When tailor Marvin Gottschalk abandoned New York City for the brash boomtown of silent-film-era Hollywood, he never imagined he’d end up on screen as Martin Brentwood, one of the fledgling film industry’s most popular actors. Five years later a cynical Martin despairs of finding anything genuine in a town where truth is defined by studio politics and publicity. Then he meets Robbie Goodman.Robbie … Goodman.
Robbie fled Idaho after a run-in with the law. A chance encounter leads him to the film studio where he lands a job as a chauffeur. But one look at Martin and he’s convinced he’s likely to run afoul of those same laws—laws that brand his desires indecent, deviant… sinful.
Martin and Robbie embark on a cautious relationship, cocooned in Hollywood’s clandestine gay fraternity, careful to hide from the studio boss, a rival actor, and reporters on the lookout for a juicy story. But when tragedy and scandal rock the town, igniting a morality-based witch hunt fueled by a remorseless press, the studio brass will sacrifice even the greatest careers to defend their endangered empire. Robbie and Martin stand no chance against the firestorm—unless they stand together.
more
Infinitely precious
I am a fan of historical romances and I really enjoyed getting to visit Hollywood in the 20s and the silent film era. This book was both fascinating and riveting. It showcased “the good, the bad and the ugly” of human nature. Parts of this book hurt my heart to read and it made me sad that many of the battles fought in it still exist today. That being said there are some amazing people in this book and I would love to have met them in real life or at least on the screen.
“You. Me. Our best life. No matter what they throw at us, we’ll find a way.” Robbie and Martin, their love was precious and they made me swoon and sigh. It was beautiful watching Martin open himself to love and Robbie especially I want to take home with me. He’s so sweet and I love how honest he is and how much he cares. A beautiful and amazing book.
There is something fascinating about silent era Hollywood. The nobility that still clings to their titles mixed with noveau riche who bring money in hopes of obtaining class and certain air of entitlement, beauty that can propel you into immediate stardom and back stabbing actors, cutthroat business of movie making and behind the scenes secrets – Ms Russell captured the world long gone but not forgotten with minutiae precision. I delved into the day to day lives of stars who had to act both in front of camera and off of it, who had to hide their love and make sacrifices, but who in the end took a chance at something they didn’t dare dream of.
Both men, Robbie and Martin, hide behind the facade of affable smiles and placid facial expressions. They find each other at the crossroads of their lives – Martin’s career is going down while Robbie is trying to find where he belongs. I liked their initial differences: Robbie’s naivete and Martin’s cynicism. Their relationship slowly develops and gives way to feelings. I enjoyed their journey, but I wanted a bit more passion between them. Most of the intimate scenes were fade to black. Since they always had to hide who they were to each other in the world, I wished they expressed their feelings a bit more privately.
I enjoyed the workings of the movie industry, all the intrigue and hate actors felt and the reasons behind it. I loved the movie making process and how actors interacted with each other. Movie scene of that time seems vastly different from today. The author expressed a very good sentiment: if you fail, there are ten people behind you ready to step in. The subjects read well researched and put together with great care.
This was dual POV, mildly angsty and low steam romance. The story flowed smoothly, was very easy to read and get into. I just wish that Robbie and Martin let loose at least once. Otherwise their love was more romantic, sweet and gentle. One wanted to know if under that angelic smile hid the heart of a kinky devil. I liked the story a lot. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
This book is an amazingly depicted tableau of the silent film era. The author obviously did a lot of research, converted into a detailed and realistic description of circumstances, people and surroundings.
Through the diametric perceptions of newly arrived, lively Robbie and jaded, cynical Martin, I was shown the real world of Hollywood, the one hidden behind the glamour. It’s not that I haven’t considered it before, but it still took me by surprise to see how volatile the environment was, to which point the acting was taken, even in day to day life. I hated how they lived in a constant state of insecurity, at the whims of studio power and the press. A sad life, really, when they needed to be always watchful and not able to trust any of the people around them. But I guess that’s what made them appreciate the rare gems of genuine friendship, the true value of people like Pops, Dottie, Evelyn or Sid.
In this world, people “in the life” as Martin called it, had it somewhat easier than in the rest of the country, as long as they had the studios’ safeguard. Martin and Robbie had it for a while, and even used the chance to be alone with each other during the filming of a movie, but a future together was just as uncertain as everything else in their lives. I really liked them, especially gentle, unassuming Robbie, and maybe their romance lacked on page fireworks, but compensated with sweet, strong love, the kind of deep set feelings I’m sure were everlasting.
I absolutely cheered at the ending. I was so, so relieved after all the insecurities I’ve witnessed in the book. And while Silent Sin is admittedly different than other books I’ve read by EJ Russell, it’s just as amazing as the rest.
