. They have brought in a Broadway producer who needed to get away from NYC quickly. Jason Philips is thirty years older than Dimi and needs to learn how to take orders from a younger man. They are partners technically, but Dimi has the final say on all decisions.
I found it refreshing that Dimi is a family man. He goes to dinner at his mother’s house every Monday night. He has eight siblings and numerous in-laws so if everyone is in town, it’s a huge affair. We now learn that Dimi is gay, and his family has no qualms. What they aren’t sure of is the relationship that might develop with his new partner at work. After all, thirty years is a huge age gap. Well written and enjoyable storyline into the trials and tribulations of a new job and new love.
I really loved this book. It was a great second book in the Joy Universe series. It had interesting secondary characters and I liked experiencing more of Joy Universe. I really loved the way Dimi and Jason were with each other. I love plays and wish I could see more, and it was fun seeing the inner workings that get them on the stage. I thought the drama was appropriate and added great background to the story. This book was not all fade to black and I’ll admit, I like it better this way. I definitely recommend this book.