My new series of novellas examines the
things people are prepared to do for success and the high prices they will pay
to maintain it. The first book Never Too Famous deals with the highs and
lows of celebrity.
It’s a common perception that famous people
want for nothing: big brands queue up to give them stuff for free and everyone
loves them. Yet you only need to read the comments section on any celebrity’s
social media account to see how untrue that statement is. In a lot of cases the
haters outnumber the fans. It must take a thick skin to read the rude,
insulting and derogatory comments complete strangers feel entitled to make
against another person. Everything is up for criticism: looks, weight, age,
fashion, family, sexuality, race, gender, and because that person is famous,
it’s seen as an acceptable part of the job.
And yet, millions of people crave that
kind of success. As a person who values privacy, this is something I have always
found fascinating. Never Too Famous is a love story set in the world of
reality television. Harry and Grant are TV stars from completely different
backgrounds. For Harry fame happened by chance, when a documentary crew filmed
a fly-on-the-wall series about life on a luxury cruise ship, where he was
working as a marine engineer. He’s never been entirely comfortable with the
trappings of fame. While Grant became famous on a show called Sexy
Northerners, and there’s nothing he won’t do to maintain his position as
the shows leading hunk; sex-tapes, fake relationships and publicity stunts are
all in a day’s work for him. The two men couldn’t be more different, and when
they meet things get hot very quickly.
OUT
NOW
Blurb:
They’ll do anything for fame, whatever the
cost.
Harry Alexander and Grant Hunter are big names in reality
TV, but they couldn’t be more different. For Harry, fame happened by chance. He
was working as a marine engineer on a cruise ship when the liner became the
subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary series. Harry’s good looks and
charming personality made him an immediate hit with viewers, and he became the
break-out star of the show.
Grant Hunter took no chances in his pursuit of fame.
Having starred in the outrageous reality show Sexy Northerners, he grabbed
success with both hands and didn’t let go. Grant is prepared to do whatever it
takes to stay at the top—red-carpet appearances, parties, high-profile romances
and X-rated videos. He’ll do anything in the name of self-promotion to maintain
his notorious reputation.
When Harry arrives in Grant’s home city of Manchester,
they have preconceived ideas about each other. As they realize they have more
in common than they ever thought, they must overcome prejudice, rivalry and the
social and professional barriers placed before them, if they’re ever to get
together
Series
Blurb: Fame, money, power. Some men will do
anything for them. In every field, it’s a cut-throat race to the top, littered
with deceit, passion and love. For those strong enough to get what they want,
maintaining it is never easy.
Reality TV stars, footballers, lawyers, singers and
movies stars—join them as they discover what they’re each prepared to pay to
preserve their success.
Books Details:
Never Too Famous by Thom Collins
Success Series Book 1
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Date: 10th March 2020
Word count: 31,515
Excerpt
The bars along the
canal were busy for a Sunday evening. People sat at the outside tables,
laughing and drinking. From the corner of his eye, he clocked that someone had
recognized him and was moving in his direction. Harry tucked his chin and kept
walking. He wanted to reach his room, lock the door and spend some quality time
alone.
When a hand touched
his shoulder, he expected it to be a fan, eager for a photograph. He turned,
hoping to make it quick, and was surprised to recognize the smiling face that
greeted him.
Grant Hunter.
My God, he’s
handsome. Up close, his chiseled features and warm
brown eyes were exquisite. His smile grew wider and his eyes sparkled with
amusement.
“I thought it was you,”
Grant said, thrusting a hand forward. “Nice to meet you at last.”
“You too,” Harry said,
accepting the firm handshake.
“I wanted to say hello
last night, but you left the club before I got the chance.”
“Sorry.” Harry
shrugged, unable to tear his eyes from Grant’s hypnotic gaze. Dark and moody,
like a film star from a different era, a 1950s matinee idol who’d stepped
straight off the screen and been transported to modern-day Manchester.
You could cut
yourself on his cheekbones, they’re so sharp. And that jawline…
“It wasn’t really your
scene, was it?” Grant asked.
“I guess not. But
sorry, again, I should have come over before I left. It was rude not to.”
“Why don’t you make it
up to me now?” Grant said, gesturing to the bar where they had stopped. “A
drink. I’ve got nothing else to do right now. How about you?”
The man was a natural
flirt. That was obvious. But he had an undefinable and powerful charisma.
Harry’s heart beat faster. Grant had an instant effect on him. “Why not?”