4.5 Stars!
When Robinson Crusoe “Robbie” Goodman ran away from home, the last thing he expected was to land a job as a chauffeur in Hollywood or that he’d be so attracted to the man he had to drive around. Martin Brentwood is kind and treats Robbie like an equal and is equally drawn to Robbie, but in the era of the silent film boom in Hollywood two men being together could land one or both of them in jail, even with the power of the movie studios behind them. Add to that the fact that Martin’s career might be ending and Robbie is just starting out, do they have what it takes to make it work between them?
Robbie was such a sweet, innocent young man and I loved that he kept that naivete throughout the book. He was a huge part of why I loved this book so much. I liked Martin a lot, but frankly, while I understood his fear, I was a bit fed up that Robbie had more of a backbone than Martin did in the end, despite their age difference. While most of the sex scenes are fade to black, the chemistry and intensity of Robbie and Martin’s feelings came across the page loud and clear.
The book is long, but I was so captivated by the storyline, by Ms. Russell’s descriptions of the era, that I barely felt it. I was swept away in the romance, in the words, and while I wasn’t familiar with the particular timeframe this book is set in, I think the author did a fantastic job making it feel authentic and believable all things considered. Definitely a book I have no trouble recommending!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Wonderful Historical Romance & Narration
Silent Sin
By: E.J. Russell
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
This is a beautifully written historical MM romance novel, the story takes place in Hollywood in the early 1920s, the silent film era. The storylines are interesting and original, they swept me in right from the start, grabbing my attention and captivating it the entire book. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they were easy to care about too. Robinson “Robbie” Goodman ran away from a terrible situation in Idaho, he grew up on a farm but his home life was not a loving one but that was not the only reason why he left. His leaving was sudden and not planned, he tried to find work along the way but had little luck, the last ride he got dropped him off in Hollywood. He was a green and naïve boy but a good-hearted one and he did the right thing at the right time and place, which was noticed by the right person, someone who fed him his first meal in weeks and then offered him a job as a driver for one of the film actors. Pop took Robbie under his wing, hooked up with a place to live, and advised him how to get around. Marvin Gottschalk has come a long way since his tailor days in his hometown of Queens, NY. He and a friend headed to Hollywood, with the looks for the screen he reinvented himself, changed his name to Martin Brentwood and the way he talked and got hired to star in silent movies. Martin is gay but back in those days it was taboo in the eyes of the world, he got too close to his last driver so they fired him. His new driver was not the usual type who came looking to go places in Hollywood, not believing him at first but he saw how good-natured Robbie was, he wanted him but vowed not to go there but he helped him by showing him some of the workings behind the scenes in Hollywood. Robbie also befriended Dottie, a film cutter and aspiring screenwriter, she also helped him learn a lot of what went on behind the scenes and on the set. I loved how everything played out in this brilliantly plotted story, E.J. Russell did an amazing job with the world building, capturing the what went on in the Hollywood motion picture industry and the challenges gay men and women faced in that time period in Hollywood and around the country. A wonderful friendship and romance developed between Martin and Robbie, it was true and real, a once in a lifetime kind of love. E.J. Russell, thank you for this wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
And for the amazing narration, E.J. Russell cast the perfect narrator to bring her story and characters to life. Greg Boudreaux is a mega talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. He had a complete understanding of the characters he portrayed, giving each a voice that fits that character’s persona to a tee, accents and all, sounding believable in every role he played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. He set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the character’s emotions and projected them into his performance. Greg Boudreaux is an entertaining storyteller and his narration enhances an already exceptional story to another level. Thank you for another wonderful listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your work.
Poignant, sensitively told story of two men in 1921 Hollywood trying to live the life they desired
As you read this book, think of the title: SILENT SIN. Whose sin are we discovering? Who is forced to be silent? This is a sad depiction of what gays and lesbians had to endure back in the day. Today may seem to be bad but looking back, you gain a whole new perspective. At this time being gay was a one-way ticket to jail or worse. I loved this book. It reminds me a great deal of another book, MEN LIKE US by Hollis Shiloh which takes place in the 1950’s.
In 1921 Robbie is running away from an incident at home in Idaho for which he feels guilty. We don’t find out definitively until later in the book what caused his guilt but we get hints. Robinson Crusoe Goodman is so naïve and innocent that the ways of Hollywood are beyond him. Thankfully he meets Pops, an old gentleman who witnesses Robbie’s goodness and takes him under his wing. Thus, begins Robbie’s foray into Hollywood.
Martin Brentwood born Marvin Gottschalk is hoping to become the next Valentino or Fairbanks both silent screen idols of that period in Hollywood. He is “in the life” and as all the personalities of his time, must hide it. When he is introduced to his new driver (the studio at that time would not allow their “property” to take the risk of driving), something is stirred in Martin. He is enamored of this young man, all sweetness and goodness, to which Martin himself feels alien. He has pretended to be what he is not for so long that these characteristics are seemingly beyond his scope. Things change dramatically after their first kiss.
