Course of Action

by Gun Brooke

Book Overview

A high-stakes romance among the jet-set crowd of actresses, producers, and world-famous entrepreneurs.

Carolyn Black--an actress driven by her ambition, desperately wants the starring role in an upcoming film based on a series of famous novels. With a reputation for being willing to do anything to get a part, the actress sets out to impress the woman behind the project. Annelie Peterson--the wealthy publisher with a mysterious past--owns...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933110228
• ISBN13: 9781933110226
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Stays the Course

Carolyn Black, an actress nearly past her prime according to Hollywood standards, is ruthless in going after what she wants. And, in this book, she wants the role of Maddox in a trilogy of films. No one else is as confident as she that she is right for the role, including the publisher of the books and producer of the films, Annelie Peterson. This is the story of Black's manipulations to get the role. Brooke excellently portrays the kind of person Black is - ruthless, manipulative, etc. At the same time, she gives the reader an inside glimpse of Black that says that she's not all bad - except when she wants something. So when she falls for Peterson the reader can't be 100% sure whether it's part of her game or the real deal. This is a well-written book dealing with a difficult personality to portray adequately. But Brooke ably has the reader rooting for Black and hoping that the powers that be give her the part. The romance between the two women is also well written with just enough angst as to be realistic - she addresses the issues of a lesbian falling for a "straight" woman, etc. All in all, Brooke has written a fine romance that is hard to put down once begun.

Review of "Course of Action" by Cheri Rosenberg

Award winning, talented, but over thirty, Carolyn Black will go to any lengths to land the role of a lifetime: portraying Diana Maddox, a lesbian criminal investigator. One woman, Annelie Peterson, appears to be keeping her from getting the part she feels is rightfully hers. Peterson, the owner of Key Line Publishing, is also the producer of the Maddox movie, "Dying for Fame." When sparks fly, Annelie can't help but wonder how far Carolyn is willing to go to get the part. Annelie values honesty, integrity, and loyalty, and her feelings for Carolyn are clouded by rumors that Carolyn is a ruthless, calculating opportunist. And straight. Annelie, while out to her friends, is cautious, and doesn't make a habit of falling for straight women. Gun Brooke's debut novel, "Course of Action," brings this unlikely pair together in a somewhat unusual setting, thought to be all glamour and glitz, where ambition and greed reign. Brooke gets to the core of her characters' emotions and vulnerabilities and points out their strengths and weaknesses in very human terms. Carolyn, the Diva, is a far cry from Carolyn, the woman. A consummate actress, Carolyn is adept at concealing her true feelings as she retreats behind her persona at a moment's notice. The commitment that drives her ambition leads the reader to perceive her tough exterior as impenetrable, and it's hard to imagine her letting intimacy in. At the same time, the reader longs for her to take the risk. Living vicariously through Carolyn is easy; her elation is apparent when she impresses her audience, and the reader can't help but feel the excitement right along with her. Annelie is equally tough on the outside and a softie on the inside. Despite intense desire, Annelie wants to run and hide from Carolyn. With both women, especially Annelie, trying hard to protect their hearts, the development of any relationship seems out of the question. Wondering how events will affect them, and whether their love will be strong enough to overcome their differences, keeps the reader engrossed. Gun Brooke's debut novel has met the standards that define a good romance with flying colors. Brooke is proficient at tapping into every nuance and emotion, making it easy for the reader to be enamored with the characters while getting wrapped up in the action. With romance, hot sex, characters you care about, and important areas still to be explored, "Course of Action" demands a sequel. Don't miss what I hope will be the first of many Carolyn Black and Annelie Peterson stories. "Course of Action" is a Golden Crown Literary Award 2006 finalist for Debut Author. In addition, Brooke's "Protector of the Realm," is a finalist in the Sci-fi/Fantasy/Speculative/Horror category.

Romance! Drama!