This was a beautiful, sweet M/M low steam romance, which gave the reader all the feels without the explicit. It shares the ugly truth of the day but allows us to see how these two men conquer it. I volunteered to review this book through Gay Romance Reviews and it comes highly recommended. I give it with adoration 4.5 Stars.
4.5 stars
“Silent Sin: A novel of silent-era Hollywood” by E.J. Russell chronicles one man’s experiences with early Hollywood and the vagaries of the studio culture. The dangers of being a gay man during a time when being vilified and destroyed are very real possibilities are explored through the eyes of a man new to the world of motion pictures. Young Robinson (Robbie) Crusoe Goodman discovers not only a whole new world, he discovers a man who makes him yearn for a relationship that could destroy both of them.
This historical gay romance provides a fascinating look at the early days of Hollywood. It has been quite a while since I had a cinema class, so some of these names are only vague memories, but wow, this was a different perspective. This author created a vivid picture of both the excitement of this rapidly changing era and the heartbreaking obstacles faced by the gay community. It was enlightening and depressing to think of the lengths that folks had to go to in order to follow their hearts. The flowering of the romance that develops between the main characters is lovely to watch and I was captivated by the descriptions of the ups and downs of the industry. Several of the secondary characters were also great additions to the story and added to the realism of the tale. I’ve really enjoyed the paranormal romance tales I’ve read by this author and I am delighted to discover stories in a new genre to savor. Hopefully there will be more!
A copy of this story was provided for review
This is the first fictional book I’ve ever read set within the glam and lights of early Hollywood. E.J. Russell put a lot of care and effort in getting historical details right which only enriched the story further. The plot was focused on the obstacles the two main characters faced in achieving their happy ending within a world hostile to their love. Although the couple was never directly threatened, the stress and feeling of dread of being found out creates a heavy atmosphere at times. This really helps to grow and develop the characters, and really endeared them to me. This is a fascinating book with a well earned happy ending.
The audiobook was narrated by Greg Boudreaux who gives a fabulous performance. The audiobook production was well done and I enjoyed listening to the book immensely.
I love old movies, but I really know next to nothing about silent film stars. E.J. Russell does a lovely job of blending history with romance in Silent Sin.
While the early 1920’s were a unique time in American history, Russell’s Silent Sin also shows that things sure haven’t changed that much. Hollywood still makes its own rules, the press still hounds the stars, and folks still keep relationships under-wraps… or they try to. Nicely done!
The audiobook is beautifully performed by Greg Boudreaux. Flawlessly jumping from educated Brit to country bumpkin, and everywhere in between, Mr. Boudreaux has his work cut out for him with this cast. But, as always, his accents are perfection.
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted the AUDIO file of this book.
There comes along, once in a while, a book that challenges my need for the smexy times, for lots of smexy times. This is such a book.
Oh don’t get me wrong, there is passion and steam a-plenty, and some much romance. But once Martin and Robbie get down to it, it all fades to grey and I LOVED that it did! I really did enjoy NOT getting down and dirty with these men, and it made a wonderful change.
I loved that Robbie’s history takes a bit longer to be revealed than Martin’s. While there are many more clues about Martin’s, Robbie’s is a little vague.
I loved the research that obviously went into this book! I did indeed Google Mr Arbuckle and whether he was charged as he was in this book and he was! 3 times, twice with hung juries and the third time he was acquitted. I Googled the morality clause too. Ms Russell went to a good deal of trouble to get things right! Even the murder that occurs (off screen, minor named character)
I loved the supporting cast. Dottie, Evie and Sid all played a part to keep Robbie and Martin together, even if Martin ran away.
I loved the detailed descriptions of the places they were filming, and the things they had to do!
And finally, I loved the narration. Greg Boudreaux is a firm favourite of mine, and he never lets me down. His voices for Martin now, and then, were spot on. Robbie’s voice was young at the beginning but he soon grows up! Boudreaux gets over all of the instant attraction between Robbie and Martin, and the ever growing friendship, that turns into a relationship. He gets over all that smexy time we do NOT get, in a few words, with a certain tone and I loved that!
I only read one other book by this author, and that was a 4 star read but this? This far surpasses that one, so…
5 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Let me start off by saying E.J. Russell is a new to me author and I was very excited to read this based on the blurb. I will say that E.J. did her research as I felt it was true to the time period, very descriptive and informative. Sadly, that’s where this book stalled for me. It read more like a general fiction book to me, discussing events of the era and time, and less of a romance. I did not feel real chemistry between the MC’s either. I found the over all read a bit boring.