Annelie Peterson, the mysterious owner of a publishing company, has something actress Carolyn Black desperately wants. A prime role - the role of a lifetime - in a movie based on a character Carolyn previously played in a series of electronic books. Convinced that no one else can play the character like she would, Carolyn sets out to do whatever it takes to get the part. One big obstacle stands in Carolyn's way - Annelie isn't convinced Carolyn would be the best choice. When Carolyn and Annelie again meet at a charity function, Annelie - for reasons she can't quite explain - finds herself inviting Carolyn to her home. Something she hasn't done with someone who's virtually a complete stranger. Or is she? It's strictly a nice gesture to let Carolyn use her pool - isn't it? Slowly but surely, as they spend more time around each other, the two women find themselves becoming friends. Carolyn soon suspects that there is more to Annelie than meets the eye. It seems Annelie has secrets. Carolyn can't help but wonder what they could be. And what they would have to do with Annelie's reluctance to offer her the part Carolyn is seeking. Carolyn's determination and Annelie's hesitation come to a head when, somewhere along the lines, both women begin to notice their feelings for each other are changing. The big question is - are they changing for better or for worse? Annelie wonders if Carolyn's feelings are true or another ploy in her attempt to gain the coveted role. As for Carolyn, she's never thought to question her sexuality so why is she doing so now? To add another obstacles into the mix, a crisis for one of the women threatens to derail any chance of a new love forming. Could fate be trying to tell them something? Gun Brooke presents the readers with a terrific first book. Filled with drama, and suspense, with just the right touch of romance, Course of Action is a thoroughly intriguing and entertaining read - from the emphatic first line to its heartfelt ending!

Tremendous story of life in movie business

This is a terrific novel of the film industry. The book is loaded with as much humor as it is romance, and the drama is first rate. Rather than portraying the lives of the beautiful people we are treated to the people who lead exciting lives yet have the same insecurities and needs as everyone. This novel is a true delight to read. It is an in-depth look at people's daily lives and the secrets we all have and decisions we all make. This novel is a keeper that you will want to read again. Don't lend this out as you will not get it back! This from the publisher's web page - A high-stakes romance among the jet-set crowd of actresses, producers, and world-famous entrepreneurs. Carolyn Black - an actress driven by her ambition, desperately wants the starring role in an upcoming film based on a series of famous novels. With a reputation for being willing to do anything to get a part, the actress sets out to impress the woman behind the project. Annelie Peterson - the wealthy publisher with a mysterious past - owns the film rights and will decide who wins the much-coveted role. When Annelie meets Carolyn, the woman she has idolized for years, sparks fly. How far is Carolyn prepared to go for the dream part of a lifetime? And just how far will Annelie bend her principles in the name of desire?

Fast-paced, wonderful romance

Gun Brooke's international debut of the romance Course of Action is a winner. I could not put this book down once I began reading the first page. It is tension-filled and fast paced with easy to follow dialog. It is a wonderful romance from a first time published author. Annelie Peterson owns Key Line Publishing and decides to produce a trio of movies of the best selling Diana Maddox books. The character of Diana Maddox is a lesbian criminal investigator. Diva actress Carolyn Black is the very popular voice in the audio version, but she is not the front runner for the starring role. At forty-five, the marketing experts want a more bankable younger star. So the Diva pursues this role and Annelie as well, with dogged determination. She even states to her agent that she will do just about anything to secure this role. In the course of this pursuit Carolyn, who is straight, becomes attracted to Annelie. But is it all for show just to land this prime role or is it for real? Brooke develops her characters through great dialogue that is to the point and flows smoothly which makes for fast reading. She doesn't get bogged down in details that do not advance the plot. The author creates tension not only with words, but with descriptions of subtle inadvertent touching and physical closeness. Brooke illustrates the struggle and complexities of not only a gay-straight relationship, but one that crosses professional boundaries as well. Both Annelie and Carolyn begin to go down one path only to find as they get to know one another, the path changes. Annelie and Carolyn have to make personal and professional choices, and the author demonstrates that the choices each makes may not be what are best for their budding relationship. As the story progresses, Carolyn's single-mindedness to get the role of a lifetime and Annelie's stubborn refusal to give her the part because it may jeopardize her company, slowly melts away as the characters are fleshed out even more. Brooke's words capture the intensity of their growing relationship. Her prose throughout the book is breathtaking and heart-stopping. The following quotes illustrate this. "She lifted from the box a white gold bracelet, a simple chain with three charms attached to it-a heart, a cross, and an anchor..."( pg 186) "The sound of Carolyn's throaty voice was reassuring. It wrapped around Annelie's heart like armor, and for a moment, she instinctively knew as long as Carolyn was there to love her, nothing could really pierce it."(pg 209) Where have you been hiding, Gun Brooke? I, for one, would like to see more romances from this author.